MATCHUP OF THE GAME

Just going by the eye test, it feels like to me, Jason Thompson has actually done a pretty good job defending Dirk Nowitzki throughout his career.  The numbers from the last three years seem to back that up:  Dirk has averaged just 15.7 points on just 41% from the field.  In fact, Dirk hasn't scored more than 18 points against the Kings since Dec. 4th, 2010.  It also should be noted that the Kings have lost 6 of those 9 matches, so stopping Dirk isn't the only thing the Kings need to worry about, although I like our chances a lot better if Dirk isn't putting up his usual Dirk numbers.

3 THINGS

PRE-GAME HAIKU

PREDICTION

Kings 0, Mavericks 0 as DeMarcus Cousins, unable to play, comes out and sets the court on fire. Literally.  Surprisingly he was not arrested for arson but he did get whistled for a technical foul.  Dallas was unable to take the free throw, because again, the court was on fire.