Mavericks at Kings: Game 22 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (13-8) at Sacramento Kings (5-13)
Dec. 9, 9:00 at Sleep Train Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavericks by 4

2012-13 Matchups
Dec. 10 at Dallas
Mavs 119 Kings 96
Jan. 10 at Sacramento
Mavs 117 Kings 112 (OT)
Feb. 13 at Dallas
Mavs 123 Kings 100
Apr. 5 at Dallas
Mavs 117 Kings 108

All-Time Series
Mavs 83 Kings 61

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 6th (108.5)
Defense: 21st (106.5)
Kings
Offense: 17th (104.2)
Defense: 27th (107.5)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Dejuan Blair

Kings
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Derrick Williams
PF: Jason Thompson
C: Demarcus Cousins

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 21.6
RPG: Blair, 7.6
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 23.5
Kings
PPG: Cousins, 22.0
RPG: Cousins, 9.9
APG: Thomas, 4.9
PER: Cousins, 25.7

Notes
The Kings made a major trade on Sunday dealing Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes to Toronto for Rudy Gay, Aaaron Gray and Quincy Acy. None of the new players will play in tonight's game. The Mavs have dominated their matchups with the Kings winning 15 of the last 16, including sweeping all 4 games last season. The Mavs look to win their third straight road game after beginning the year 2-6 away from home. Kings center Demarcus Cousins has shown off an improved offensive game this year, increasing his scoring average from 17.1 PPG to 22.0, and his FG% from .465% to .486%.