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Dallas Mavericks: An important upcoming 5 game stretch

By Adithya Prabakaran

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Center on November 26, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Center on November 26, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 29: Jae Crowder #99 of the Memphis Grizzlies is consoled by teammate Brandon Clarke #15 after Crowder was ejected from the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2020 in New York City.The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 127-106.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 29: Jae Crowder #99 of the Memphis Grizzlies is consoled by teammate Brandon Clarke #15 after Crowder was ejected from the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2020 in New York City.The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 127-106.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Memphis Grizzlies (24-25)

Dallas has beat Memphis once this season, however, that game took place in November. A lot has changed since then.

In that span, Ja Morant has emerged as a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate, Jaren Jackson Jr has started to show off the potential that made him a highly sought after prospect coming out of Michigan State, guard Dillon Brooks has become a knockdown shooter, and center Jonas Valanciunas is playing like his best self. I also haven’t mentioned rookie Brandon Clarke or that Memphis is currently the eight seed after starting the season 2-7.

The Grizzlies have won 4 of their last 5 games beating teams like the Nuggets and Suns.

Perhaps the worst part of this game is that the game is taking place at the American Airlines Center where the Mavs have gone an uncharacteristic 13-12 this season. A team trending downward facing a team trending the opposite direction WHILE playing at an arena they aren’t playing well in is… not great.

Washington Wizards (16-31)

After the Grizzlies, the Mavericks will face the Wizards from Washington D.C. Dallas started off the season with a win against Washington, however, since then the Wizards have seen Bradley Beal put up career high numbers, Isaiah Thomas undergo a career revival, Ish Smith cement himself in the backcourt, forward Davis Bertans’ sweet shooting, and Thomas Bryant becoming a nightly double-double threat. With the Mavericks still trying to figure out their thin frontcourt, a combination of Bertans and Bryant could pose some trouble for them.

Much like the situation against Indiana, Beal should have a good game against a Dallas back court struggling to play defense against superstars. In addition, Dallas’ front court is lacking in depth. However, unlike the matchup against Indiana Dallas should be able to deal with the combination of Bryant and Bertans better as neither are as dominant as Sabonis and Turner and Washington does not currently have really good wing play.

Defensively, the team should have some more control in hopes they can stop Beal from putting on another show against them.

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