Mavs upcoming schedule

[Murphy3]

at Rockets 8-11
at Bulls 3-13
Warriors 5-13
Hawks 3-15
at Knicks 9-9
at Hawks 3-15
at Nuggets 11-7
Celtics 7-10
Bucks 5-11
Lakers 10-8
Pacers 10-8
Rockets 8-11
at Spurs 16-4
Nets 5-13
Wizards 10-6
Clippers 11-7
at Bobcats 4-12
Nuggets 11-7
at Clippers 11-7
at Trail Blazers 8-8
76ers 6-12

The total record so far......
164-207
44% winning percentage.

Fools gold teams..
The Clippers are much improved, but their quick start is littered with wins over bad teams.

Any team in the East with an above .500 record on the Mavs upcoming schedule....Washington is much improved, but the Mavs SHOULD beat them every time they play. The Knicks are sitting at .500. Is anyone scared of the Knicks? Once again, it's a game the Mavsmust win.


Teams to watch out for...
Any Western Conference team with a record at or above .500. The West is loaded and virtually every team can play. Team's like the Blazers and the Lakerscan upset you in any game. But, if the Mavs want to take advantage of the schedule, they better win almost every game against any team like this during this stretch. Also, Houston is bound to put it together at some point even though the construction of the team is flawed.

Additional info:

Games against weak Eastern Conference teams during this 21 game stretch:
Bulls 3-13
Hawks 3-15
at Hawks 3-15
Celtics 7-10
Bucks 5-11
Pacers 10-8
Nets 5-13
at Bobcats 4-12
76ers 6-12


Additional games against mediocre Eastern Conference teams:
Knicks 9-9
Wiz 10-6



The Mavs need to go at least 17-4 through that stretch. They're finally starting to get healthy and this by far the easiest stretch of their season. That being said, 20-1 is not out of the question.

If the Mavs can manage 17-4, they will at least be sitting at: 30-12...that is, if they lose to the Sonics. For a 55 win season, the Mavs would need to go 25 and 15 over the final 40 games. With the Mavs tough schedule towards the end of the year, that would be difficult but definitely possible.

That being said, I'm shooting for a 32-10 record after the stretch with the Mavs posting a 18-3 record over that stretch AND adding a win tonight versus the Sonics.

[kg_veteran]

Nice analysis.

This is by far the easiest stretch of the season. If you were to look at it from a Vegas handicapper's standpoint, I can only see three games on that list where the Mavs won't be favored. Thus, 18-3 seems like a pretty reasonable prediction.

[Murphy3]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran
Nice analysis.

This is by far the easiest stretch of the season. If you were to look at it from a Vegas handicapper's standpoint, I can only see three games on that list where the Mavs won't be favored. Thus, 18-3 seems like a pretty reasonable prediction.

At denver
At spurs
At clippers?

With Fin back, hopefully the Mavs can become the team that we've all been hoping to see. What has been missing? Assists and missed jumpers. Well, the two kinda go hand and hand together to an extent. Obviously, if the Mavs could hit an open jumper, they would at least appear to be a much better passing team assist wise.

Plus, adding an outside shooter should loosen up the inside for everyone else. You get defenders flying at Finley, that makes it easier for him to dish to a cutter that suddenly has a clearer lane AND it also opens up the offensive glass even more.

[V2M]

The schedule certainly looks friendly for the next 20 or so games. Hope we take advantage of it to iron out any kinks in the system and get going full-speed for the final stretch run after the all-star game.

[JLEEHASMUCHGAME]

I really hope the mavs can play that well over that stretch of games. It certainly is not out of the realm of possiblity, but it depends on if the mavs show the ability to take care of business against some of the weaker teams on their schedule. That being said, I would be extremely happy if the mavs posted a 17-4 record over that strech.

[sike]

kg said: Thus, 18-3 seems like a pretty reasonable prediction.

nice [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

you get two gold stars, kg, one for such an unbelievably (though I assume meant as comical) optimistic prediction, and the other for using “thus” in a sentence.

[Murphy3]

Originally posted by: sike

nice [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

you get two gold stars, kg, one for such an unbelievably (though I assume meant as comical) optimistic prediction, and the other for using “thus” in a sentence.

I don't think it's an unbelievably optimistic prediction. It's the Mavs winning the games that they 'should' win and losing the games that they 'should' lose. Obviously, you're not going to win every game that Vegas would predict you to lose and you're not going to LOSE every game that Vegas predicts you to lose.

[kg_veteran]

At denver
At spurs
At clippers?

Those are the three, with the obvious caveat that the Mavs might actually be favored against the Clippers by the time that game rolls around, depending upon whether the Clippers are able to keep up their somewhat surprising start.

you get two gold stars, kg, one for such an unbelievably (though I assume meant as comical) optimistic prediction, and the other for using “thus” in a sentence.

Optimistic would be a 20-1 prediction.

I look at 10 of those games as easy wins. Of the remaining 11, I'll be really disappointed if they don't go at least 6-5. Thus, a pessimistic prediction would be 16-5, a fairly achievable and realistic prediction would be 18-3, and a big-time optimist would put them at 20-1.

[Murphy3]

I would be disappointed with 16-5. In my opinion, 17-4 is a must.

[StrikerV]

Maybe Nellie should have 3 hour passing practices [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

[The Crippler]

i know you are joking striker, but better ball movement and this team easily goes 18-3 over that stretch.

[Murphy3]

The Mavs took care of business in game 1 of the 21 game stretch with by stomping the Rockets....

1 win down and 16 to go. The Mavs should win their next 5. I will be disappointed if they lose in any of these next games:
@ Bulls
Warriors
Hawks
@Knicks
@Hawks

After that, here comes one of only 3-4 real tests on the schedule for the next couple of months. The Mavs will travel to Denver to end a three game road stand. However, the Mavs will have 3 days off before the game and they should be ready for some revenge after a big loss early in the season.

[Waschdel]

This thread is a real juwel because it contains a scarce commodity that most of the other ones are missing - optimism based on probabilities (a better foundation-stone than hope alone) . It might stand for a turningpoint as well. From my point of view the win in Houston shows more than another example for the ups and downs the Mavs have gone through in the last month, because:
- Finley found his rhythm faster than a homer could have dreamed of
- they pushed the ball well and had a considerable number of assists
- Damp seems to improve and adjust with every game he plays
- Dirk has fulfilled all expectations and there is no reason, why he shouldn`t continue to do so
- Mavs get healthier now and with all the bad luck they´ve already had things can only get better
If Murphy and KG are right with their forecasts the Mavs might have a record like 31-12 after the next 20 games. The regular season is long and I think that most of the other contenders will have their citical moments as well. Allthough the Sonics and the Suns have a better record right now, the Spurs are the team to beat. So the Mavs should be in a good position to finish at the 4th place.

[Murphy3]

2-0

[PepperTheMavsFan41]

The Mavs very well may have played the Hardest schedule in the NBA, in return here is who the Suns have played


True Phx is 17-3 or whatever, but heres been their schedule.

Atlanta, NJ (twice), Chicago (twice), Cleveland (twice), Sac, Dallas (Terry/Damp hurt, no Fin), NOH (twice), LAL (twice), LAC, Milwaukee, Utah (no AK), Minny, Portland, GSW, and Charlotte.

That must be one of the easiest schedules any team's played to this point.


Soft. THey are no 18-3 team.

[dude1394]

From USAToday Sagarin Ratings..

Phoenix Strength of Schedule : 29th
Dallas : 5th

[Waschdel]

7 - 2 right now. Despite the disappointing losses against the Warriors and at Atlanta Mavs are still in a good position to finish that stretch at 17-4 or 16-5. If they stop laying eggs at home, the game at the Spurs will be quite decisive for the final result of the stretch. If they´ll find a way to win at SA the "realistic predicition" of 18 - 3 is not out of reach.

[Waschdel]

7 - 2 right now. Despite the disappointing losses against the Warriors and at Atlanta Mavs are still in a good position to finish that stretch at 17-4 or 16-5. If they stop laying eggs at home, the game at the Spurs will be quite decisive for the final result of the stretch. If they´ll find a way to win at SA the "realistic predicition" of 18 - 3 is not out of reach.

[Murphy3]

Originally posted by: Murphy3
I would be disappointed with 16-5. In my opinion, 17-4 is a must.

The Mavs need to go 10-2...
Perhaps they lose to San Antonio and win one/lose one against the Lakers and Pacers.

[Murphy3]

Originally posted by: Murphy3
I would be disappointed with 16-5. In my opinion, 17-4 is a must.

The Mavs need to go 10-2...
Perhaps they lose to San Antonio and win one/lose one against the Lakers and Pacers.

[vinnieponte]

anyone want to bet on a loss to san antonio?? I'll give you 5 points....hell 10....lol

[vinnieponte]

anyone want to bet on a loss to san antonio?? I'll give you 5 points....hell 10....lol

[kg_veteran]

If the Mavs put together three more wins in a row (LA, Indy, Houston), I think they'll have pretty good momentum headed down to San Antonio. I don't know whether that translates into a win or not, but the Mavs should have a chance there.

[kg_veteran]

If the Mavs put together three more wins in a row (LA, Indy, Houston), I think they'll have pretty good momentum headed down to San Antonio. I don't know whether that translates into a win or not, but the Mavs should have a chance there.

[The Miles]

I agree, that is a good warmup stretch for the Spurs, especially the game against Jermaine O'Neal.

I look forward to this Lakers game though, it should be fun for me.

[The Miles]

I agree, that is a good warmup stretch for the Spurs, especially the game against Jermaine O'Neal.

I look forward to this Lakers game though, it should be fun for me.

[TheBaron]

matchups are pretty good for the Lakers, although I don't see Damp playing more than 25minutes because other than Mihm who Nowitzki can take, there really isnt anyone of note at the center position until Divac gets back. Finley's always been pretty good at stopping Caron. Dirk will eat Mihm alive. Howard may get a nice shot to interrupt Kobe if he isnt called to put his length and athleticism on Odom

Indiana and San Antonio may be the only really tough competitors we face in the next 10.

[TheBaron]

matchups are pretty good for the Lakers, although I don't see Damp playing more than 25minutes because other than Mihm who Nowitzki can take, there really isnt anyone of note at the center position until Divac gets back. Finley's always been pretty good at stopping Caron. Dirk will eat Mihm alive. Howard may get a nice shot to interrupt Kobe if he isnt called to put his length and athleticism on Odom

Indiana and San Antonio may be the only really tough competitors we face in the next 10.

[Murphy3]

If the Lakers don't have anyone at the center spot of note other than Mihm, then make them pay by dumping it down to Damp who should be able to get good position.

[Murphy3]

If the Lakers don't have anyone at the center spot of note other than Mihm, then make them pay by dumping it down to Damp who should be able to get good position.

[dude1394]

I agree murph.... That IS one thing that damp can do and that is go right through smaller guys.

[Murphy3]

I know Nellie is credited with being a great matchup guy....something I really don't agree with...but, this will be an obvious opportunity to exploit a huge mismatch. Damp should go for at least 15 points.

[FilthyFinMavs]

The Lakers game will be interesting because I believe the x factor that game is Lamar Odom. Off the top of my head I can't think of anyone on this team who can keep up with him other than Josh and I hope he has the assignment of Kobe.

[Murphy3]

The Mavs should kill the Lakers inside.

[TheBaron]

I can really see Nellie putting Finley on Atkins and Terry on Bryant until Bryant takes advantage of Terry and Terry bops out of the game so we can play without a point guard.

[kg_veteran]

The matchups are going to be:

Terry covering Atkins
Finley covering Butler
Howard covering Bryant
Nowitzki covering Odom
Dampier covering Mihm

The Mavs will just have to give Dirk help to keep him out of foul trouble. Plus, last time I checked Odom will have to guard Dirk.

[Murphy3]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran
The matchups are going to be:

Terry covering Atkins
Finley covering Butler
Howard covering Bryant
Nowitzki covering Odom
Dampier covering Mihm

The Mavs will just have to give Dirk help to keep him out of foul trouble. Plus, last time I checked Odom will have to guard Dirk.

Ouch, my bad. I forgot that the Lakers were playing Odom out of position. The Mavs need to destroy the Lakers inside.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: Murphy3

Ouch, my bad. I forgot that the Lakers were playing Odom out of position. The Mavs need to destroy the Lakers inside.

Odom gave Dirk some problems last season in the 2 games against Miami. Then again, I think our team defense is much improved this season.

I don't think you gameplan around Lamar Odom.

[Murphy3]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran

Odom gave Dirk some problems last season in the 2 games against Miami. Then again, I think our team defense is much improved this season.

I don't think you gameplan around Lamar Odom.

He's made himself into one hell of a defensive rebounder. Perhaps he'll eventually make his way into a PF. But no, I don't think you gameplan around the guy. Perhaps you would a bit if Kobe would let the guy have some shots.

[TheBaron]

If Odom gives us problems, then we'll put Howard on him and guard Kobe by a commitee of Finley and Stackhouse. I'm not too worried but Odom is a guy you want a bigger and/or more athletic small forward or a more agile power forward on. Henderson doesnt fit that description and Dirk hasnt done a great job on him.