Mavericks vs. Cavaliers: Game 66 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (41-24) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (40-25)
Tues. Mar. 10, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBATV
Line: Cavs by 3.5

2014-15 Matchups

Jan. 4 at Cleveland
Mavs 109 Cavs 90

All-Time Series
Cavs 34 Mavs 32

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 107.4 (4th)
Def. Rating: 102.5 (14th)
Point Differential: +4.1
Cavs
Offense: 107.4 (4th)
Defense: 104.0 (21st)
Point Differential: +4.1

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Cavs
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: J.R. Smith
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Timofey Mozgov


Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.2
RPG: Chandler, 11.6
APG: Rondo, 6.2
PER: Chandler, 20.6
Win Shares: Chandler, 8.6
Cavs
PPG: James, 26.0
RPG: Love, 10.2
APG: James, 7.3
PER: James, 25.8
Win Shares: Irving, 8.1

Of Note

• The Mavericks begin a five game homestand that includes tough tests against the Cavaliers, Clippers, Thunder and Grizzlies.
• The Mavs have won 8 out of  9 against Cleveland, however LeBron James was not in uniform for the Cavs in any of them. Dallas has failed to beat a James led team since Game 6 of the 2011 Finals.
• Shawn Marion, who is out with an injured hip, will make his final trip to the AAC as a player before he retires at the end of the year. In 50 games this year The Matrix  is averaging 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 20 minutes per game.
• Devin Harris is listed as questionable after missing the last two games with an injured thumb.
• Rajon Rondo's play has picked up as of late. In the last four games Rondo is averaging 12.8 points, 6.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds.
• Al-Farouq Aminu has recorded at least four steals in four out of his last five games.