Mavericks -5 vs. Wizards

Thrashers 4  Maple Leafs 3

Record: 2-0

The Dallas Mavericks will need to play some defense if they want to cover against the Washington Wizards.

The Mavs have not been defending well, as they have given up 106.6 points per game since Jan. 3. This is a huge number that the Mavs know must go down if they want success tonight. The play the Wizards who are looking for a 3 game win streak for the first time in two years. The Mavs have a good road record at 14-7 while the Wizards struggle everywhere, and at home they are 8-11.

I think the key to this game for the Mavs is to play smart and not give up on defense. They limited the Boston Celtics to 90 points in their 9 point win on Martin Luther King Day, and they will have to duplicate that defensive effort for success and a cover tonight.

Jason Kidd has looked pretty good the last few games on offense knocking down open shots and not turning the ball over in the open court. Dirk Nowitzki is a machine, and arguably has the greatest jumper by a big man ever to play the game. I thought this line would be higher but since the Mavs have been struggling on defense and the Wizards are as hot as they ever will be, take the Mavs as a gift.