Charlotte Hornets: Dallas Mavericks Preview
The Charlotte Hornets look to continue their seven game winning streak against the Dallas Mavericks tonight at home.
The Charlotte Hornets’ schedule took a turn to the West in the last game. The Hornets took on the Houston Rockets, a team trying to make the playoffs in the West. Despite the impact of James Harden, the Hornets put together a complete game to win. Now here comes the Dallas Mavericks, a team in similar circumstances.
The Hornets performance against the Rockets was a package of all the other wins in the recent set. There was a big Kemba Walker shooting performance (26 points). A well-rounded Nicolas Batum game (14 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) was had. Courtney Lee found double figures for the third game in a row. Marvin Williams went off for the second straight game (25 points) and there was good bench effort. That is how you beat someone 125-109.
So now here comes the Mavericks. They are still trying to milk the last good years of Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavericks are at a .500 record and last played the Indiana Pacers. The Mavs lost, and it is noteworthy because the Hornets have beaten the Pacers three times since February 1st.
The Mavericks bolstered their bench when they picked up forward David Lee, and they have a mess of guards to use. None of them is particularly tall off the bench.
Mavericks Starting Lineup (Projected)
F Dirk Nowitzki
Key Reserves: David Lee, Devin Harris, Raymond Felton, J.J. Barea
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The Mavericks also have JaVale McGee and former Hornets draftee Dwight Powell, and they might see action when Al Jefferson is in the game for the Hornets.
Pachulia is an old nemesis from his days with the Atlanta Hawks. He is there for defense and rebounding.
Nowitzki is still the focus of the offense and is still a tough matchup. Marvin Williams may be the best fit the Hornets have to throw at him, but there will be times when Frank Kaminsky will have to match up with Dirk.
Hornets Starting Lineup (Projected)
F Marvin Williams
F Courtney Lee
G Nicolas Batum
G Kemba Walker
Key Reserves: Al Jefferson, Frank Kaminsky, Jeremy Lin, Jeremy Lamb
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No one has stopped Kemba Walker in the last few games. The Mavericks have the length to do it between Deron Williams and Matthews, but none of their bench guys will be hard on Walker with the possible exception of Harris. Look for another big scoring game from Kemba.
Marvin Williams will likely see a lot of Dirk on offense so there is an opportunity there for some baskets since the last thing the Mavericks need is Dirk in foul trouble.
The Hornets have a more balanced bench than Dallas and that should also play to their favor.
The Hornets are 37-28 and now in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They are tied with the Hawks and only a half game behind the Miami Heat for fourth place and a home playoff series. Because their position vis-Ã -vis Atlanta is still precarious a win against Dallas at home remains critical. Tip off is at 7:00 PM.