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Next 4 Games A True Test For Mavs

By Cole Mentzel

Dec 18, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates with forward Chandler Parsons (25) after scoring during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates with forward Chandler Parsons (25) after scoring during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Game 1 – Cleveland Cavaliers (Jan. 12)

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Tuesday’s game will be the first meeting between the Mavs and the Cavs, and it will also be the only home game for the Mavs during this stretch. Last season, the Mavs only got one chance to beat LeBron and they failed horribly. James and the Cavs dominated with each starter scoring at least 17 points.

This season, the Mavs have a more functional team and have a few pieces that could play big parts in the game. As I mentioned, Zaza Pachulia and Wesley Matthews have been two of the Mavs’ best players this season. They are going to be key if the Mavs plan on starting this stretch off right.

Pachulia is going to have the challenge of keeping Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov at bay while also working his own offense in against them. Matthews is going to be arguably the most important piece for the Mavs as he will most likely get lots of looks at James. He will have to make sure he lives up to his hype as a defensive player in order to somewhat contain James.

The first game of a tough slate is arguably the most important as it sets the tone for the rest of the trip and the Mavs will need to be on top of their game if they plan on starting off well.

Next: They'll Travel To A Rival State

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