The Dallas Mavericks vs. The Denver Nuggets

The Dallas Mavericks vs. The Denver Nuggets

My score was a "little" off on the previous game, but Dirk wasn't playing - so I have an excuse. Still, the Mavs won, and that says something about the stardom about of Josh Howard. The Mavs have now clinched their division and have a magic number of two to clinch the conference (special thanks to the Spurs beating the Suns last night). Dallas has a record of 62-12 and to catch 70, would need to win the final 8 - which is possible, but most likely not going to happen due to resting of players once the conference is clinched. Denver is currently ranked 7th in the conference with a record of 38-36, a half game behind the Lakers and a game ahead of the Clippers.

Dirk will return to the lineup tonight in Denver. The Mavs played Denver on December 9th and won 105-90. They played again on New Years Eve and won 89-85. They played again on February 24th and won 115-95. A win tonight would be a sweep of the season series for the Mavs. The average margin of victory for the Mavs is 13 points against the Nuggets this season.

• Dirk Nowitzki has averaged 28 points, 6.5 assists, and 10 rebounds against Denver.
• Josh Howard has averaged 28.3 points, 2 blocks, and 10.3 rebounds against Denver.
• Jason Terry has averaged 18.3 points, 4 assists, and 1.67 steals against Denver.
• Jerry Stackhouse has averaged 16 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds against Denver.

Those four alone should put up some numbers, actually they add up to 90 points, 23 rebounds, 27 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. I haven't considered Devin Harris, another good scorer on the Mavs team. And then you have Dampier and Diop, who manage rebounds and blocks.

Now, let's look at the Denver Nuggets. We already know the history of this team vs. the Mavs, as shown above. I guess it is time to evaluate the players.

• Carmelo Anthony has averaged 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists against Dallas.
• Allen Iverson has averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.5 steals against Dallas.
• Marcus Camby has averaged 12 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists against Dallas.
• J.R. Smith has averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists against Dallas.

These four, added together, combine for 83 points, 29 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 steals. That would make for a great game - but it just goes to show who holds the overall edge. Dallas.

Forecast: Dallas completes the sweep. Bring your broom. 98-92.