Atlanta, GA – When you know the Dallas Mavericks are playing there is a strong chance one of two things is happening: Dirk Nowitzki is sitting out or they are on the second night of a back-to-back. Seeing how Dirk and his new “Ellen DeGeneres” haircut sat out Sunday night, we should see him on the court tonight for the Mavericks (28-22) only visit to Atlanta.
Whole team calls me Ellen DeGeneres with my new hairdo!!!! @TheEllenShow pic.twitter.com/NabypGbSAr
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) February 1, 2016
Coming off a 91-78 win against the Phoenix Suns, the Mavericks continue to struggle in the third quarter of games. The Mavericks shot a horrendous 6 of 22 from the floor in the quarter and needed a Dwight Powell fueled fourth quarter, 14-2 run to build a seven point lead to seal up the victory.
Deron Williams finished the game with 27 points and four assist. The Mavericks outscored the Suns in the fourth quarter 23-9.
“I think everyone knows when Dirk is out we have to step up a little bit when it comes to scoring,” Williams said.
After losing 19 of their past 21 games, the Suns (14-35) followed their loss to the Mavericks with the firing of head coach Jeff Hornacek. In two-plus seasons as head coach, Hornacek’s teams compiled a 101-112 (.474) record.
Tonight the Mavericks will take on another team that is struggling but not as bad. The Atlanta Hawks (27-22) have lost five of their last six games including an 18-point loss Sunday night to the Miami Heat (27-21). During their six-game skid, the Hawks posted the worst offensive rating in the NBA (93.8 points per 100 possessions).
The biggest hole for the Hawks lately has been at the point guard position. Sunday night Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder combined for 7 of their 23 shot attempts, and Kyle Korver struggled heavily shooting 0-for-6. If their backcourt woes continue it could be an easy game for Dallas tonight.
Even though Vegas have the Hawks as a five-point favorite the Mavericks will enter Phillips Arena looking for their third straight victory.
How To Watch:
Game tips off at 7:00 p.m. CT, airing locally on Fox Sports Southwest and 103.3 FM ESPN.
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