Mavericks Season Preview and Predictions

A month-by-month look at the Mavericks 15-16 schedule and predicted record.

October-November
Games: 18 (7 H, 11 A)
Key Games: Oct. 28 at Phoenix, Nov. 11 vs. LA Clippers, Nov. 14 at Houston
Analysis: With a new group that includes players returning from  injury the Mavs face a road-heavy start to the season. For the first time in franchise history the team starts with three games on the road. The most hyped games will be the nationally televised games against DeAndre Jordan and the Clippers on Oct. 29 and Nov. 11.
Predicted Record: 9-9

December
Games: 14 (8 H, 6 A)
Key Games: Dec. 1 at Portland, Dec. 14 vs. Phoenix, Dec. 30 vs. Golden St.
Analysis: It's a month for reunions with Wesley Matthews return to Portland on the 1st, Tyson Chandler's first game back in Dallas on the 14th and the Mavs first time seeing Monta Ellis in a Pacers uniform on the 16th.
Predicted Record: 7-7

January
Games: 18 (8 H, 10 A)
Key Games: Jan. 12 vs. Cleveland, Jan. 17 at San Antonio, Jan. 27 at Golden St.
Analysis: In by far the Mavs busiest month, the Mavs have three separate three game road trips including a strech of 6 out of 7 on the road. Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Kevin Durant all make trips to the AAC in the moth.
Predicted Record: 10-8

February
Games: 10 (7 H, 3 A)
Key Games: Feb.3 vs. Miami, Feb.5 vs. San Antonio, Feb. 24 vs. Oklahoma City
Analysis: With only 10 games in the month thanks to the All-Star break and 7 of those games at home this is the month for the Mavs to do some damage. The team will go nearly a month from Feb. 7 to March 5 with only one road game.
Predicted Record: 6-4

March
Games: 15 (8 H, 7 A)
Key Games: Mar. 7 vs. LA Clippers, Mar. 16 at Cleveland, Mar. 25 at Golden St.
Analysis: The Mavericks gets two looks at the defending champion Warriors and make their only trip to Cleveland. On the other end of the spectrum they will see Portland and Denver twice as well as Orlando, Detroit and the Knicks at home.
Predicted Record: 9-6

April
Games 7 (3 H, 4 A)
Key Games: Apr. 6 vs. Houston, Apr. 11 at Utah, Apr. 13 vs. San Antonio
Analysis: The Mavs close the season with a tough five stretch that includes four West playoff teams and a game at Utah. The Utah game could be very pivotal in the race for the West's final playoff spots.
Predicted Record: 4-3

Final Record: 45-37, 8th place in the Western Confernence

Predicted Team Leaders
Points Per Game: Dirk Nowitzki, 17.5
Rebounds Per Game: Zaza Pachulia, 7.0
Assists Per Game: Deron Williams, 6.8
Steals Per Game: Wesley Matthews, 1.25
Blocks Per Game: JaVale McGee, 1.42
Minutes Per Game: Wesley Matthews, 33.5