The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks Hope to End Four-Game Skid Against the Hornets

By Michael Mulford

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 4: Rick Carlisle coaches Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2017 at the American Airlines Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 4: Rick Carlisle coaches Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2017 at the American Airlines Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Before heading to the West Coast for a two-game road trip, the Dallas Mavericks have a date with the Hornets.

As the final month of the NBA regular season rapidly approaches, the Mavericks look to end their underwhelming season on a high note, which starts with the Charlotte Hornets tonight.

The Hornets are coming off a laughable victory against the deplorable Memphis Grizzlies, winning by 61 points. Yes, you read that correctly; 61 points. I think it’s safe to say that Dallas won’t hit rock bottom as the Grizzlies have, but their focus on slowing down Kemba Walker should be significant, who scored 46 points against Memphis on Thursday.

For the Mavericks, they’ll be welcoming back Dennis Smith Jr. to the lineup after he missed the past two games with a sprained right ankle. In his absence, J.J and Yogi held down the fort to their best ability, but Dallas was surely missing the 20-year old rookie.

In the first meeting between the two teams in January, the Mavericks won a close game 115-111, though Kemba Walker dropped 41 points. Slowing down the former Connecticut guard will be essential for the success of the Mavericks. But that’s not the only player who should be on the Dallas radar. Remember that guy Dwight Howard?

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Well, if you weren’t aware, Dwight is still producing impressive numbers in his 14th season in the league. Just recently on Wednesday, Howard logged 32 points and 30 rebounds, the first 30-30 game posted since Kevin Love did it for the Timberwolves in 2010 and only the second time since the 1981-1982 season. In his first year with the Hornets, Howard is averaging 16.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, his highest scoring average since his first year as a Rocket in 2013.

Former Charlotte Hornet and newly acquired Maverick, Aaron Harrison will have his first shot against his first NBA team. Harrison played in 26 games for the Hornets over his first two seasons in the league. In his Mavericks debut, Harrison scored six points in 20 minutes of play.

Next: 3 Things to Watch for in Elite Eight

Tip-off is at 7:30pm. Go Mavs!

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