Dallas Mavericks vs Orlando Magic Preview

January 13, 2014 @ 7:30 pm CT

The Dallas Mavericks (22-16) , winners of two straight games will host the NBA’s 2nd worst team Orlando Magic (10-27).

Dirk Nowitzki has been on a tare for the Mavericks recently. He just dropped 40 points on the New Orleans Pelicans and has been averaging 23.4 points over his last 5 games.

Monta Ellis has also seemed to turn the corner as he’s averaging 23.3 points on 53.2% shooting over his last 3 games.

The Opponent

The Magic are in the middle of rebuilding the franchise, so they’re poor record comes to no surprise as they are currently on a 7 game losing streak.

They have struggled on the road (3-16) and against the West (2-14).

They are the 7th worst scoring team in the league at 95.4 points per game; they allow 101.1 points.

The Magic’s may be without their top 3 players: Arron Afflalo (20.8 points), Jameer Nelson (12.6 pts, 6.4 assists), and Nikola Vucevic (13 pts, 11 rebs).

Rookie of the Year candidate Victor Oladipo (13.2 pts, 3.6 rebs, 4.2 assists) has really picked it up over his last 5 games, as he’s been putting up 16 points in 33.8 minutes per game.

If the Magic’s top players can’t play, expect to see Tobias Harris (12.1 pts, 6.7 rebs) and Glen “Big Baby” Davis (13.6 pts, 7.2 rebs) to be the main focal points on offense.

Emphasis

Come to play! This is a game the Mavericks must not take for granted. Magic’s coach Jacque Vaughn will have his player ready to play.

Rebound. In the first meeting the Mavericks were out rebounded 40-30 by the Magic. The Mavericks have had trouble rebounding all season.

If Afflalo and Nelson are active, the Mavericks must find a way to contain them and not let them to get hot from the field. Afflalo dropped 25 on the Mavericks in the first meeting and Nelson added 15 points.

If Nelson and Afflalo are out, expect the Magic to try to attack the inside with the likes of Harris and Davis.

Notes

The Mavericks won the first meeting 108-100. The Mavericks and 6 players in double figures. Ellis lead the way with 19 points and DeJuan Blair added 18 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.

Shawn Marion, whose status is still uncertain added 11 points and led the team with 8 rebounds.

The Mavericks are now 13-6 at home and 9-4 against the East.

Injuries

DAl- Devin Harris (Out-Toe) Marion (GTD-Shoulder) Shane Larkin (TBD-Ankle) Wayne Ellington (GTD-Illness)

ORL-Vucevic (GTD-Concussion) Afflalo (GTD-Foot) Nelson- (GTD-Finger)

The numbers and records will say that this should be an easy win for the Mavericks as they look for their third straight win, but as we’ve seen this season, the Mavs really haven’t had many of those.

With the Los Angeles Clippers waiting Wednesday, this is a game the Mavs should really try to put away early to avoid any injuries and gain some needed rest.