Spurs @ Mavericks Preview: Spurs Rest While Mavs Ready To Play
Just because the San Antonio Spurs will be resting their starters tonight does not mean that this is not an important game for the Dallas Mavericks.
They may be the number seven seed with only a handful left of games in the season, but with the Phoenix Suns only a win away from toppling them to the No.8 seed and the Memphis Grizzlies hot on their heels to take that spot, the Mavs need to put some much needed distance between themselves and the rest of the pack vying for the last playoff spots.
Beating the Spurs, regardless of who is the court, would also be a huge boost for the Mavericks. Â For one, finally defeating the Spurs this season is a huge notch in the Mavs belt. Â For two, the Mavericks could very well find themselves facing off against the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, having the win under their belt will give them confidence in that hypothetical series.
Dallas had the chance to wrap up a playoff birth if they could manage a couple victories, but the Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder had other plans.
Dallas can also end an eight-game skid tonight against a banged up Spurs squad and begin the process of ending their season on a high note.
San Antonio may not be playing its starters, but they will still be looking for the win. Â They will be looking for their second consecutive season of sweeping the Mavs in regular series seasons. Â They have not done that since 1991 when they swept the series three consecutive seasons.
The NBA’s 10th all-time leading scorer, Dirk Nowitzki has also been in a bit of a rut, shooting at only 40 percent and averaging 15.4 points a game. Â While those are not awful numbers, the Mavs will rely on him for more production.
Meanwhile, the Spur’s Tony Parker has surpassed 20 points in all three season meetings against the Mavs. Â Though how much play time Parker receives with playoffs on the horizon remains to be seen.
In their last encounter on March 2, the Spurs won 1112-106.
The Mavs are the -2 point favorites to win this one, given the roughed up and resting Spurs. Â The game starts at 8 p.m. ET and you can watch it on TNT.
