Dallas Mavericks Get Matthews Back to Host the Thunder

Jan 26, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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After missing two games with a hip injury, Wesley Matthews will be back in the lineup for a Sunday night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Dallas Mavericks sit two and a half games back from Denver as they host OKC in game two of a five game homestand.

After coming off an impressive win against Memphis, the Mavericks will be getting a boost on both ends of the court with the addition of Wesley Matthews. Along with his ability to score, Wes will be a much-needed asset to try to contain Russell Westbrook.  As we all know, Westbrook is near impossible to stop.

The MVP candidate has kept a triple-double average through 62 games this season. Although, with the presence of Nerlens Noel and shot-blocking-machine Salah Mejri, the Mavericks might be able to slow down the production of Brodie.

In their last game with the Thunder, the Mavericks fell to the Oklahoma City at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Although, the Mavericks were without both Wesley Matthews and Dirk Nowitzki in that game. Harrison Barnes was able to put up 31, but it was not enough to overcome a 45 point outing from Westbrook. However, the Mavericks did defeat the Thunder 114-109 last time they met at the American Airlines Center.

This will be the third matchup with Oklahoma City on the season, with the series finale coming on March 27th. Also, this game comes with a lot of influence on the playoff picture. Both Dallas and OKC are fighting for the highest playoff spot they can get, and OKC currently sits just half a game behind Utah.

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This game will be a hard-fought one for the Mavericks, but very winnable. Dallas has shown a lot of promise in recent games and the young guns are really stepping up. MFFLs have been delighted to see some incredible play from Seth Curry as he adjusts to what seems like more and more minutes every night.

Tonight’s game will be a serious test for Yogi Ferrell and Seth Curry as they try to guard one of the most explosive players the league has ever seen. There are a lot of great matchups to watch tonight along with the Westbrook vs whoever dares to try to guard him.

Nerlens Noel and Dirk Nowitzki will have a tough test as they go up against Steven Adams, Taj Gibson, and Enes Kanter. Look for aggressive, fast-paced basketball as the Mavericks look to gain ground on Denver with a win tonight.

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Game Details: Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder 7:30PT on ESPN