Mavericks vs. Bucks: Game 31 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (17-13) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (12-19)
Mon. Dec. 28, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 6 1/2
  
2014-15 Matchups
Dec. 3 at Milwaukee
Mavs 107 Bucks 105
Dec. 7 at Dallas
Mavs 125 Bucks 102

All-Time Series
Bucks 37 Mavs 30

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 105.2 (13th)
Def. Rating: 104.8 (15th)
Point Differential: +0.4
Bucks
Offense: 102.3 (25th)
Defense: 108.6 (28th)
Point Differential: -5.9


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: J.J. Barea
SG: Raymond Felton
SF: Wesley Matthews
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Bucks
PG: Michael Carter-Williams
SG: Khris Middleton
SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF: Jabari Parker
C: Greg Monroe

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.4
RPG: Pachulia, 10.4
APG: Williams, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 21.5
Bucks
PPG: Monroe, 15.8
RPG: Monroe, 9.6
APG: Carter-Williams, 5.4
PER: Monroe, 22.3

Of Note

• Deron Williams, who has missed the last two games with a strained left hamstring, is still considered day-to-day and is listed as questionable to play.
• Bucks coach and former Maverick Jason Kidd is out right now following hip surgery. Former Maverick assistant coach Joe Prunty is coaching the team in the interim.
• Zaza Pachulia spent the previous two seasons in Milwaukee, including starting at center for last year's playoff team. Zaza's 16 double-doubles this season are more than the 15 he had all of last season.
• The Bucks are off to a disappointing start after last year's surprise season, but they did hand the Warriors there only loss on Dec. 12
• The Mavericks have a worse all-time winning percentage (.448%) against the Bucks than any Eastern Conference opponent. However they have won the last five games in the in the series.