Dallas Mavericks vs Portland

Blazers wants to keep their hopes for the Playoffs alive with a victory over the Mavericks. Blazers have been in 11th place, with 3.5 fewer wins than eighth Nuggets, who keep the ultimate ticket of postseason. From the day coach Nate McMillan was fired and Kaleb Canales took over, they have 6-6 record, and completed a set of three home games with two wins, beating Nets by 101-88 after losing against Jazz (102-97). LaMarcus Aldridge surpassed 20 points for the fourth consecutive game, scoring 24, while Nicolas Batum scored 20 points and 10 rebounds. Two away games for Blazers now, after Dallas they play tomorrow in Milwaukee, however, they are weak year away from home with 7-19 record, and in 27 visits to Dallas, 23 have been defeats, including this year defeat with 97-94 on 11 February. In that game, Aldridge scored 33 points, but the Mavericks scored with five players in double figures, with Dirk Nowitzki having 20 points and Jason Terry 19.



Mavericks are also unstable this season. Yesterday they overcame the heavy home defeat by Clippers with a win over Grizzlies by 95-85, and captured the fifth place in the West rankings. Shawn Marion managed to score 16 points, while Nowitzki recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds. Main PG of Dallas, Jason Kidd, is out with adductor problem, while for Blazers Elliot Williams and Shawne Williams remaining long term absents.