Current Playoff Matchups

[LonestarROB]

Here's a little "Possible Playoff Matchups" article from the DMN on Why and Why Not we should face certain teams.


"POSSIBLE PLAYOFF MATCHUPS

A few reasons why the Mavericks do and do not want to face the five teams ahead of them in the Western Conference standings as opponents in the first round of the playoffs:


San Antonio

Why not: Tim Duncan is still tough to defend, and Derek Anderson has added a perimeter dimension that has scorched the Mavericks.
Why: The Spurs have struggled with run-and-gun teams like the Mavericks. And Dallas now matches up better with the Twin Towers now that they are playing a little "tall ball" of their own, with athletic-yet-big Juwan Howard.

Sacramento

Why not: Difficult opponent because of inside-outside versatility that includes Chris Webber and sharp-shooting Predrag Stojakovic. Also would be toughest Â* read: loudest - arena in which to play.
Why: Will be better with Howard defending Webber, and the Kings' uptempo style matches the Mavericks' own play. Kings have only has marginally more playoff experience than Mavericks.

Utah

Why not: John Stockton to Karl Malone still works well enough to scare any team, and Donyell Marshall is fitting in too well.
Why: Contrasting styles could allow the Mavericks to dictate the tempo Â* a faster-paced game with lots of scoring. Mavericks athleticism will provide problems.

LA Lakers

Why not: Shaquille O'Neal. The Mavericks still have no one to match with the center, and Hack-a-Shaq doesn't even work, anymore, as O'Neal made 11-of-15 free throws in the last clash.
Why: An LA-Dallas series would rekindle some of the warm, fuzzy feelings the teams have for each other. Despite the lopsided LA lead in wins, the games almost always are close and entertaining.

Portland

Why not: Depth is always the greatest concern against the Blazers, and Rasheed Wallace was tough for the pre-Juwan Howard Mavericks to defend.
Why: The Mavericks chemistry can top the Blazers' chemistry any day."

Sorce: DallasMoringNews