Roundtable: Best First Round Matchup for the Dallas Mavericks

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Feb 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) guards San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 116-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaac Harris: San Antonio Spurs

The Clippers is the obvious pick, but I am going to lean towards San Antonio. I know it sounds a little crazy, but I think we could match up against them better than we could the others. Plus, we do always seem to play them well in the playoffs, including taking them to seven games in their last championship run two years ago.

We also struggle against athleticism, and Westbrook, Durant, Griffin, Jordan, and the Warriors all present that problem. Nowitzki could spend time on defense guarding Duncan while Tony Parker would be an easier point guard to defend compared to the other three. Matthews would go head-to-head with Leonard while Pachulia/Lee/Mejri would take their stabs at Aldridge.

It’s not a perfect matchup by no means, but a matchup that I think could look better than the others.

Next: Week 24 Game Changer Report

Our staff loaded up on their Clippers pick while Sam picked the Thunder and I picked San Antonio. If the Mavericks do clinch a playoff spot over the next couple of days, whatever opponent they get matched up with will prove to be a huge task to overcome.