Mavericks at Bucks: Game 37 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (21-15) at Milwaukee Bucks (14-23)
Fri.. Jan. 8, 7:00 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 1/2

2015-16 Matchups
Dec. 28 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Bucks 93

All-Time Series
Bucks 37 Mavs 31

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 105.3 (11th)
Def. Rating: 104.6 (15th)
Point Differential: +0.7
Bucks
Offense: 103.5 (24th)
Defense: 109.9 (30th)
Point Differential: -6.3

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
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, 17.3
RPG: Pachulia, 10.7
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 20.2
Bucks
PPG: Middleton, 16.6
RPG: Monroe, 9.5
APG: Carter-Williams, 5.7
PER: Monroe, 21.9

Of Note

• The game will feature the only two teams to beat the 33-2 Warriors this year. The Mavs downed Golden St. 114-91 on Dec. 30 while the Bucks handed the Warriors their first loss 108-95 on Dec. 12.
• In the last 2 games JaVale McGee has totaled 21 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks in 37 minutes of action.
• The game will mark Zaza Pachulia's return to Milwaukee after spending the previous two years with the Bucks. Last year with Zaza starting at center the Bucks had the 4th best defense in the league, this year without him they are dead last.
• The Mavs have won their last 6 games against the Bucks, including last year in Milwaukee on a Monta Ellis buzzer-beater.
• The Bradley Center was Wesley Matthews' home court during his 4 years of college at Marquette where he averaged 13.2 points per game including 18.3 as a senior.