The Dallas Mavericks (15-16) are in Brooklyn for an ABC showcase game against the Brooklyn Nets (22-12).

The Brooklyn Nets have won eight straight games with seven of those games coming without Kevin Durant, who will be out through the All-Star break.

Return of Kristaps Porzingis?

Kristaps Porzingis has missed the last three games since the Mavs returned from their eight day weather break last week due to a back injury. While he was out, the Mavs went 2-1 but trade speculation took over the headlines as it was reported that KP was being shopped by the Mavs.

Both Rick Carlisle and KP both sounded optimistic that he would return Saturday night, if everything went well when he woke up this morning.

Fire up the points

Dallas will be looking to rebound after a dismal offensive performance Thursday night in Philadelphia. The team had 22 turnovers and shot 41 percent from the field while failing to score 100 points for only 4th time this season. They should be able to rebound against a poor Nets defense. 

Brooklyn’s historic offense

On the other side, I mentioned that the Brooklyn Nets have won eight straight games and during those eight games, they have averaged 122 points per game. When you look at the Nets offensive season numbers, they are top 10 in every offensive category. The only weakness they have showed so far has been in the turnover department where they rank 22nd the league (14.1 per game).