Dallas, TX – Let’s face it. There aren’t many teams in the NBA who desperately need a two week break more than the Dallas Mavericks (29-25). But before Dirk Nowitzki can go to the beach and Wesley Matthews can finally take some time off, they look to go into the break on a high note as they take on the Utah Jazz (25-25) in Dallas. The Jazz come into town looking like the team most thought they would be when the season started – a promising young team that had a good shot at making the playoffs. They have won 6 straight so the Mavericks will have their hands full with a team that is now positioned to make the playoffs. However, the Jazz haven’t won in Dallas since 2010. A hungry young team will look to put that losing streak to rest.
Playoff seeding implications are an obvious reason as to why the Mavericks need to win this game going into the break. A far more important issue, however, is rest. Nowitzki, the 37-year old leader of the franchise, is shooting below 42% since December so the break will provide him some much needed time off. It is a blessing in disguise that he wasn’t voted in to the All-Star game, as rest is much more important. Wesley Matthews, who is coming off the Achilles tendon surgery, has led the team in minutes and not lived up to the hype so far this season. The shooting guard is shooting a career worst from the field at 38% and has yet to find his stroke from deep. Despite all of that, he doesn’t allow Rick Carlisle to give him a night off, so the two week vacation will be valuable for Wes. The Mavs will value this rest more than most.
Player To Watch:
Chandler Parsons. His January surge was critical for the Mavericks to keep their heads above water during a brutal stretch of 18 games during the month, and he looks to keep his hot streak going tonight. He will be key for the Mavericks to enter the break on a high note.
How To Watch:
Game time is 7:30 and will be broadcasted on Fox Sports Southwest.
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