After losing their fourth consecutive game to the Memphis Grizzlies last night 80-64, the Dallas Mavericks (2-9) will look for answers as they take on the Orlando Magic (5-7) on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. Being that the Mavs barely avoided scoring a franchise low for points in a game on Friday night, you know they will be eager to turn the page quickly.
Game Preview:
The Magic have not played since Wednesday night, when they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans. Orlando’s fresh legs will make things that much harder for a Mavs team that is already depleted with injuries. Dirk Nowitzki has only played 3 games so far this season, and he won’t be on the court Saturday night either as he recovers from a sore achilles. With the way this season has gone so far for Dallas, they would love nothing more than to grind out a road win and improve their record to 3-9. There are probably many things that need to go the Mavs way for them to get the win, but the most important thing, in my opinion, will be shooting percentage. Friday night, the Mavs scored only 64 points on 28.8 percent from the field. You aren’t going to beat anybody in the NBA putting up those kind of numbers, and Dallas simply has to dig deep and make more shots in Orlando.
What to Watch for:
It’ll be interesting to see how much of a fight the Mavs will put up on the 2nd night of this back-to-back. If anything, you should watch the game to witness the continued growth of Harrison Barnes. He will keep getting better and better in his new role as time goes on and he mounts up valuable experience. Another reason to watch this game is to see if one of Dallas’ guards can have a big game. With Deron Williams, J.J. Barea and Devin Harris all out with injuries, all the point guard burdens fall on the shoulders of Seth Curry and newly-acquired Jonathan Gibson. Both guards can be explosive at times, and they both tallied 11 points against the Grizzlies last night. Hopefully Dallas can get a couple of gritty, big time performances tonight. Below is a video of Jonathon Gibson’s first points ever scored in an NBA game. He’s worked hard for this opportunity and is hoping to make the most of it.
.@jgib4free's first points as a Mav! #MFFL pic.twitter.com/3g56rAnd5r
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 19, 2016
Appreciating Greatness:
On Friday, Magic center Nikola Vucevic showed major love to Dirk Nowitzki in a post-practice interview.
.@NikolaVucevic on @Swish41 ? pic.twitter.com/lvjIPfIN8S
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 18, 2016
How to Watch:
Dallas and Orlando will tipoff at 6 pm CT in the Amway Center. The game can be watched locally on FSSW or on NBA League Pass.
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