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Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers: Keys To Victory

ByEmmanuel Dixon|
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 26: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives Nerlens Noel #3 during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 26, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 26: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives Nerlens Noel #3 during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 26, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The weekend is here and the Dallas Mavericks are still searching for their second win. The Philadelphia 76ers won’t make this easy.

Thank God it’s … Saturday? The weekend couldn’t have come any sooner for the Dallas Mavericks. At the end of the first full week of NBA action, they find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Dallas (1-5) will host the Philadelphia 76ers (1-4) Saturday, in an attempt to earn their second win of the season and end the week on a positive note.

When: Oct 28, 2017 @ 8:30 PM (ET)

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

Watch: Fox Sports Southwest, NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 76ers won’t be an easy out, however. Record withstanding, they are one of the league’s most improved teams. Of their four losses, only one (@Toronto) was a blowout indicative of what we’d expect from one of the youngest teams in the league.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 25: Joel Embiid
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 25: Joel Embiid

A win isn’t guaranteed, but if the Mavs focus on the following points of emphasis, they’ll stand an even greater chance:

Make Them Earn It At The Line

Hack-a-Shaq? Try hacking anybody.

Philadelphia is putrid at the charity stripe, converting only 68.6 percent of their attempts. What’s even more unexplainable is the fact that one of their best free throw shooters is center Joel Embiid at 90 percent.

Even if Dallas finds itself in foul trouble, the likelihood of Philly taking advantage of that is extremely slim.

Protect The Basketball

One bright spot for Philly is their ability to force turnovers.

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At 8.6 steals and 4.2 blocks per game, they are able to hang around with any opponent. Defensively, they don’t use their youth as a crutch, but rather as an advantage. Their athleticism forces teams to beat them, as opposed to taking their feet of the throttle.

If Dallas wants to come out with a win, they’ll need to keep turnovers to a minimum  – preferably below their average (13.2).

Capitalize Off Turnovers

On the other hand, Philadelphia (27th) turns the ball over at an astounding clip (18.2/gm).

Let’s give the Mavs the benefit of a doubt and assume they force those turnovers. They will have to convert those miscues into either baskets or free throws to put themselves in position to win. The 76ers leave little room for error, with three games decided by 10 points or less.

Any missed opportunities may prove to be the deciding factor for Dallas.

Next: Seth Curry is Going to Receive A Warm Welcome

Be sure to follow our live Twitter feed (@thesmokingcuban) for up-to-the-minute score updates, highlights and analysis. As always, Go Mavs!

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