To kick off the New Year, the Mavericks begin a six-game home stretch tonight against the Brooklyn Nets. Though on a two-game losing streak, the Mavs will look to start 2020 off fresh with a victory against the Nets, who currently sit as the 7th seed in the East and on a three-game losing streak.

Stopping Dinwiddie

The Nets have been injury-riddled just about all season long. Of course coming into the season, it was evident that Kevin Durant would miss all of the 2019-20 season. But, his new running mate, Kyrie Irving, has only played 11 games, missing the last 21 contests with a shoulder injury. In Irving’s place, stepped in Spencer Dinwiddie.

Dinwiddie has played like a potential All-Star in Irving’s absence, averaging 23 points and 6.3 assists. The offense truly has run through him with the likes of Joe Harris and Taurean Prince on the wings. To slow down the Nets is to slowing down Dinwiddie.

Porzingis’ status

Currently, KP is listed as questionable for tonight’s game with right knee soreness, which held him out of Tuesday’s game in OKC as a late scratch. Porzingis said it was “too early to tell” if he’d be ready for tonight’s game following the loss to the Thunder so we’ll see later on today if he’s able to suit up tonight.

Boxing out

The Nets have two big men averaging above 10 rebounds per game; Jarrett Allen and old friend DeAndre Jordan. Well, maybe friend is a stretch but you get my point. Both Allen and Jordan are high-level rebounders who also provide a shot blocking presence at the rim. Depending on the status of Kristaps Porzingis tonight, the Mavericks will need to some extra aggression on the boards, specifically from Kleber, Powell, and even Boban if his number gets called.