Mavericks vs. Blazers: Game 82 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (49-32) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (51-30)
Wed. Apr. 15, 7:00 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line:


2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 6 at Portland
Blazers 108 Mavs 87
Feb. 7 at Dallas
Mavs 111 Blazers 101 (OT)
Mar.5 at Portland
Blazers 94 Mavs 75

All-Time Series
Blazers 77 Mavs 65

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 107.1 (5th)
Defense: 103.9 (18th)
Point Differential: +2.7
Blazers
Offense: 105.7 (8th)
Defense: 101.3 (10th)
Point Differential:  +4.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Blazers
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Allen Crabbe
SF: Alonzo Gee
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
C: Robin Lopez

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.0
RPG: Chandler, 11.5
APG: Rondo, 6.5
PER: Stoudemire, 22.3
Win Shares: Chandler, 9.9
Blazers
PPG: Aldridge, 23.5
RPG: Aldridge, 10.3
APG: Lillard, 6.2
PER: Aldridge, 22.9
Win Shares: Lillard, 10.7


Of Note

• The Mavericks will be without both Chandler Parsons (knee) and Devin Harris (toe). Both players are expected to be ready when the playoffs start either Saturday or Sunday.
• The Blazers have plenty of injury concerns of their own. LaMarcus Aldridge has missed the last two games with a foot injury but is listed as probable. Portland however will be without Nicolas Batum (knee), C.J. McCollum (ankle), and Arron Afflalo (shoulder).
• The Mavs will finally found out who they will play in the first round  before the night ends. It will be the Spurs if they win in New Orleans. If they lose it will be Rockets if they beat Utah. If both teams lose it will be the Clippers.
• Dallas, of course gets a 50 win season with a victory. They also won their 50th game on the last day of the season in 08-09, Rick Carlisle's first year as Mavs coach. 
• In six April games, Dirk is averaging 19.5 points on 52% shooting from the field.