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Dallas Mavericks: Two matchups to watch for against Spurs

By Kohl Rast

ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 16: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs on December 16, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, 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 (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 16: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs on December 16, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, 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 (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO,TX – NOVEMBER 27: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks flies for two against LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on November 27, 2017 in San Antonio, 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX – NOVEMBER 27: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks flies for two against LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on November 27, 2017 in San Antonio, 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

Patty Mills vs. Dennis Smith Jr.

Patty Mills is one of those guys that plays his best games against the Dallas Mavericks. This has been a common theme for the Mavs already this year and, with DSJ a little bit hobbled still, Mills may have even more room than usual tonight against his favorite team to play.

Dennis Smith’s defense hasn’t been stellar so far this year. He currently has a -3.3 defensive box plus/minus and is allowing an estimated 117 points per 100 possessions. By contrast, Rudy Gobert, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is allowing an estimated 97 points per 100 possessions.

Mills could have a field day with us once again, which is just as painful to write as it is to say. Even still, the Mavs might not be as bad off as this matchup makes it sound on paper.

Dennis Smith Jr. may not be the ideal defender, but his offense finally showed up last game against the Toronto Raptors. After scoring 27 against a decent defensive team, DSJ will look to take advantage of a size and speed advantage against Patty Mills. Hopefully he really looks to take over the game tonight, because it could have a big impact.

This one could end up being a good matchup, but I am taking Dennis Smith Jr. in this one. His speed and athleticism is going to beat out the lights out shooting of Mills this time around. Dennis also wants to get the chip back on his shoulder from last year and this will be a good game to help continue pushing that.

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The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs will be tipping off in just under an hour. The game is being played in San Antonio. Let’s go Mavs!

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