Howlin' T-Wolf

Timberwolves: 11-38

Mavericks: 31-18

The Wolves are coming off a loooong week of practice and I’m guessing that they will be eager to get back into game mode. Will their anxious feelings lead to sloppy play and inefficiency? I sure hope not. The Wolves are on a two game win streak, the second streak this year, but are going up against a strong Mavericks squad. The Mavs are third in the western conference and are very efficient on both ends of the floor. Andre Miller of the Portland Trailblazers dropped 52 on them last Saturday and Rob Mahoney of The Two Man Game has been haunted ever since, writing about Miller’s heroic effort as well as the Mav’s poor effort that day. They even gave up 46 to Monta Ellis in their win against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. The Wolves clearly don’t have someone that will put up 50 in a game but I don’t think we will need it either. Defense has been the focal point of practice this week, so we’ll see if that extra work transfers into the game. We will need to play stifling defense in order to win tonight and compensate for not having that 50-a-game guy. Get in the Mavs’ faces and get them angry and off balanced. It will be our best chance at coming out with a three-game win streak under our belts. The offense has looked good the past few games anyways and Kevin Love’s production off the bench is a major boost. I’m assuming Hollins will start tonight and his play will be crucial as well. Lets attack the basket as Erick Dampier may not be able to play, so the lane will be open.

Match-ups:

Point Guard:

Jonny Flynn vs. Jason Kidd

Kidd is a one of the true pass first points guards with a great shot left in this league. Flynn’s play looked considerably better before the break, so I’m intrigued by this match-up. Kidd’s production is down this year, probably due to his age, but you can’t sleep on him. He is a true competitor and if Flynn’s not careful, he will make Flynn look absolutely silly.

Advantage: Dallas

Shooting Guard:

Corey Brewer vs. Jason Terry

This is a fun match-up. Terry, a.k.a. The Jet, is a streaky shooter who has a tendency to heat up in key situations. Again, his age has gotten in the way this season but he can light up the scoreboard on any given basis. Brewer is finding is shot, finally. But it has truly boosted the Wolves play as a team to have a scorer to somewhat rely on. We could really use another 20 points from him tonight and is defensive ability will pose as an issue to The Jet’s game.

Advantage: Minnesota

Small Forward:

Ryan Gomes vs. Shawn Marion

I’m assuming Gomes will start again tonight and it’s safe to say he will have his hands full with Shawn Marion and Josh Howard. Both can score at will and enjoy slashing to the hoop. Gomes isn’t that quick going side-to-side, so these guys could very well pass by Gomes with ease. I would like to see Gomes keep up his production on the offensive end and continue his double-digits scoring streak to five games. But otherwise, I’m not sure if Gomes will match them both on offense and slow them down on defense.

Advantage: Dallas

Power Forward:

Al Jefferson vs. Eduardo Najera

The frontcourt match-ups might not be exactly on because anything can change. With this lineup, Jefferson is back at his natural position while Hollins will be playing as a true center. Now, if this really is the match-up for tonight, I give it to Jefferson, easily. Also, I don’t like you Najera. He just has something about his game that I don’t like to watch. Quickly, I would like to add that I’m excited to see the difference that Kevin Love makes in this one off the bench. His career high 25 points on Sunday was no fluke, therefore he and Al could pose as serious threats to the Mavs’ winning chances tonight.

Advantage: Minnesota

Center:

Ryan Hollins vs. Dirk Nowitzki

Again, the frontcourt match-ups may be screwy but stick with me here. Dirk will have Hollins pleading for less playing time when Dirk is on the court. Dirk will shoot from everywhere on the court and is what makes this offense run. Hollins’ play has improved yes, but does anyone truly think he can hang with Dirk’s 25.1 points per game? Didn’t think so.

Advantage: Dallas