OKC Thunder host Dallas Mavericks in NYE contest – preview

Keys to the game:

As mentioned, the Mavericks are incredibly good offensively. They are third in the league in points per game with 117.5. They have managed to achieve this by being second in the league in 3-point attempts (41.1) and makes (15.2). This has given them a percentage of 36.9 which is good for fifth in the league.

In an incredible symmetry, the Thunder are second in the league for 3-point attempts against (30.5) and makes against (10.2). This equates to Dallas ranking fifth for 3-point percentage against.

Another reason for the success of the Mavericks is they take care of the ball. They turn the ball over the least in the NBA with only 12.9 turnovers per game. In addition, they also rebound the ball exceptionally well. They sit third in the NBA for both defensive rebounds (37.5) and total rebounds (48.1) per game.

Matchup battles occur all across the floor. Steven Adams will have his hands full trying to curtail the Mavericks big men. Porzingis is also a matchup nightmare as he tends to play the power forward position at 7’3″ and his shooting range causes issues on defense.

The key matchup for the night is  Doncic and Terrance Ferguson. The OKC Thunder wing has taken on some of the best in the game and held his own, however, Doncic is one of the toughest tests of the season.