Game Preview
The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to clash on Christmas Day in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Mavericks enter the game riding a two-game winning streak and boasting an impressive 19-10 record on the season. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging nearly 119 points per game while shooting a shade above 49 percent from the field.
Over their last 10 games, the Mavericks have been even more potent, scoring just over 121 points per contest while knocking down nearly 41 percent of their three-point attempts. Their balanced attack has seen them dish out almost 27 assists and grab just under 46 rebounds per game during this stretch. Defensively, they've held opponents to just 113 points while forcing 15 turnovers a night.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves have stumbled to a 14-14 record, struggling with a three-game losing skid. Their offense has been somewhat inconsistent, averaging 109 points while shooting just 46 percent from the floor. However, they've been more competitive in their last 10 games, winning 6 of those contests while holding opponents under 100 points per game.
The Timberwolves' recent success has been fueled by improved three-point shooting at nearly 37 percent and a shade under 28 assists per game. They've also been crashing the boards for over 45 rebounds while forcing 10 steals per night. However, turnovers remain an issue, coughing up the ball over 15 times during this stretch.
With the Mavericks rolling offensively and the Timberwolves struggling to find consistency, Dallas appears to have the edge in this Christmas Day clash. However, Minnesota's recent defensive intensity and improved ball movement could make for an intriguing battle if they can limit their turnovers and keep the Mavericks' potent offense in check.