Mavs Hope Force is on Their Side Against Pacers

 

 

What to Watch For

 

Despite dropping two of its last three and eight of its previous ten contests, the Dallas Mavericks aim to snap its current home losing skid tonight. Taking the court against the Mavs during their Star Wars-themed contest will be the Indiana Pacers highlighted by Paul George, local product Myles Turner and former Mavs guard Monta Ellis. All three of these individual players, barring injury, present unique matchups for Dallas. The Pacers have lost three of five previous matchups despite enduring a pair of double-digit losses to the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers.

 

 

Key Matchups

 

Paul George vs. Harrison Barnes

 

Tonight’s matchup pits Barnes against the Pacers’ leading man. George is expected to lead the way for Indiana despite missing six of 10 previous matchups due to lingering ankle and back injuries. Expect a fair share of opportunities for Barnes on the offensive end with the Mavs forward earning about 36 minutes per game in December along with 20 shot attempts per contest.

 

Wesley Matthews vs. Monta Ellis

 

There’s little doubt that Ellis will keep his shots within the offense, squaring off against one of his former teams. Matthews has slowly but surely been returning to peak form, averaging 18 points and 43.6 percent from the field in early December. Both numbers are indicative of a rise in Matthews’ offensive performance after averaging just under 14 points and shooting 38 percent from the field in the month of December.

 

 

Injuries

 

Mavericks

Andrew Bogut – OUT (Knee)

JJ Barea – OUT (Calf)

Dirk Nowitzki – OUT (Achilles)

Seth Curry – Active (Knee)

 

Game Info

 

IT'S STAR WARS NIGHT as the Mavs take on the Pacers!
?: @AACenter
?: 6PM CT
?: 7:30PM
?: @FOXSportsSW
?:https://t.co/hXJnkfUYxo#MFFL pic.twitter.com/TliEPVzoYs

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 9, 2016