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The Dallas Mavericks Look to Stop the Bleeding Vs. Hot Clippers

By Kohl Rast

Dec 23, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) defends against Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) in the first half of the NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) defends against Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) in the first half of the NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks have had a rough time over the last week or two and things aren’t about to get any easier. Tonight, they face a tough test in the Los Angeles Clippers who have won three straight.

After an ugly loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, an ugly win over the Brooklyn Nets, and a very ugly loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks are licking their wounds going into tonight’s game. The Clippers on the other hand have won three in a row right after a three game losing streak.

For some reason or another, the Mavericks have always seemed to struggle against the LA Clippers. Granted, the Clips are a great team and have been for many years, but it is still frustrating to see the likes of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan walk in the gym to play against us.

Nov 11, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The season series between the two teams is actually even at 1-1 with two more matchups left before the end of the season. This game will be at home in the American Airlines Center where boos will be heard all over downtown the second Jordan touches the ball.

There is still a lot of animosity between the team and DeAndre Jordan but it will be fun to see him try and guard Dirk Nowitzki tonight, who has found a recent hot streak and is looking to ride it until the end of the season. He needs some help from others but it is still easy to see he is capable of great things even at his advanced age.

It will be exciting to see the Dirk vs. DeAndre matchup, but it will also be interesting to see if the Mavs can get out of their funk. Seth Curry‘s game has taken a serious turn in the wrong direction over the last few weeks after being one of the most dynamic players in the league for almost a month. Yogi Ferrell has not been producing like he was early on but is still very good. Even Harrison Barnes has hit a slump.

Next: The Past and the Future: Looking at the Mavs Alma Mater's

The Dallas Mavericks still desperately want to make a run at the playoffs this season but, barring a major hot streak from the team, it is not looking like a very likely outcome. Even still, expect to see the Mavs fight for a win every night, starting tonight at 7:30 CT against the LA Clippers.

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