Mavericks Look to Get Back on Track Against Trail Blazers

The Dallas Mavericks look to bounce back from their loss Wednesday night with a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Sitting with a 3-7 record in their last ten games, the Mavericks could really use a win Friday night against Damian Lillard and his Trail Blazers. Their hopes are probably contingent on getting their best player, Harrison Barnes, back in his normal groove again.

Over the last five games, Barnes has averaged only 14.4 PPG on 40.8% from the field. These are well below his averages of 18.3/45.4% that he has been posting over the course of the season. Watch for Carlisle to run plays to try to get Barnes involved early and often in this one.

Mavericks rookie sensation Dennis Smith Jr. is in the midst of the best month of his career. In the month of January, he is posting 17.2 PPG, 5.5 APG, 3.1 RPG, 1.5 SPG while converting on 42.6% of his shots. But Junior isn’t the only one feeling it of late.

Wesley Matthews has been absolutely scorching. He is averaging 17.3 PPG and shooting a red hot 44.6% from three point range. An emotional and fiery player like Matthews will surely come into the game with some extra momentum against the team that let him walk in free agency several years ago.

For a team battling for playoff position like Portland, they simply cannot afford to lose games to teams with poor records like the Mavericks. Their game plan will of course be revolved around their two star players, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 20: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 20, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Lillard, who was just named to his 1st All Star team in 3 years will try to show Dallas why he is considered one of the league’s elite at his position. The matchup between him and Smith Jr. should be exhilarating and filled with highlight plays. They are two guys that play with massive chips on their shoulder and will be determined to out-do the other.

McCollum doesn’t always get as much fan fair but the scoring shooting guard might be just as good. The 5th year player out of Lehigh is averaging over 20 points a contest for his 3rd straight season.

If the Mavericks can effectively slow down even just one of those two players, they’ll have a very good shot at winning the game.

Next: NBA Midseason Shooting Guard Rankings

The game will be at 7:30 central time at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. As always, go Mavs!

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