Dallas Mavericks Random Notes and Previews: Feb. 23-March 1

Jan 5, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks small forward Shawn Marion (0) guards New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Knicks defeated the Mavericks 92-80. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS MAVERICKS at NEW YORK KNICKS- Feb. 24 in MSG at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBATV

In their only meeting this year, the Dallas Mavericks fell 92-80, their season-low for points in a game back on Jan. 5 at AAC. Dirk Nowitzki scored 18 while Carmelo Anthony had a game-high 19. The Mavs shoot just 41, 23 and 56 percent from the field, behind the arc and charity stripe, respectively.

Never Forgotten: The best year in Mavericks’ franchise history will always come in 2011 when they won it all over the Miami Heat for their first title. No fan will forget what Tyson Chandler did for Dallas. In such a small amount of time, no other has done more for a team than anyone I can remember. Chandler only played one season in Big D, but well worth it. Nowitzki even said that “Chandler is the most athletic center he’s ever played with.” Sorry Erick Dampier, sorry Shawn Bradley. Chandler started all 74 games he appeared in, shooting a then career-high 65 percent from the field and a career-high-tying 73 percent from the line. He provided 10 points and 9.5 rebounds a game, and recorded 18 double-doubles. His 1.1 blocks per game don’t show the full picture, as he presence in the paint was one of the reasons the Mavericks excelled that year (charging, altering shots).

Eight In Ten: Even though the Knicks sit a full 12.5 games back of the Mavs, both teams do have something in common at the moment, but it opposite directions. Dallas has won eight times in its last 10 while New York has lost eight times in its last 10. In that span, the Mavericks are outscoring their opposition 106-100 while the Knicks are being outscored 103.4-101.

Who Says You Have To Go To College: Out of the 30 players who fill up both rosters, a whopping 10 came into the league without playing a single play at a college university in the United States. Nowitzki, Monta Ellis and Jose Calderon for the Mavs while the Knicks have seven, nearly half their roster.

Jan 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans small forward Darius Miller (2) and power forward Anthony Davis (23) box out Dallas Mavericks power forward Brandan Wright (34) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Pelicans 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS MAVERICKS vs NEW ORLEANS PELICANS- Feb. 26 in AAC at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN

Bourbon Street Connection: Two players on the Pelicans roster have ties with the Dallas Mavericks, but only combined to play 27 games. Anthony Morrow played 17 games with Dallas last season while Alexis Ajinca played 10 games during the 2010-11 season.

Season Series: The Mavs will look for a clean sweep on Feb. 26. Dallas is 3-0 against the Pelicans winning two games by a mere three points and the other by 17. Most notably, Dirk dropped a season-high 40 points in their last meeting on Jan. 11. He shot 10-of-20 from the field, hit five 3-pointers and went 15-of-16 from the charity stripe.

Home Versus Road: The Mavericks are 18-9 at home this season while the Pelicans are just 10-19. New Orleans has lost five of its last six on the road.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V1Q2t3aQS4

Dec 28, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Dallas Mavericks small forward Shawn Marion (0) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS MAVERICKS vs CHICAGO BULLS- Feb. 28 in AAC at 8:30 p.m. ET

They Lead, They Lead: Keep in mind, the last time the Bulls visited Dallas, it was March 30, 2013 and it was a dandy. Nowitzki and his raggedy beard scorched the Bulls for a season-high 35 points including the game-winning 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left. The Mavs, down 12 with four minutes left, closed the game out on a 15-1 run as they were keeping pace with the Rockets and Lakers for the last spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

East Versus West: While the Bulls aren’t too bad at 13-16 vs the West, the Mavs are 17-8 vs the East and have won six of their last eight against an East team. Chicago has a record of 2-4 vs Southwest teams while the Mavs are a perfect 8-0 vs teams from the Central. That’s the best mark in the league and only they and the Thunder (5-0) are perfect against one division.