Game 5: Mavs at Nuggets

The Dallas Mavericks come into this game riding high. They've just handed the Spurs an 0-3 record with a tromping in San Antonio. Denver just made a big trade and will get to show off tonight against Golden State just how good the trade they made really is... and when you give away AI, well, I personally think it's not that great of a trade, but time is the telling factor in any of these things.

In the NBA, however, you expect results immediately. We'll see.

I definitely like Jason Terry as a starter. Are they melding under the new coach? It's starting to look that way. And if they find the groove that works for them, well, then watch out...

Mavs grab 55 wins or more? Yes.

Home court in round one? Yes.

Western Conference Finals? I won't say just yet.

Nuggets looking at the lottery? Yes.

I had the pleasure of watching last night's Mavericks game. They way they were playing just seemed like they were relaxed and focused. And if they continue that throught the rest of this season, I wouldn't rule out 60 wins or more and a trip to the NBA Finals. I simply wouldn't. I do not expect them to play the rest of the season this well, but they have done that before... they have the talent. They can make it happen. Carlisle is looking like a genius.

Mavs to Watch:

• Jason Terry: 17 PPG; 4 APG
• Dirk Nowitzki: 23.8 PPG; 6.5 RPG; .625 3P%
• Jason Kidd: 8.5 PPG; 8.8 APG; 6.5 RPG
• Josh Howard: 18.5 PPG; 7.8 RPG; .517 FG%

Nuggets to Watch:

• Chauncey Billups: 12.5 PPG; 7.5 APG; 5 RBP
• Kenyon Martin: 16.3 PPG; 8 RPG
• JR Smith: 15.7 PPG; 6.3 RPG
• Carmelo Anthony: 13 PPG; 6 APG

Granted, the Nuggets numbers will change tonight... I may come back and update them, however, I am not holding my breath on that... this still gives a good snapshot of what they are capable of doing to an opponent. They have 6 players who average double digit points per game, which means they have a lot of tools available to them.

Forecast: I like the Mavericks in this one, and I am basing this off of how the Mavericks played against the Spurs. If they continue to play as a team and hustle like they did on Tuesday night, then not many teams can beat this Dallas team. Whatever heart the Mavericks have on any given night is going to determine how they finish the night out. Right now, the Mavericks have a lot of heart... And they will win this one 106-94.

Home Plate