BOLD PREDICTIONS: MAVS EDITION

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

BOLD PREDICTIONS: MAVS EDITION


1. JOSH GREEN WILL START BY CHRISTMAS - At this point, it honestly just makes sense. He's having career best averages almost across the board, has had a positive Plus/Minus in all 8 games, and is averaging 2.2 SP36. His minutes have been steadily creeping up from the mid-20s to over 20MPG last night and its cutting into Bullock's time on the court. Granted, Frank Ntilikina and Davis Bertans have yet to debut, I think ultimately if there is a trade for the Mavs this season, it will most undoubtablely include either Bullock and Hardaway, opening up a major path to minutes to Green.

2. SPENCER DINWIDDIE WILL AVERAGE OVER 20PPG THIS SEASON - He's already shown his ability to score with 4 of his 8 games being at or exceeding 20 points per game. I think this trend is here to stay. It's difficult to say if it's sustainable for Luka to continue to score 36 points per game all season, and Dinwiddie is pretty clearly the second best player on the team. His efficiency has been somewhat inconsistent but based on what we saw out of Kristaps and Brunson in the playoffs, there is room for a 20 PPG scorer on this team. Unless something drastic changes to where Kidd sees value in starting Wood, I think Dinwiddie flirts with 20 PPG all season.

3. MAVS TRADE FOR A BLOCKING SPECIALIST - Not one player on this team is averaging a block a game. The Mavs brought in McGee to be a defensive anchor and he lost his gig within 7 games. Kleber has taken a step back defensively, even though he's getting a sufficient amount of minutes (25.5 MPG), and guys like Wood and DFS have failed to make a major defensive impact. I'm not sure if the Mavs pursue Myles Turner, but he would be an excellent fit, as would Jakob Poeltl, Mo Bamba, and Daniel Gafford. There are some sleeper trades the Mavs could look at if they're healthy like Nerlens Noel and I think Jarred Vanderbilt could be a solid option down low as well.

4. MAVS TRADE FOR AN ADDITIONAL BALL HANDLER - This is the other need that the Mavs desperately need. They brought in Facu, but he's more of a locker room guy. He's played two games and they were both disasters. Frank Ntilikina will get a crack at it upon his return, but ultimately I could see the Mavs trying to get a guy like in a package trade for a big. Mike Conley would be the biggest name available, but smaller trades involving TJ McConnell, Cory Joseph, or Dennis Smith Jr could all be possibilities.

5. MAVS FINISH AS A TOP-2 SEED - I think the West will remain close. Timberwolves, Warriors, and Lakers sputtering early on has elevated teams like the Jazz, Pelicans, Spurs and Thunder to be in the playoff slots. Ultimately, I don't think the Trailblazers will remain a top team and really it could end up being a three-team race between Dallas, Phoenix, and Memphis for that top spot. There are dark horse teams like Denver and Clippers that will fight to claim that spot, but both have significant injury risks on their teams preventing them from moving up. This Dallas team seems to be getting better and the new line-ups and chemistry have been a major part of the 3-game winning streak. I don't think it's been the schedule because despite only 3 of the 5 wins being against +.500 teams, the sub-.500 teams are still dangerous teams. With Nets and Magic the next two games, both of which Dallas has already won, and the Wizards following, Dallas could be 8-3 by next weekend. Despite the strong records of the teams in the West, the West is not very strong this season and the Mavs have a major opportunity to find themselves as a top contending team.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2022]

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DALLAS SUMMER LEAGUE

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS: DALLAS SUMMER LEAGUE PROSPECTS: Derrick Alston Jr - SF/PF - A solid G-League prospect that averaged close to 20 PPG and some potential as a stretch shooter from the 4-spot. He is an above average passer and a good free throw shooter. From the eye test he does not appear to be an explosive athlete but he's a hard finisher and is often relied on to defend multiple positions. He could be useful down the line, but I don't see him being able to get minutes on a competing team. Grade: C- Marcus Bingham Jr - C/PF - Outside of Hardy, he might be the crowned jewel of this group. He's a true 7-footer, came from a solid college program, and showed improvement every year at Michigan State. His defense is much further along than his offense, but his efficiency has improved over time and he's added a 3-ball to his game. Foul trouble will be a major concern, but I think he could be a bench big within a year or two. His block rate is outstanding and I think if h...
Read more
UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS: CAN THE PELICANS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS? This article comes in the midst of the Pelicans being on a 4-game win streak. The Kings which got hot, finally ended their streak. Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Rockets seems to be in a slump. I wouldn't say the door is open for them, but there's at least a window. What has propelled this team? A lot. Let's start with the obvious. Zion and Ingram have played very well. During the win streak, Zion has scored 23.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.8 APG, and 1.3 BPG. Ingram has averaged 25.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.8 APG, and 1.8 BPG. While these numbers don't jump off the page, what's interesting from both players is the increased amount of passing. Everyone on these team seems to be getting involved in the offense, nobody on this team is selfish, and it's just a group effort in every facet of the game. The next player that has done phenomenal has been Lonzo Ball. He's almost the forgotten Ball brother since his younger brother, La...
Read more
UPYSDE SPORTS PRESENTS: Addressing the Viability of a Kristaps Trade: I myself, have been very critical of Kristaps. Ranging from his health, finding him overrated as a shooter, not assertive enough on offense, and feeling that his defensive stats are empty. Obviously, I can see his upside, it's the name of my blog, but I feel like he plays out of position, is too thin, and his biggest strength (his size), is also likely going to be what limits his potential. Now, I gave him time. When the trade happened originally, I was pretty excited. He was coming off an injury, but had a really nice All-Star season in New York. Most Mavs fans, myself included, had somewhat soured on Dennis Smith Jr, and we saw what Luka is - a superstar. Wanting to get some wins in his rookie contract, I was receptive of the trade. Tank for the rest of the season and then the following year we get the two Euro sensations. Didn't quite work out that way. He did play very well in the bubble - helping us get ...
Read more