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Dallas Mavericks: Three story lines to follow in matchup vs. Raptors

By Kohl Rast

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 13: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Dwight Powell #7 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks defend during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 13, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 13: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Dwight Powell #7 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks defend during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 13, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 13: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Dwight Powell #7 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks defend during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 13, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 13: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Dwight Powell #7 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks defend during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 13, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Mavericks look to comeback from a disheartening loss tonight against the undefeated Toronto Raptors. It will be a tough game, but here are some story lines to follow.

The first week of the season couldn’t have gone better for the Toronto Raptors. A 5-0 start with Kawhi Leonard already fitting into the offense is a dream come true for the playoff team up north. The Dallas Mavericks on the other hand cannot say that this season has started the way they wanted.

Aside from early injuries from Harrison Barnes, Dirk Nowitzki and Devin Harris, the Mavs have also faced the frustrations of a slow start from Dennis Smith Jr., whom they were very hopeful would be a key part of this year’s offense. Others like Ryan Broekhoff and Ray Spalding are still working their way into the rotation.

Wesley Matthews has been hit-and-miss so far with decent shooting at times but poor decision making at others. Fans are ready to send him packing but I am hopeful that bringing Harrison Barnes back into the starting lineup will help regulate some of his crazier numbers.

The Mavs are sitting at 2-2 right now and hoping that they can figure out a way to prevent a deep hole in the standings with a tough stretch of games coming up. After Toronto, the Mavs have the Utah Jazz, the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers before getting an easier game against the New York Knicks.

The Raptors are enjoying a hot streak from their stars with Kawhi averaging 28 points per game and Kyle Lowry just under 20. The roster also includes other excellent players like Danny Green, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas and others. Dallas will have a tough time matching up with these guys.

Here are a few storylines to keep an eye on for this game between the Mavericks and the Raptors.

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