Dallas Mavericks: Week Two Preview
The Mavericks head into the second week of the season with a record of 2-1. The Mavericks protected home court against the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies, but fell on the road to the new look Houston Rockets during the first week of the season. In both home wins, Dallas effectively showcased the number of weapons they now possess on offense. Rick Carlisle is still experimenting with the Mavericks roster but it is already clear that he has more to work with this season. Dallas has four games on their schedule the week of Nov 4. For Dallas to keep up with the rest of the Western Conference, they must continue their strong play early in the season.
Tuesday, Nov. 5 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers team that visits Dallas on Tuesday will not resemble the group that fans have grown accustomed to seeing. Kobe Bryant is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and Steve Nash is playing like Father Time has finally caught up with him.
The Lakers shocked the Los Angeles Clippers on opening night with a 116-103 victory, but they dropped their next two games against the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers best player right now is center Pau Gasol, who has played well in Bryant’s absence. The issue for the Lakers is the lack of consistent scoring around Gasol. Dallas needs to take advantage of a Lakers team that is struggling without Kobe Bryant.
Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Oklahoma City Thunder
Dallas will travel to Oklahoma City for their second game of the week. Oklahoma City announced on Sunday that All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook has recovered from knee surgery sooner than anticipated. Westbrook made his season debut for the Thunder on Sunday, Nov. 3, against the Phoenix Suns.
Oklahoma City is a dangerous team, but they lack the weapons they had last season. The Thunder are trying to replace shooting guard Kevin Martin, who was signed by the Minnesota Timberwolves during free agency. Despite the absence of Martin, the Thunder remain a tough opponent, especially at home. This will be the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavericks and they will need to match the Thunder’s energy in a hostile environment.
Dirk Nowitzki is already in mid-season form for the Dallas Mavericks. (Photo Credit/Inthemomentpics.com)
Friday Nov. 8 at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Mavs face a dangerous Timberwolves team on Friday night in Minnesota. Led by All-Star forward Kevin Love, the Timberwolves started the season 2-0. The Timberwolves signed shooting guards Kevin Martin and Corey Brewer during the offseason. The added scoring dimension brought by Martin, combined with Brewer’s athleticism and perimeter defense give the Timberwolves a new dimension. Health was an issue for the Timberwolves last season but they are currently injury free and playing well.
Saturday, Nov. 9 at Milwaukee Bucks
The Mavericks travel to Milwaukee for their second set of back-to-back games within the week. The Bucks refused to join the group of teams that decided to rebuild in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee was active in free agency, signing former Mavericks shooting guard O.J. Mayo to fill the gap that Monta Ellis left. The Bucks also traded point guard Brandon Jennings to the Detroit Pistons in a deal that landed them point guard Brandon Knight.
The Bucks goal this season is to get into the playoffs and they have a team that may be strong enough to secure one of the last spots in the Eastern Conference. Despite the fact that this is a solid team, Dallas will need to find a way to win games like this on the road against lesser opponents. Fatigue could be an issue for Dallas as this will be their fourth game in five nights.
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