Mavericks Try for Lucky Win Number Three in Boston

The Dallas Mavericks fell short against a less than stellar New York Knicks team after scoring only 12 points in the third quarter. Will the Mavs offensive woes continue tonight against Boston?

After a couple tough losses following the Mavericks second win of the season, Dallas looks to fix things against the tough Eastern Conference opponent, the Boston Celtics. Boston (5-5), looks to get back in their own winning ways after falling to the down and out Pelicans on Monday.

The Dallas Mavericks are in need of some hope and a win against a potential playoff team from the East could be that spark. Boston may not have the strongest record currently, but they have a great team that will make a move for the playoffs before long.

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for in the matchup tonight.

Offense

The Dallas Mavericks have had a few stretches of horrible offensive play this year. With very few playmakers available for coach Carlisle, the Mavs coaching staff has had to get pretty creative with offensive sets and lineup options.

Dallas has used players like Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell, Justin Anderson, and others in multiple different positions and roles in the last few games. Sometimes the sets have worked and the Mavs have been able to score, but other times not so much.

Truthfully, Dallas is going to lean heavily on the defense until they have Dirk Nowitzki back in the lineup. Being the only true creator on the team, Dirk can change the game, even at 38 years old. There is a good chance we could see him tonight but it is still unclear.

Defense

Defensively, Dallas has been mostly average. Allowing the occasional star to go off against us, the Mavs need to be more attentive to the hot shooter. Great shut down defenders in Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews, and defensive hopefuls with Anderson and DFS, all have the opportunity to make a difference, but they have not done so each night.

Andrew Bogut has been great in the middle and Dwight Powell continues to bring high energy night in and night out, but they are not making a big enough difference to slow down the opposing team. Without more consistency on the defensive end, players like Isaiah Thomas, Al Horford, and Avery Bradley will be harder to shut down.

Horford is still dealing with a concussion and is unlikely to play tonight, but Boston is so full of weapons, anything could happen. If everyone is on the top of their game on the defensive end, Dallas has a great shot for a win.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: 3 Reasons to Stay Positive

Dallas fans are desperate for a win and the team is trying to give that to them, but tonight is going to be a tough one. The game begins at 6:30 CT. If you are unable to watch the game, give us a follow on Twitter at @TheSmokingCuban for live tweets during the game.