Game Night: Two Western Conference Contenders Collide In Portland

 

 

The Dallas Mavericks (3-1) begin the first of a two-game road trip tonight to take on the Portland Trailblazers (2-2). The Mavs come into this game as the media-proclaimed “hottest offensive team in the NBA”, producing over 65+ points in the first half in three consecutive games.

 

Mavs Projected Starters

PG: Jameer Nelson

SG: Monta Ellis

SF: Chandler Parsons

PF: Dirk Nowitzki

C: Tyson Chandler

 

Jazz Projected Starters

PG: Damian Lillard

SG: Wes Matthews

SF: Nicholas Batum

PF: LaMarcus Aldridge

C: Robin Lopez

 

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Master vs Apprentice – Nowtizki vs. Aldridge

 

Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge is no stranger to Mavs fans. When you think of Aldridge, you look back to his several infamous game-winning jump shots to beat the Mavs over the years. It’ll be interesting to see Dirk Nowitzki matched up with Aldridge. Aldridge since 2011, managed to score 30+ points while grabbing 10+ rebounds in 5 games against the Mavs. Dirk is coming off a remarkable Monday night performance, scoring 27 points off 64% shooting from the field and 4-of-4 from the three-point line.

 

3rd Quarter Meltdowns

 

The third period of a basketball game seems to be the Dallas Mavericks’ “Kryptonite” for several years now. Monday night against the Celtics was a prime example. After shooting 77% from the field in the 1st half, the Mavs followed it up by knocking down only 8 of 21 from the floor, including 1 for 6 from long distance. Rick Carlisle needs to continue to stress to his team that they must stay focused and play consistent basketball for a whole 48 minutes.

 

Advantage of Bench Production

 

Of course we’re only four games into the season, but the Mavs are currently a top five team in the league in terms of bench production. Dallas is ranked second in offensive efficiency and third in defensive efficiency in the NBA. Portland is ranked in the bottom ten teams in those categories. Guys like JJ Barea, the sixth man Devin Harris, Brandan Wright, and Jae Crowder have to contribute and play their role to win this game for the Mavs.

 

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Special #TBT Moment

 

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MFFL’s will need to stay up late tonight as the game tips off at 9:30 CT in Portland. The game will be televised on TNT.