The Match-ups:
Point Guard
Jason Kidd: Jason like the rest of the Mavs Wednesday night had a subpar shooting night (not that any of us expect him to score a ton of points, but still), he did however have a solid night on the defensive end. It will be up to Jason to get this offense started. The Maverick offense has been very lethargic and downright maddening at times. Mr. Kidd is at his best when those around him are cutting to the basket, and the T-Wolves defense is awful. Look for Kidd and his mates to run and run often.
vs.
Jonny Flynn: Flynn the T-Wolves first round draft choice this year from Syracuse is a nice player, and he has gotten his NBA career off to a good start. Flynn comes into tonight's game averaging 15 pts., 3 assists, and 3 reb. Per contest. Jonny is a shoot first point guard who can create his own shot (this is a requirement to play in Minnesota). He has been a little careless with the ball however. On the flip side his defensive skills are pretty good as he creates almost as many turnovers on defense as he does when he has the ball.
Edge: Mavericks
Shooting Guard
Josh Howard, Rodrigue Beaubois: Josh continues to struggle with the health of his surgically repaired ankle. I would not be surprised if he does not sit out tonight's game. If Josh plays, look for the Mavs to use him sparingly and in short bursts. While the Mavs could really use his aggressive style and rebounding, the risk versus reward ratio is way off balance. If Howard cannot go look for Roddy B to get his second start (if Carlisle starts Barea instead I am gonna scream!)
vs.
Cory Brewer: Brewer has not been just exactly what the Wolves had hoped for when they selected him in the first round in 2007. While his point totals have risen this year (career 6.4, this year 11.8), it's mainly due to him simply being on the court longer. Brewers minutes have risen from 22minutes per, to 33 minutes per. As his field goal percentage is still hideous (38% career, 36% this year) the worst part about all this is he is worse on the defensive end. Brewer's opponents (based on 48 minutes) average 29.6 points per, against him.
Edge: Mavericks
Forward
Shawn Marion: 8 games 13 free throws, WTF?????????
vs.
Ryan Gomes: The T-Wolves version of Erick Dampier. Never know which Ryan will show up. Some nights Ryan goes for 12 and 12 and then he will go for 2 and 4, it is a crap shoot with him.
Edge: Mavericks
Power Forward
Dirk Nowitzki: Can you please find your jump shot? And can you please tell your teammates to stop standing around watching you work?
vs.
Al Jefferson, Ryan Hollins: Umm... yeah no chance
Edge: Mavericks
Center
Erick Dampier: One would have to assume that Dampier got an earful from his head coach after his poor performance against the Spurs. I would also assume that Dampier will draw the defensive assignment of Nathan Jawai, so look for a big night from Dampier unless Minnesota goes small.
vs.
Nathan Jawai: Let's just put it this way the Mavericks traded Jawai for "a conditional 2nd round pick in 2012", now while I like his physical attributes he is still very raw, make no mistake he is not Al Jefferson.
Edge:
Injuries/Suspensions
Minnesota T-Wolves
OUT - Kevin Love (broken hand)
OUT - Al Jefferson (family illness)
Dallas Mavericks
OUT - Tim Thomas (recovering from knee surgery)
OUT - Josh Howard (his ankle of course)
Prediction: This game should be a blowout and the blowout should start at the time of tip off, but something tells me this T-Wolves team will hang around for a bit before they bow out.
Mavericks- 113
Timberwolves - 90
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