GAME THREAD: Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers

WHO: Dallas Mavericks @ Cleveland Cavaliers

WHAT: An early start against the surging Cavs.

WHEN: 5:00pm Central

WHERE: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH

HOW: Fox Sports Southwest or NBATV

THE STORY: Tonight the Dallas Mavericks face the Cleveland Cavaliers, with each team jockeying for position at opposite ends of the standings. After much hand-wringing and seemingly endless drama and setbacks, the Cavaliers have been making a push to secure home court in the first round of the playoffs. LeBron James has been in vintage form lately, breaking NBA records and securing solid wins over Eastern Conference competitors like the Raptors.

On the other side, the Mavericks will head to Cleveland after an incredibly close loss to the flagging Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mavericks were able to play the old-look Cavaliers surprisingly close in the teams’ last battle back in November, but both teams look a bit different tonight, with the Mavericks missing defensive anchor Wesley Matthews, as well as Salah Mejri and J.J. Barea.

But, the Mavericks have shown a uncanny ability compete (if not to win) this season, so expect a hard fought match regardless.