Dallas Mavericks Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAWESTERN CONFERENCESouthwest DivisionDallas Mavericks

Oct 17

Our Dallas Mavericks preview 2021 observes that the last time this team was competitive in the postseason was 2011. That year, the Mavs won the NBA title, beating the Miami Heat in six games. Although over the past decade Dallas has been to the playoffs six times, they have never made it past the initial round. Last year, the Dallas Mavericks (42-30) finished first in the Southwest and fifth in the West. The LA Clippers defeated them in Round One four game to three. This season, we expect Dallas will be highly competitive. At least in the regular season.

Mavericks Frontcourt

At power forward, Kristaps Porzingis is solid on offense and defense. Last season, he averaged 20.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 1.3 BPG. However, injuries have been an issue. In 2020-2021, he appeared in just 43 games. Our Dallas Mavericks preview 2021 notes that last season seven-year vet Dwight Powell saw his numbers and playing time decline. However, Powell, who last year averaged 16.6 MPG, 5.9 PPG, and 4.0 RPG, will likely see more playing time this season. Last season, Max Kleber, who can play either center or power forward, became the starter, averaging 26.8 MPG, 7.1 PPG, and 5.2 RPG. One important note, Powell hit 61.9 percent of his field goals while Kleber, was good on just 42.2 percent. Powell will start and Kleber will substitute at center and the power position.

Last season, Dorian Finney-Smith, a five-year veteran and workhorse, averaged 32 MPG while scoring 9.8 PPG and grabbing 5.4 RPG. He posted a career-high three-point shooting percentage of 39.4 and also made a career-high 119 threes. Finney-Smith is also a solid defender. Reggie Bullock, who started 64 games for the Knicks last season, backs up. Averaging 30 MPG, he was good for 10.9 PPG and 3.4 RPG.

Dallas Mavericks Preview – Backcourt

The Dallas guards are some of the best in the league. At point, former NBA Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic is an all-around premium player. Last season, he started 66 games, playing 34.3 MPG and averaging 27.7 PPG. He shot 47.9 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from beyond the arc. Plus, Doncic was good for 8.6 APG, 8.0 RPG and 1.0 SPG. Jalen Brunson, who set career highs last season with 12.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, 3.4 RPG, .523 FG%, and .405 3PT%, is a prime backup and sound starter. He appeared in a team-high 68 games last season.

Playing in 70 games last season and averaging 28.4 MPG, shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. was good on 39.1 percent of his threes and 44.7 percent of his field goals. Averaging 16.6 PPG, he finished eighth in the NBA in 3PTM (207). He’s a scoring machine but lacks defensive chops. Look for Bullock and Brunson to offer relief.