The Dallas Mavericks Attempt to End Three-Game Skid Against the Nuggets

Devin Harris makes his return to Dallas as the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Denver Nuggets.

After compiling their third loss in a row on Sunday against the Pelicans, the Mavericks will look to avoid their fifth losing streak of at least four games tonight as the Nuggets are in town.

Though Dallas has remained competitive since the All-Star break, they’ve only been able to come out victorious in one of their six games. That competitiveness must ramp up to another level tonight as the Nuggets are fighting for playoff position in the West.

The highlight for tonight’s matchup before the game tips off is the return of Devin Harris. Harris was traded at the deadline to Denver in a three-team deal, which sent Doug McDermott to the Mavs. It’s always tough to see players get traded, especially a player as respected and loved as DH is in Dallas. Expect a huge ovation for Harris when he steps onto the floor.

This will mark the fourth and final matchup between the two teams as the Nuggets hold a 2-1 record so far this season. Though the Mavs won the first matchup, Denver has taken the last two in close games. In the two losses in January, Gary Harris scored 25 and 24 points, making him a focal point for Dallas to stop tonight.

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Even though Dwight Powell has played what’s probably the best two-month stretch of his career, he’ll have to up his activity on the defensive end against Nikola Jokic. The Joker is a problem in all areas of the floor. With help from Nerlens Noel off the bench, slowing down Jokic’s playmaking will be key into slowing down the Denver offense as a whole.

Speaking of Jokic, with Paul Millsap back in the lineup, Dirk may seem some time guarding The Joker as well. In the six games since the break, Dirk is shooting just under 50% from the field and 45% from three. Though the wheels have slowed down, ‘That Dude’ can still shoot the rock with the best of them.

Wesley Matthews, who missed Sunday’s game with a sore hip, is out tonight.

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Tonight marks the second game of a four game home stand, with the Grizzlies and the Rockets to follow this weekend.