Dallas, TX — The Dallas Mavericks (22-10) are coming off an impressive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night. Dirk Nowitzki led the way with 30 points and Rajon Rondo had another stellar outing, especially when it came to stopping Russell Westbrook throughout. The Mavericks now turn their attention to the Washington Wizards (22-8), who care coming off a solid victory over the Houston Rockets last night in the lone star state.

 

Projected Starters

Mavs

PG: Rajon Rondo 13.6 PPG, 8.4 APG, 5.8 RPG

SG: Monta Ellis 20.7 PPG 4.6 APG, 2.3 RPG

SF: Chandler Parsons 16.1 PPG, 2.3 APG, 5.2 RPG

PF: Dirk Nowitzki 18.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.47 BPG

C: Tyson Chandler 11.1 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.39 BPG (Questionable)

 

Wizards

PG: John Wall 17.6 PPG, 10.4 APG, 4.6 RPG

SG: Bradley Beal 15.7 PPG, 3.0 APG, 3.5 RPG

SF Paul Pierce 13.2 PPG, 2.2 APG, 4.5 RPG

PF: Nene Hilario 10.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.17 BPG

C: Marcin Gortat 12.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.53 BPG

 

Game at Hand:

Obviously, the Wizards are very strong in the post, so all of us in Mavs Nation are hoping that Tyson Chandler is available to go tonight. The small ball lineup may have worked the other night, but it’s not a recipe that should be repeated. The Wizards and Mavericks are both teams that shoot a high percentage, so allowing Washington 2nd chance opportunities is something that needs to be avoided. Having Tyson Chandler man the paint will go a long way in doing just that.

 

Matchup of the Night:

John Wall vs Rajon Rondo. It’s the main reason the Mavericks pulled off the blockbuster trade a little more than a week ago. We all saw what Rondo can do on the defensive end the other night against Russell Westbrook, and tonight should be no different.

Another matchup to watch is between Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce. They don’t play the same position or anything, but the two were drafted back to back in 1998, and it seems that these two always seem to put on a good show to one up the other. Nowitzki was drafted one pick ahead of Pierce.

 

Prediction:

I think the Mavericks will look to start fast early against the Wizards, who had to play their starters the entire way last night in Houston. If Tyson plays tonight, I like his presence in the paint against Washington. I predict that the Mavericks will pull off their season series sweep tonight in Big D. Mavs win 108-102