Mavericks vs. Bulls: Game 44 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (30-13) vs. Chicago Bulls (28-16)
Fri. Jan. 23, 7:00 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 7

2014-15 Matchups
Dec. 2 at Chicago
Mavs 132 Bulls 129 (2OT)

All-Time Series
Mavs 34 Bulls 33

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 110.7 (2nd)
Def. Rating: 102.9 (13th)
Point Differential: +6.4
Bulls
Offense: 105.9 (8th)
Defense: 102.4 (12th)
Point Differential: +2.9

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Bulls
PG: Derrick Rose
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: Tony Snell
PF: Taj Gibson
C: Pau Gasol

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.0
RPG: Chandler, 12.2
APG: Rondo, 7.3
PER: Nowitzki, 21.3
Win Shares: Chandler, 6.3
Bulls
PPG: Butler, 20.5
RPG: Gasol, 11.5
APG: Rose, 5.1
PER: Gasol, 22.2
Win Shares: Butler, 7.1

Of Note

• With a win the Mavs would move into a second place tie in the West with Memphis and Portland.
• The Bulls are currently without starters Joakim Noah and Mike Dunleavy, both with sprained ankles.
• The Mavs are 16-4 against the East but are 5-4 at home compared to 11-0 on the road.
• The Bulls had lost 6 out of 8 before thumping the Spurs at home by a 104-81 score, last night.
• After making only 10-36 (28%) threes in 14 December games, Dirk has made 14-31 (45%) in 9 January games.