Preview: Mavericks Look For Third Straight Win As They Face Kings

Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks (46-31) are looking to get their third straight win in the state of California. They’ll be hosted by the Sacramento Kings (27-49) Sunday night at 4 PM CT.

The Mavericks are coming on a two game winning streak after taking down the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Preview

Narrow Wins: The Mavericks currently lead the season series 2-1, with each home team winning. Even with their poor record, the Kings have been a tough matchup for the team. The Mavs have won by an averaged of just 3.5 points, including a late comeback last week to potentially save their season.

Back in Sac Town: The last time the Mavericks were in Sacramento they got blown out. The Kings would win 112-97. Isaiah Thomas, DeMarcus Cousins, and Derrick Williams would combine for 87 points. The Mavericks are hoping they don’t go through that experience again.

Big Names: The Mavs will have their hands full with Cousins and Rudy Gay. Both are able to put up big numbers and have done so against the Mavericks this season. Gay is averaging 32.5 points against the Mavs this season and Cousins has poured in 24.5 points and 13 rebounds per game. Shawn Marion and Samuel Dalembert will need big defensive nights. With Thomas likely out, the defense will catch a huge break.

Must Win: With just a half game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns and just four games remaining after Sunday, safe to say that this is a game that Mavericks need to win. The Kings are coming off a 33 point beating to the Golden State Warriors, so they maybe looking to take out their frustration.

Offense: The Mavericks can score, which is not news and the Kings are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. The Mavericks need to attack and attack often. Plus it wouldn’t be a negative to see Dirk Nowitzki have another big night in an effort to move up the NBA’s scoring ladder. It would also be nice to see Monta Ellis get back into a good scoring groove.

Playoff Race

While the Mavericks are being hosted by the Kings, the Memphis Grizzlies will be on the road facing the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns will be hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If the Mavericks can take care of business, there is a good chance they can hold a 1.5 game lead on both teams with four games remaining.