3 Keys as the Dallas Mavericks Head to Rip City to Take on the Trail Blazers

After getting off to a blazing hot start in 2017, the Dallas Mavericks look to continue streaking versus Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Dallas Mavericks are surging lately after a poor start to the season, winning 8 of their last 11 and 3 in a row. Thanks to Dirk Nowitzki‘s solid play at center and the discovery of Yogi Ferrell, the Mavs are looking like a team that could sneak into the 8th seed of the playoffs.

The Portland Trail Blazers have also been playing better as of late, winning half of their last 10 including a convincing win over the Hornets on Tuesday. Damian Lillard has been on a tear after getting snubbed for the All-Star game yet again, and C.J. McCollum is still shooting at a very high clip.

Here are 3 keys to tonights matchup.

Feb 7, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Trail Blazers 111-101 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Slow Down Damian Lillard

With the Blazers, the game plan has to be centered around Lillard. He is what makes the Portland offense tick. Averaging 26.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, Lillard is one of the toughest matchups in the league.

Look for Wesley Matthews to likely spend some time assigned to Lillard after he did a stellar job in the Mavs last trip to Portland.

Also, new point guard sensation Yogi Ferrell should have some time guarding Lillard. He did a solid job when assigned to Kyrie Irving in the Mavs trumping of the Cavaliers, and will look to continue this trend tonight.

Nov 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) grabs the ball in front of Portland Trail Blazers forward Mason Plumlee (24) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Be Active on the Defensive Glass

The Mavs are not a great rebounding team, currently ranked dead last in the NBA in both total rebounds and defensive rebounding. This is due in part to Dallas’ very slow pace, but nonetheless it is a weakness.

Portland touts a number of big men who can crash the offensive glass hard in Mason Plumlee, Meyers Leonard, and Ed Davis. Coupled with the numerous 3 point shooters on the Blazers, and this creates a deadly combo. With Dirk likely playing most of the game at center, the Mavs will need to have a balanced rebounding effort.

Dec 21, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) looks to pass around Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Have a Balanced Scoring Effort

Portland has a slew of athletic, long, gritty defenders. Led by Al-Farouq Aminu and Allen Crabbe, the Trail Blazers have the capability to give the Mavs leading scorer, Harrison Barnes, fits all night. With Barnes likely not having a great game, the rest of the Mavs need to help out. Seth Curry has been fantastic lately, averaging about 15 points per game since being thrust into the starting lineup. Wes Matthews, Yogi Ferrell, and Dirk will need to get some buckets as well for Dallas to keep up with the high-octane Portland offense.

Luckily, that won’t be too difficult as the Blazers are on of the worst defensive teams in the league. Overall this is a very winnable game and one that Dallas needs to win, as Portland sits at the coveted 8th seed just 2.5 games ahead of the Mavs.

The Mavs and Blazers tip-off late at 9:30 CT on ESPN. Follow @thesmokingcuban on twitter for live tweeting and in-game analysis.

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