In the eyes of most fans the Dallas Mavericks appear to be tanking, even though everything said by ownership suggests otherwise.  Then again a report came out today from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that the Mavericks have no “immediate intention to shop C Andrew Bogut.”

 

Sources tell ESPN that Mavs have no immediate intention to shop C Andrew Bogut, as their focus for now is trying… https://t.co/PwtzNdDfzL

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 5, 2016

 

The report went on to say that “[the Mavericks] focus for now is trying to salvage their season.”  The 4-15 Mavs are set to play the Charlotte Hornets tonight in the second game of a four game home-stand.

 

 

What to Watch For

 

The last time the Mavs played the Hornets (4 days ago) they played one of the most average looking NBA games in recent memory.  Here is the list of highlights from the NBA.com highlight video:

• A Floater
• 3 Layups
• A Corner Three
• 3 Other Threes
• Dwight getting nutmegged…
• Kemba dribbling
• Hibbert getting T’d up and Mejri’s face[note]THIS was the most interesting part of this game, THIS[/note]

 

 

Seth Curry playing his hometown team for the first time[note]In the regular season[/note] as a Maverick.  He did this to them in the preseason:

 

 

Key Matchups

 

Kemba vs D-Will/Curry[note]Maybe[/note]/Gibson

 

Last matchup Kemba only scored 18 points[note]5 off his average[/note], his second-lowest output of the season, shooting 7-of-19 from the floor and 3-of-10 from three-point range.  The Mavs can’t expect that kind of performance out of a Walker who has played at an All-Star-Level all season.

 

Harrison Barnes vs Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 
Wes Matthews vs Nicolas Batum 

 

This matchup actually boasts a pretty good set  of wings on both sides.  Harrison Barnes definitely has the upper hand offensively[note]And on his jump shot[/note] against MKG but Barnes shot 8-of-20 against MKG last game.  Wes Matthews also has a tough assignment against Batum but Wes has really started to heat up, check out his stats over the last seven games.

 

	Pts	Reb	Ast	FG%	3P%
Wes	18.7	3.1	2.4	44%	47%

 

Hibbert vs Mejri

 

Again…just for good measure.  Who knows what could happen this time. 

 

Injury Report

 

Seth Curry – Game Time Decision
JJ Barea – Out
Dirk Nowitzki – Out  (More info here and here)

 

 

Game Info

IT'S GAME DAY! & @hbarnes @drpepper Bobble Head Night!
📍: @AACenter
🚪: 6PM CT
🏀: 7:30PM
📺: @FoxSportsSW
🎟: https://t.co/cWqW6lCqUG#MFFL pic.twitter.com/mqsDupeRsK

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 5, 2016