Mavericks vs. Nets: Game 71 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (42-28) at Brooklyn Nets (36-31)
Fri.  Mar. 23, 6:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 4 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Jan. 24 at Brooklyn
Nets 107 Mavs 106

All-Time Series
Mavs 38 Nets 27

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.9)
Defense: 23rd (108.3)
Nets
Offense: 16th (106.0)
Defense: 16th (107.0)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Nets
PG: Deron Wlliams
SG: Shaun Livingston
SF: Joe Johnson
PF: Paul Pierce
C: Mason Plumlee

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.5
RPG: Marion, 6.6
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.6
Nets
PPG: Johnson, 15.4
RPG: Garnett, 6.7
APG: Williams, 6.4
PER: Blatche, 19.3

Notes
This is the Mavericks final game of the year against the East, which they have a 20-9 record against. Jason Kidd will coach his first game in Dallas on his 41st birthday. Jae Crowder's 12 point game Friday was his first scoring in double figures since he scored 13 on Jan. 18 against Portland.  The Nets are 26-10 since Jan. 1 after beginning the season 10-21. Kevin Garnett is out indefinitely for Brooklyn with back spasms. The Mavericks will see Nets Center Jason Collins for the first time since he became the NBA's first openly gay player.