The Smoking Cuban
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The Dallas Mavericks Take on the Struggling Cleveland Cavaliers

By Sean Bush

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers instructs his teammates while guarding by Dirk Nowitzki #41 and Chandler Parsons #25 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 12, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. 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. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 110-107. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers instructs his teammates while guarding by Dirk Nowitzki #41 and Chandler Parsons #25 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 12, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. 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. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 110-107. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks look to begin their first winning streak of the season with a matchup against the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers at home tonight.

The start to the 2017-2018 season has not been at all like what the Dallas Mavericks or the Cleveland Cavaliers envisioned.

The Mavericks were hoping to see their young core take the next step into playoff contention. The Cavaliers were primed for a revenge run to attempt to earn the title back from the Golden State Super-Warriors.

Now, twelve games into the season, both teams sit outside of the current playoff picture with the Cavaliers coming in at 5-7 and the Mavericks at a league-worst 2-10.

Both teams are struggling mightily on the defensive end. The Cavaliers allow the most points per possession to opposing teams and the Mavericks are not far behind at forth most allowed in the league.

DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 12: LeBron James
DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 12: LeBron James /

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off only their second win of the season, but they looked quite impressive in their 113-99 whomping of the Washington Wizards. Harrison Barnes, Dennis Smith Jr., and Salah Mejri all had their most impressive outings of the season and the offense flowed efficiently and effortlessly.

Although things have looked bleak and many have already written off the Mavericks, the season is still too early to be lost.

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If the Mavs want to get back on the right track, they will need to replicate the effort they put in last Tuesday night. Dallas owned Washington on the glass that night, a key development for a team that ranks 28th in rebound differential. If Dallas controls the boards and plays within themselves on offense they are actually a difficult team to beat, the problem is that can be a big “if”.

It is no secret that LeBron James has been unhappy with the team’s effort and start to the season. Expect The King to see this as an opportunity to spark a fire under his teammates and pick up a big win against a weaker Mavericks team.

The key for the Cavs will be their energy-level and their defense. When they are locked-in, they are still probably the best team out East.

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The game is tonight at 7:30 CT. Show out to the American Airlines Center and show your Dallas Mavericks you can be rowdy, loud, and proud as the team seeks their third win of the regular season!

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