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Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Game Thread

Both teams are fighting for the their playoff lives. They both need a win to keep pace with the suddenly hot Utah Jazz.

By Kevin Nesgoda
Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Matchup Preview | April 2, 2013
@
Dallas Mavericks
(36-37, 14-22 Away) 		Los Angeles Lakers
(38-36, 23-12 Home)
Stats Comparison
101.4 Points Per Game 102.4
102.2 PPG Allowed 101.5
46.1 Field Goal % 45.8
79.4 Free Throw % 68.8
37.3 3-Point % 35.8
41.8 Rebounds 44.7
5.44 Blocks 5.16
7.92 Steals 7.12
13.7 Turnovers 14.7
Projected Starters
Darren Collison Point Guard Steve Nash
OJ Mayo Shooting Guard Jodie Meeks
Shawn Marion Small Forward Kobe Bryant
Dirk Nowitzki Power Forward Pau Gasol
Bernard James Center Dwight Howard
Game Notes

The Mavericks and Lakers enter this game each trailing the Utah Jazz for the eighth and final place for the Western Conference Playoffs. Both teams had been leading the slumping Jazz at various points in the last couple of weeks for the final spot, but both have been trading wins and losses recently to allow Utah to get back in the mix. Staples Center is going to be alive for this game. You know Kobe is going to bring it and Dirk is going to bring it. Game comes down to the role players, but Lakers are missing their best and most versatile perimeter defender in Metta World Peace.

I have a feeling the refs are going to decide this one and in favor for the Lakers. The NBA really needs the Lakers in the playoffs.

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