Opponent Scouting: Dallas Mavericks (31-23)
Tonight at 8:30pm EST the Detroit Pistons are on the road to face the Dallas Mavericks. Both teams are on one day of rest with the Mavs coming off a victory over the Atlanta Hawks while the Pistons lost to the Timberwolves.
The Them:
The Mavericks continue to hold steady in a strange spot where the huge expectations brought on by Luka Doncic makes them somewhat disappointing and yet they still stit with the 5th seed in a tough Western Conference. They come into the game with the 16th ranked offense and the 5th ranked defense in the league, a very different complexion from the last few seasons.
The Mavericks are missing several key players for the game tonight, with Tim Hardaway Jr, Kristaps Porzingis, Maxi Kleber, and Sterling Brown all listed as out.
The star of the show remains Luka Doncic, who has some efficiency issues with a TS% of just 55% while turning the ball over 4.3 times per game, but he is still a monster. Averaging 26/9/9 while carrying a heavy load. The discussion of whether or not it is best for a player to dominate the ball the way Luka does or not will continue, but that is the way they operate for now.
With all the injuries it is a bit of a random cast around Doncic tonight, Pistons legend (and one of my proudest “I believe this guy can play” victories for your author”) Reggie Bullock has found a comfortable home splashing threes and playing smart hoops here. Dorian Finney-Smith does a bit of everything on the wing. Dwight Powell jumps high, Jalen Brunson is a solid young point guard. Trey Burke can score in bunches off the bench, Frank Ntilikina can defend. The Mavericks are very short on players right now but they are still dangerous with how Luka can elevate the players around him.
Matchups to watch:
Pistons vs Luka: Especially given all the players they have out, Luka is option # 1, 2, and 3 for the Mavericks. Finding a way to slow him down is the number one way to try and get this one.
Killian Hayes vs. Staying confident: A successful 4th quarter and since moving to the bench Hayes has looked more comfortable, continuing to show signs of life it would be a great storyline for the Pistons.
Pistons vs. Blocking out the noise: Heading into the trade deadline, lots of Pistons names are being tossed around, its important for them to keep focused.
Stewart vs. Powell: Interesting matchup. Powell has the athleticism that should give Stewart trouble, but Stewart is far more physical. Will be fun to see who’s strength ends up winning out.
Pistons vs. Eternal sadness: Just want to see some more wins man.
So in conclusion…
Run for the hills if:
Luka has a triple-double in the first half
Powell is dunking all over the Pistons
Reggie Bullock revenge game
Wink knowingly at your friends if:
Luka ate an extra cheese burger before the game and it shows
Stew strong
The Pistons win