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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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DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 12: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs on December 12, 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 12: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs on December 12, 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) /

Harrison Barnes returning for Kawhi matchup

The most important story line of the night for the Dallas Mavericks is the return of starting small forward/power forward, Harrison Barnes. Barnes has been nursing a bad hamstring for the past few weeks, but is finally ready to play just in time to face one of the best in the league.

A minutes restriction for HB seems likely going into this one as Dallas won’t want to risk losing him for more of the season than they have to. There is little doubt in my mind that the Mavs would at least be 3-1 right now if Barnes had been healthy to start out the season.

The Raptors haven’t had to worry about that yet, as Kawhi Leonard is here to show that last year did not slow him down one bit. Considered one of the best players in the game and maybe the absolute best two-way player out there, Leonard ran into a big snag with the San Antonio Spurs. After sitting out almost the whole year, it was time for a change.

Kawhi was traded to the Raptors for DeMar DeRozan along with others involved on both sides of the trade. So far, Kawhi has looked like his normal self while DeRozan is thriving down south in his new role.

Kawhi has faced some tough challenges so far this year and Barnes/Wes Matthews are likely not the stiffest of competition for him this season. Hopefully Barnes can keep up on the other end of the court.

Next. Dallas Mavericks: How Maxi Kleber has transformed

The Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors will tip-off tonight at 6:30pm central time in Toronto.

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