Mavericks at Kings: Game 78 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (46-31) vs. Sacramento Kings (27-49)
Apr. 5, 5:00 at Sleep Train Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 9 at Sacramento
Kings 112 Mavs 97
Jan. 31 at Dallas
Mavs 107 Kings 103
Mar. 29 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Kings 100

All-Time Series
Mavs 85 Kings 62

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (111.2)
Defense: 23rd (108.6)
Kings
Offense: 18th (105.8)
Defense: 22nd (108.6)

 Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalemert
Kings
PG: Ray McCallum
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Reggie Evans
C: Demarcus Cousins

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.7
RPG: Dalembert, 6.7
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.7
Kings
PPG: Cousins, 22.2
RPG: Cousins, 11.6
APG: Thomas, 6.4
PER: Cousins, 26.2

Notes
The Mavs are 24-1 against the teams with the 10 worst records in the league. There only loss was at Sacramento on December 9th.  Starting point guard Isaiah Thomas is out indefinitely for the Kings with a bruised right quadriceps. In six games since going 2-12 from the field in a loss to Brooklyn, Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 26.3 points while shooting 56.4% from the field and 45.2% on threes. Of the three teams competing for the final two West playoff spots, the Mavs have by far the easiest game. Memphis is at San Antonio, while Phoenix hosts Oklahoma City.