Barnes, Parsons Face Off in Mavs, Grizz Matchup

Nov 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) and Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) go for a rebound in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Mavericks won 109-97. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) and Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) go for a rebound in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Mavericks won 109-97. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks will have their first matchup against Chandler Parsons and the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. What will the matchup bring for Parsons and the Mavs new star, Harrison Barnes?

When it comes to matchups that the fans are all looking forward to for Dallas, the Memphis Grizzlies may be at the top of the list. From the departure of Chandler Parsons to the failure to acquire Mike Conley, the Mavs have some contention with the Grizz.

Obviously the marquee head to head tonight will be the Mavericks old vs. new. Harrison Barnes has been the only bright spot for a team just trying to win a few games, while Chandler Parsons has been much less than stellar for the 6-5 Memphis Grizzlies.

Oct 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons (25) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandan Wright (34) during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons (25) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandan Wright (34) during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

For what it is worth, I personally was not happy about the decision to let Chandler Parsons go. I fought hard to convince that Barnes was unproven and that, had it not been for a few tough injuries, Parsons would have been a stud for Dallas.

Oh how wrong I was.

Harrison Barnes is no joke in this league. He is one of the most underrated players out there due mostly to the Mavs record, and he just keeps getting better everyday. Parsons, on the other hand, appears to be at a crossroads in his career.

Following a second procedure on the same knee this past offseason, the former Maverick has struggled finding a groove so far this year. We all know that he is a capable scorer when healthy, we just don’t know if he will ever be healthy again.

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Past that matchup, the Mavs fans will probably be groaning all night watching Seth Curry and Jonathan Gibson trying to face off with the almost Mav (as far as we know), Mike Conley. I have a hard time seeing us win that battle, but surprises happen everyday.

It will also be fun to see Vince Carter on the court again tonight. VC is a Mavericks fan favorite and will always be loved and respected by the MFFLs. It is still tough seeing him in another jersey, even after all these years.

The Dallas Mavericks will be without Deron Williams, Devin Harris, and J.J. Barea tonight, while Dirk Nowitzki should be a game time decision.

The game tonight will be at 7:30 CT in Dallas. If you aren’t able to watch the game live, follow us on twitter for live tweets from the game at @TheSmokingCuban. Let’s Go Mavs!