Dallas Mavericks Battle the Los Angeles Clippers Monday

The Dallas Mavericks take on the new-look Los Angeles Clippers in an effort to win their second straight game.

Saturday night the Dallas Mavericks ended a five game skid by beating De’Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento. Tonight they will look to build on that momentum against Doc Rivers’ squad in Los Angeles.

It all starts with future dunk contest champion Dennis Smith Jr. The rookie has never looked more comfortable on the court, despite struggling with some shooting woes recently. He has shot just 32% from the field over the last 6 games, a number he may need to improve for Dallas to win.

Junior’s play will become even more important if Mavs’ leading-scorer Harrison Barnes misses the game with an ankle injury. Barnes is currently listed as questionable and his scoring punch will be needed to help carry the team passed the Clippers.

It was likely no coincidence that the Mavericks ended their losing streak Saturday the same game JJ Barea returned from injury. Slicing and dicing through the defense, no one runs the Mavericks’ offense quite like the Puerto Rican. If Smith continues his shooting struggles, expect Barea to take charge and lead the pack.

LOS ANGELES CA – OCTOBER 29: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers is fouled by Dirk Nowitzki #41 and Devin Harris of the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter of the basketball game Staples Center October 29, 2015, in Los Angeles California. 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. Nowitzki and Jordan received technical fouls. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

On the Clippers side, it’s a vastly different roster than the Mavericks are accustomed to seeing. After shipping out Blake Griffin, the team now features the young, exciting scorer Tobias Harris, defensive specialist Avery Bradley, and fantasy fiction giant Boban Marjonovic.

Harris, Lou Williams, and DeAndre Jordan form a knock-off brand big three of sorts. Barnes (if he plays) and Wes Matthews should have their hands full guarding Williams and Harris. Of course we all know what Jordan can do, but I have a feeling Dirk will make the former All-NBA center look silly on defense a time or two.

It will be important for the Mavericks to keep Jordan off the glass. Dallas is one of the worst rebounding teams in the league and Jordan is 2nd in the league in swallowing up missed shots.

The Clippers are one of the worst teams in the NBA in committing fouls. The Mavericks’ stars will need to stay aggressive going to the rim early and often and get guys like Jordan or Harris into some early foul trouble.

Next: Should the Mavericks Explore an Aaron Gordon Trade?

The Clippers are a talented team but they are transitioning to a new lineup and are very beatable. If the Dallas Mavericks come out playing their A-game tonight, expect a 2 game win streak for Rick Carlisle’s squad.

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