Mavericks vs. Celtics: Game 68 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (40-27) at Boston Celtics (22-45)
Mar. 17, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 11 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Feb. 9 at Boston
Mavs 102 Celtics 91

All-Time Series
Celtics 35 Mavs 30

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.8)
Defense: 23rd (108.4)
Celtics
Offense: 27th (102.0)
Defense: 14th (106.2)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Celtics
PG: Phil Pressey
SG: Jerryd Bayless
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Kris Humphires

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.4
RPG: Marion, 6.5
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.9
Celtics
PPG: Green, 17.2
RPG: Sullinger, 8.3
APG: Rondo, 8.8
PER: Humphries, 18.5

Notes
Tonight's game is the start of a team record eight game homestand for the Mavs. For a second straight night Dallas will avoid having to face a star point guard, as Rajon Rondo will sit out on the second night of a back-to-back as he comes back from knee surgery. According to ESPN's Hollinger Playoff Odds the Mavericks currently have a 89.1% chance of making the playoffs. This isn't the first time the Mavs have played the Celtics on St. Patrick's Day. In 1998 the Mavs beat Boston 99-93 at Reunion Arena, behind 26 from Chris Anstey!