Chickens on the Run: Game 9: Mavs vs. Magic

Say HELLO to Panic Mode. The Mavs are now 2-6 coming into this game and couldn't muster together a win right now to save their lives. And what is really strange is that they have some SOLID players... I wouldn't have been surprised if the Mavs were 6-2 at this point (or 7-1 for that matter), but to see 2-6 right now, dropping a game to the Bulls and Clippers... well, disappointed doesn't describe the way I am feeling right now.

Dallas is now in dead last in their division. Orlando is 5-3 and second in their division. The Magic are averaging just under 100 points a game while the Mavs are scoring 95.4 points a game. They are giving up just over 99 points a game. The Magic are giving up 93.5 points a game. So it would seem obvious to say that the Magic are going to get their 100 points tonight. What will the Mavs do on offense?

They get the lead early but can not seem to hold on to it. Why? Do they get comfortable and let the gaurd down? Could be. Do they lose heart when the other team gets a little hot? That could be it, too. Why do they drop games they should win? Could it be the new coach? Maybe. Are they playing as individuals instead of a team? It would appear so in some cases. It is very difficult to say what exactly is the problem, but there is a problem, that is for sure.

Magic to Watch:

Dwight Howard: 23.9 PPG; 15 RPG; 4.38 Blks
Hedo Turkoglu: 17.9 PPG
Rashard Lewis: 15.6; 6.6 RPG
Mickael Pietrus: 13.4 PPG
Jameer Nelson: 11.6 PPG; 5 APG

The main goal of this game for the Mavericks is this: Make Dwight Howard WORK for everything. And I do mean EVERYTHING. No easy shots. No easy rebounds. No easy blocks. Disrupt Howard, you disrupt the core of the Magic's offense.

Forecast: Mavericks lose this ugly. Seriously ugly. I'm talking about a game where the Magic simply DOMINATE the glass, dominate in the lane, and dominate on defense. This game will be a serious wake up call as to what are the problems for the Mavericks. I hope I'm wrong... but the score will be something like: 112-91, Magic.