Game Day Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets

The Dallas Mavericks are in Charlotte, looking to end both their five-game slide, and the Hornets’ seven-game winning streak. Here’s our game day preview.

The Dallas Mavericks (33-33) and Charlotte Hornets (38-29) are trending in opposite directions. While Dallas is slumping, losers of five straight contests, while Michael Jordan‘s Hornets hold the NBA’s longest active winning streak as winners of seven in a row.

The Hornets are locked in a battle with the Miami Heat for home court advantage in the postseason’s opening round. The Mavericks are just trying to keep their heads above water long enough to make it to the party with the Utah Jazz nipping at their heels for the eighth and final spot out west.

Both teams have a lot to play for as the regular season approaches its conclusion, so this one should be interesting.

Check out our players to watch, numbers to know, and keys to victory.

Players to Watch

Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker is the driving force for the Charlotte Hornets, leading the team in scoring at 21.4 points per night. And the point guard has taken his game to another level recently. During Charlotte’s seven-game winning streak, Walker has averaged 28.6 points (53% FG, 49% 3P), 6.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds.

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Walker’s quickness makes him a problem in transition and as a penetrator in half court settings, he’s great in pick-and-roll situations, and when he’s knocking down his shots consistently from outside he’s darn near impossible to guard.

The Dallas guards are going to have their hands full with Kemba.

Dirk Nowitzki

The Mavericks are in a bad place, but don’t blame Dirk Nowitzki.

The 37-year old has gone for at least 22 points in four straight games, and has averaged nearly 25 on 55% shooting during Dallas’ five-game slide. Appreciate the greatness while you still can.

Numbers to Know

10

The Charlotte Hornets come in to the game with the league’s 10th-best scoring offense (103.3 ppg) and the league’s 10th-best scoring defense (100.9). Only the San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers can make the same claim. Dallas checks in at 14th in scoring per night and 16th in opponent scoring.

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Both the Mavericks and Hornets are among the league leaders in free throw percentage, tied for fourth in that department with a 79.1% accuracy at the charity stripe. The game could come down to who knocks down their gimmes.

Key to Victory

Turnovers

Dallas and Charlotte are similar teams in many ways. They both shoot a lot of three-pointers, run a lot of pick-and-roll, and play a lot of half court basketball. And they both generally take very good care of the rock. The Mavericks and Hornets are #1 and #2 in turnover percentage (number of turnovers per 100 plays), and turnovers per game.

Dallas will need to keep their mistakes to a minimum, and force Charlotte into some uncharacteristic errors to come away with a win on the road.