Dallas Mavericks: Week 7 Preview
The Dallas Mavericks enter the seventh week of the season riding high as they won all three games on their schedule in week six. Dallas had lost four of five games coming into the week and it was critical that they bounce back with a strong effort in week six. The highlight of the week was their 108-106 win in the Moda Center against the 17-3 Portland Trail Blazers. The Mavericks used this game as an early season measuring stick and they played with the focus and effort it takes to defeat one of the best teams in the NBA on their home court. The Mavericks conclude their four-game road trip this week before returning to the American Airlines Center on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Monday, Dec. 9 at Sacramento Kings
The Kings continue to be one of the worst teams in the Western Conference as they enter the week with a 5-13 record. The Kings had lost six straight games before they defeated the lowly Utah Jazz on Saturday, Dec. 7. To this point in the season, the Kings have struggled on both ends of the court. They are ranked No. 20 in points per game and No. 20 in opponents points per game.
The Kings are led on the court by DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins is a highly talented, but highly volatile big man. Cousins is averaging 22.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game so far in 2013-14. While he is scoring more points per game than he has at any point in his career, his individual success has not translated into winning basketball in Sacramento.
Dec 6, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) drives during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 105-83. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Golden State Warriors
The Mavericks will meet up with the Golden State Warriors once again on Dec. 11. The 12-9 Warriors fell to the Mavericks at the American Airlines Center, 103-99 on Nov. 27. This is another big road game for the Mavericks who lead the Golden State Warriors by one game in the Western Conference. The Warriors began the season with lofty expectations but they have had to overcome injuries to small forward Andre Iguodala and veteran point guard Toney Douglas.
The Warriors are 6-2 at the Oracle Arena and the Mavericks don’t need anyone to remind them of what a tough environment it can be to play in. Keeping star point guard Stephen Curry in check will be a key aspect of the Mavericks defensive strategy. Curry lit up Dallas for 29 points and eight assists on Nov. 27.
Nov 30, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard O.J. Mayo (00) drives past Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) in the 3rd quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Saturday, Nov. 14 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Mavericks return home from their four-game road trip with a contest against the visiting Bucks. The Bucks overhauled their lineup in an effort to improve their team in the offseason, but the results have been disastrous to this point. The Bucks begin the seventh week of the season with a disappointing 4-16 record. Injuries to forwards Larry Sanders and Caron Butler are a big reason the Bucks have struggled to this point.
The Bucks are ranked No. 29 in the NBA in points scored per game and they will face the Mavericks coming off of two days rest. Former Mavericks shooting guard O.J. Mayo will be making his first trip to Dallas as a member of the Bucks. Mayo is averaging 15.3 points per game in Milwaukee. Dallas defeated the Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center by a score of 91-83 on Nov. 9.