Mavericks vs. Blazers: Game 63 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (36-26) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (42-19)
Fri. Mar. 7, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Blazers by 3

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 7 at Portland
Mavs 108 Blazers 106
Jan. 18 at Dallas
Blazers 127 Mavs 111

All-Time Series
Blazers 75 Mavs 63

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (1110.9)
Defense: 23rd (108.7)
Blazers
Offense: 2nd (112.3)
Defense: 18th (106.9)

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, 21.6
RPG: Marion, 6.7
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.2
Blazers
PPG: Aldridge, 23.5
RPG: Aldridge, 11.1
APG: Lillard, 5.6
PER: Aldridge, 21.8

Notes
The Mavs have lost a season-high three in a row. Portland has won five out of six, with the loss inexplicably coming at home to the Lakers. LaMarcus Aldridge was only 1-13 in Wednesday's game against Atlanta, but the Blazers still cruised to a 24 point win. Dallas has given up 100 or more points in 7 out of the last 8 games, including at least 110 in four of those games including the last two.