On The Real - Mavs vs. Lakers

Dallas Mavericks (38 - 18) @ Los Angeles Lakers (28 - 28)

Date: Friday, March 4th
Time: 7:30 PM
TV: ESPN, FSN

Previous Games:
Mavs @ Clippers 101-92 (LOSS)
Lakers @ Celtics 104-101 (LOSS)

— Projected Starting Lineups —

C - Dirk Nowitzki (27.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.1 APG)
PF - Alan Henderson (3.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.3 APG)
SF - Josh Howard (12.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG)
SG - Michael Finley (17.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
PG - Jason Terry (11.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 5.0 APG)
Coach - Don Nelson

C - Chris Mihm (10.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.6 APG)
PF - Lamar Odom (15.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.6 APG)
SF - Caron Butler (14.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.7 APG)
SG - Kobe Bryant (27.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 6.6 APG)
PG - Chucky Atkins (13.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.3 APG)
Coach - Frank Hamblen

— Who Dat? —

Jerry Stackhouse
Predicted Stats: 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Jumaine Jones
Predicted Stats: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 0 assists

— Who Got Game? —

Dirk Nowitzki
Predicted Stats: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists

Kobe Bryant
Predicted Stats: 26 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists

— Brandon’s Analysis —
I guess it’s nice to be back to writing Laker previews, but I’m going to be honest: I’m getting to the point where I feel as if I should just completely stop discussing Laker basketball. We all know the problems, but what good will that do us as fans? Absolutely nothing…but let’s talk about the Mavs.

Dallas is a Western Conference contender. In fact, you may see the Mavs in the WCF’s against the Spurs…so why would I predict a Laker win tonight? I’m not going to. The Mavericks, led by Disco Dirk and his new haircut, will pick apart the defense-less Lakers…and it won’t be pretty. Looking at the frontcourt, I can predict the “German Jordan” to score 30+ in this game, whether he’s matched up with Mihm, Odom, or Grant. I really would like to avoid talking about Howard’s performances as of late; I’ll just let Caron see for himself. I don’t know what Kobe will have to do in this game, but I’m guessing he’ll be guarding three guys at once, and if he doesn’t drop 40+ points with 10+ assists, the Lakers will not win. Translation? The Lakers will not win.

Off the bench, Jumaine Jones and Luke Walton will be the only two worth mentioning for Hamblen’s Lakers…for rebounding (Jones) and passing (Luke). Nelson will be sure to play the newly-acquired Van Horn, along with Stackhouse, Daniels, and Armstrong…where you should expect to see them put in during the 4th quarter as the Mavs hold onto a possible 20 point lead.

— Brandon’s Prediction —
The Lakers are done…stick a fork in them. It wouldn’t hurt to drown them in steak sauce while they are on the grill, as the Mavs will light them up all night and have this game handed to them on a silver platter, 110-93.

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