Dallas Mavericks game 13: Do’s and don’ts against the Bulls

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to stay hot as they visit the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 12. Here are the do’s and don’ts of that matchup.

The Dallas Mavericks haven’t been that bad in November. So far, Dallas has gone a steady two wins in four contests and may be looking to go over .500 as they visit the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Monday night.

Dallas is facing their second and final meeting against the Bulls of the 2018-2019 season. The Mavs hosted the Bulls on October 22 and escaped with a 115-109 victory.

Mavs gaining steam

The Mavericks are looking to stay hot after snapping the Oklahoma City Thunder’s seven-game winning streak on Saturday.

The Mavs are looking for their first road win of the season tonight. It would be their fifth win of the season. Dallas is also searching for their third win in four games after winning just two of their first nine.

Let’s not get carried away, though. Of the 12 games the Mavericks have played this season, five of those teams did not make the playoffs last year. Of those five games, Dallas went 1-4 against the 2018 lottery teams. Coincidentally, the only win against those non-playoff teams was against Chicago.

Bulls thoughts

Chicago is fresh off of a Saturday night win against the LeBron-less Cleveland Cavaliers. They too are looking for their fifth win of the season behind star rookie and seventh overall pick Wendell Carter Jr. The big has had a decent start, averaging 11.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, including a great 15 point, five rebound performance against the Cavs.

Who the Mavericks really need to worry about is Zach LaVine. The 23-year old out of UCLA has been on fire recently, putting up over 20 points in his last three games including him dropping 41 in New York on Nov. 5.

Game Information

Where: United Center in Chicago, Illinois

When: Monday at 7:00 p.m. CT

How to watch: Fox Sports Southwest or NBA League Pass

Prediction: Mavericks win by 3

Let’s look over a few do’s and don’ts for the Dallas Mavericks against the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 12.

DO: Lockdown Zach LaVine

Like previously acknowledged, Zach LaVine has been a powerhouse recently. The Bulls guard is already averaging 27.2 points per game this season and is on the prowl for another 30 point game. So far, LaVine has shot 45.6 percent from the field and will look to keep up the good work.

The Mavs should put Dorian Finney-Smith on him. Fans have seen how talented DFS has been locking down both the perimeter and the paint. He can guard any player on the floor. Assigning him the task of keeping LaVine from scoring may not be easy, but Finney-Smith will make a difference.

LaVine is not dunking everything. He can shoot from behind the arc too. LaVine’s connecting on 34 percent from 3-point territory is not as outstanding but can be a factor.

DON’T: Create a mismatch advantage for Chicago

Fans saw this happen just Saturday night. Steven Adams going to the paint to deliver an easy shot with Wesley Matthews or even Dwight Powell using all their strength to stop them. They should try to fight through the pick and rolls rather give up an easy basket.

If anything, the Mavericks should create their own mismatch with Luka Doncic and Bulls guard Ryan Arcidiacono. A pick created by Dennis Smith Jr. leaves a breezy drive to the rim for an easy finish.

DO: Give more time to Brunson and Harris

The Bulls are consistently relying on a small ball lineup. Not including Robin Lopez, the Chicago Bulls are not using any bench player that is taller than 6’7.

This should help the Mavericks, who also enjoy playing small. Giving more time to ball handlers like J.J. Barea and Devin Harris already seemed like a given, but Jalen Brunson could also join in on the action.

Brunson has seen a decrease in minutes. He has only played meaningful minutes once in the last three games. It may have been due to situational matchups, but this seems like the perfect time to give the Villanova guard some run.