Dallas Mavericks: A Win Here Would Change the Perception

The Dallas Mavericks have a tough test tonight with the Golden State Warriors coming to Dallas, looking to make the necessary changes to get back to their winning ways. Can the Mavs get a big first win of the season and silence some of the criticism?

If the Mavericks are going to win tonight, it will have to be a full-team, best game of the season type effort. I hate to open up the game preview like that, but it really is true. If Dallas is going to have a chance against the monstrous lineup of Golden State, it is going to have to come with a big game from everyone.

Unlike a traditional game preview, today I am more interested in what the individual matchups will look like as Dallas and Golden State face off. Dallas is, as we know, 0-3 on the season so far, but the Warriors are not far ahead of the Mavs with only a 1-2 record under their belt. This won’t be the norm, but it is nice to see so far.

With the news coming out from Twitter this morning that Dennis Smith Jr. is due back for tonight’s game, the Mavs will likely only be without Seth Curry and Devin Harris in tonight’s matchup. The Warriors, on the other hand, appear to have their full squad available.

So, let’s take a look at those matchups.

Dennis Smith says he will play for the @dallasmavs tonight vs. the Warriors after missing two games with left knee effusion. #DALvsGSW
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) October 23, 2017

Steph Curry vs. Dennis Smith Jr.

This will be a fun matchup with likely the best shooter in the league facing off against an incredibly athletic rookie. Despite missing the last few games from injury, I don’t expect to see any less energy on the court from DSJ. However, that athleticism and energy are not going to be enough to stop Steph from getting his. That said, DSJ will likely get his as well.

Klay Thompson vs. Yogi Ferrell

This is the scariest matchup of the day for the Mavericks, who may elect to start Dorian Finney-Smith over Yogi in hopes that we will matchup better defensively. As of now, Yogi will struggle keeping up with Klay, and will struggle getting past him on the other end.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 20: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors stands on the court during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 20, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Kevin Durant vs. Wesley Matthews

This will be a very interesting matchup and is one of the reasons I hope the Mavericks decide to go with DFS in the starting lineup. Wes can’t keep up with KD on the defensive end and he can’t get past him on offense. I would rather have Wes guarding Klay Thompson and DFS on KD.

Draymond Green vs. Harrison Barnes

This will be a fun one to watch as both players will likely be able to shut down their counterpart on the defensive end. Barnes should have the advantage but it’ll come down to his shooting in the long run.

Zaza Pachulia vs. Dirk Nowitzki

Obviously Dirk is going to win this matchup, but rebounding will become very important here. Finally, there is a center that Dirk may be more athletic than, and we will have a chance to take over on the glass for a time. I expect Dirk to have a pretty good game tonight.

Next: Wesley Matthews and the Tough Situation in Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors tip-off tonight at 7:30 central time. Follow us on Twitter for live game tweeting and let’s hope for a big win to change the Mavs season tonight!

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