Game Night: Mavs Head Home Looking For Win #1

 

 

The Dallas Mavericks (0-1) begin their second game of the regular season, facing the Utah Jazz (0-1) for their long-anticipated home opener. The Mavs fell short to the Spurs 101-100 on their rivals’ NBA Championship ring ceremony night. Meanwhile, the Jazz travel to Dallas after playing at home against the Houston Rockets last night, losing in a 104-93 fashion.

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Mavs Projected Starters

PG: Jameer Nelson

SG: Monta Ellis

SF: Chandler Parsons

PF: Dirk Nowitzki

C: Tyson Chandler

Jazz Projected Starters

PG: Trey Burke

SG: Alec Burks

SF: Gordon Hayward

PF: Derrick Favors

C: Enes Canter

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What to Watch For:

 

Battle of the Big Contracts – Chandler Parsons vs. Gordon Hayward

 

After watching the Mavs-Spurs matchup, there was much disappointment floating in the air in regards to Chandler Parsons’ debut. The 26-year old forward signed a three-year deal worth $46 million this summer finished his debut just 5 points, shooting 20% from the field. Utah made a big splash of their own, re-signing Gordon Hayward to a max deal worth $63 million. Gordon last night recorded 8 points off 27% shooting. It’ll be interesting to see how these two guys redeem themselves tonight, especially when they are guarding each other.

 

Small Ball Basketball

 

The main thing that should be paid attention to is Rick Carlisle’s small ball lineups. In the previous game, Carlisle surprisingly in the rotation had three guards on the court to get the upper-hand in transition offense against the Spurs. The Jazz are a team full of young guards like Alec Burks, Trey Burke, and promising Australian rookie Dante Exum. Tonight, expect a lot of usage of the guards from both teams on the court. 

 

#MontaHaveItAll

 

Monta Ellis had an incredible season opening performance vs. San Antonio. He finished the game with 26 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. He also shot over 50% from the field and three-point line. Ellis made scoring the basketball looked effortless on Tuesday night, easily getting open looks off-the-dribble on pick-n-rolls. Monta Ellis should bring that same killer scoring mentality from Tuesday night into today’s game.

 

Tipoff is at 7:30 CST and the game is broadcasted on Fox Sports Southwest.

 

Photo Credits: Andrew Bernstein / Getty Images (Parsons/Hayward)