3 Keys as the Dallas Mavericks Head to Rip City to Take on the Trail Blazers

Feb 3, 2017

Mar 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the fourth quarter of at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won the game 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

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NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trail Blazers /

After getting off to a blazing hot start in 2017, the Dallas Mavericks look to continue streaking versus Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Dallas Mavericks are surging lately after a poor start to the season, winning 8 of their last 11 and 3 in a row. Thanks to Dirk Nowitzki‘s solid play at center and the discovery of Yogi Ferrell, the Mavs are looking like a team that could sneak into the 8th seed of the playoffs.

The Portland Trail Blazers have also been playing better as of late, winning half of their last 10 including a convincing win over the Hornets on Tuesday. Damian Lillard has been on a tear after getting snubbed for the All-Star game yet again, and C.J. McCollum is still shooting at a very high clip.

Here are 3 keys to tonights matchup.

Next: Slow Down Damian Lilard