Mavericks vs. Blazers: Game 42 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (24-17) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (30-9)
Sat. Jan. 18, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Blazers by 1 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 7 at Portland
Mavs 108 Blazers 106

All-Time Series
Blazers 74 Mavs 63

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 5th (109.4)
Defense: 21st (107.5)
Blazers
Offense: 1st (113.8)
Defense: 20st (107.2)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Blazers
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
C: Robin Lopez

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.3
RPG: Marion, 7.1
APG: Ellis, 6.0
PER: Nowitzki, 23.6
Blazers
PPG: Aldridge, 23.9
RPG: Aldridge, 11.2
APG: Lillard, Batum 5.7
PER: Aldridge, 22.9

Notes
Devin Harris is expected to possibly make his season debut after after having off-season toe surgery. This is the only home game for the Mavs in a strech when they place 5 out of 6 on the road. The Mavs have won 3 in a row and 5 out of 6 against Portland. The Blazers have won 4 in a row including beating the Spurs in San Antonio 109-100 last night.