Mavericks(15-9) @ Timberwolves(15-9) Thursday, Dec. 18 6:30 pm <u>Probable Starters</u> Steve Nash/Sam Cassell Tony Delk/Troy Hudson Antawn Jamison/Latrell Sprewell Antoine Walker/Kevin Garnett Dirk Nowitzki/Ervin Johnson Match-up overview Ervin Johnson vs. Dirk Nowitzki This is a mis-match. Dirk will take Ervin to school in this game. But something may stop him, he has two bad ankles. But even with two bad ankles, Dirk is quicker and will blow right by him. Look for Dirk to put up big numbers in this game. Kevin Garnett vs. Antoine Walker KG will take this one. Antoine's stats have been going down and he has never been able to play solid defense. How is he going to play defense against the arguably best player in the game today? Latrell Sprewell vs. Antawn Jamison This is one of the better matchups. There is no clear cut winner in this one. But I might have to give Jamison the edge in this one. He will post Sprewell up quite a bit because he just overpowers him. But on offense, Sprewell will have another good game. Troy Hudson vs. Tony Delk This might be Troy's first game back, and he always plays good against the Mavs. He might be a little rusty, but Delk isn't that great to start with, so expect Troy to at least score 10 points if he plays. Sam Cassell vs. Steve Nash Both are playing great basketball, both are great players. But I am going to give the edge to Sam here, because without a healthy Nowitzki, Nash won't have that many options to pass to. Sam on the other hand, has 3 other good players to pass to, and expect him to get 7+ assists a game. <u>Mavericks keys to the game</u> Mavericks must shut down KG at all costs. They must also control the boards and keep Garnett away from the glass. If they keep Garnett out of the game, they might have a shot to win this game. <u>Timberwolves keys to the game</u> Never let Dirk get hot. If Dirk doesn't get his three's going, he won't have anything else to do because of his ankles. And also, don't let their starters do much, try to make their bench get the work done. They don't have much of a bench right now, so making them score will be a key to the game. <u>Prediction for the game</u> Timberwolves 97 Mavericks 93
Timberwolves need this win. This could be THE game to set off a run for 1st in the midwest. Can't wait. Should be good.
It'll be fun watching them try to guard Garnett. Not only is Dirk a horrible defender, but that ankle is murdering him. Anyone see him hobbling last night vs the Celts? The Mavs should start Josh Howard, great replacement for Finley and one of the most overlooked rookies. Besides, I don't really think that Delk fits in there very well.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trail_Blazer76:</div><div class="quote_post">It'll be fun watching them try to guard Garnett. Not only is Dirk a horrible defender, but that ankle is murdering him. Anyone see him hobbling last night vs the Celts? The Mavs should start Josh Howard, great replacement for Finley and one of the most overlooked rookies. Besides, I don't really think that Delk fits in there very well.</div> yea he is hurting, but wasnt that his left ankle...walton pointed that out, and the ankle he hurt was his right, both his ankles are hurting him now i guess, that is crazy, and i think Josh Howard starts over Jamison...should be a real good game, the Twolves pull it out though, huge night for Garnett
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trail_Blazer76:</div><div class="quote_post"> The Mavs should start Josh Howard, great replacement for Finley and one of the most overlooked rookies. Besides, I don't really think that Delk fits in there very well.</div> Josh Howard is starting.Delk is barely playing nevermind starting.Dallas without Finley start Howard at SG.Walker at SF,Dirk at PF and Fortson at center.Normally I would pick the Wolves in this match-up at home but I don't see Dallas dropping two in a row.
Garnett is becoming a 3 point buzzer beat... hehe. Just a 1st quarter quarter buzzer beater, but Ill take it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Startellis:</div><div class="quote_post">pti how can i get pics in my sig</div> Hassell was a good late signing.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting allnet:</div><div class="quote_post"> Hassell was a good late signing.</div> Speaking of Oliver... when you see Fortson stand up against him... and you don't see much of a difference... you wonder why Fortson isnt critized for his wieght. Oh and he needs to shave that mess on the top of his head... he looked much more normal with the buzz.
Believe it or not It looks like Miller has lost some weight from the last time I saw him play.Maybe It's just me. Dirk is having another bad game.Must be still struggling with that injury.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting allnet:</div><div class="quote_post">Believe it or not It looks like Miller has lost some weight from the last time I saw him play.Maybe It's just me.</div> He has... but he clearly still needs some wieght loss to get extended minutes... He has had some good seasons in the NBA...
Garnett has his first triple double of the season... 35 pts, 10 rebs, 10 asts, and 2 stls and 2 blks to go along with it. Big win over the Mavs. Gary Trent was the deciding factor... season high 18 pts, and 7-7 (!!!) from the field. Wonderful game for the Wolves.
