3-on-3: Previewing Mavericks @ Hornets

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Published: January 21, 2012

Our writers break down the matchup tonight between the New Orleans Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks

Jack-Attack will need to have another strong performance if the Hornets are to build on their 11 game home winning streak against Dallas

1. Which matchup most favors the Mavericks?

Jake Madison: Dirk Nowitzki. With David West gone, the Hornets have lost their Dirk-stopper. The Hornets’ big men will put forth a good effort but don’t have the talent to stop him. Hopefully, someone else steps up and slaps Dirk.

Michael McNamara: Jason Terry is a matchup nightmare for the Hornets now that CP3 is gone. In the past, Chris could cover him down the stretch while (insert shooting guard here) just played off of Jason Kidd. But with Paul gone and Gordon out, there is nobody who can stay with Terry on this team. We just have to hope he is off tonight.

Joe Gerrity: Tough to disagree with either Terry or Dirk here. Both will likely have their choice of the Hornets lunch.

2. Which matchup most favors the Hornets?

Jake: Jarrett Jack isn’t the most skilled or athletic point guard, but at least he’s not as old as Jason Kidd. With Jack’s recent play, I’m expecting a big game from him.

Michael: I love the idea of Jason Smith and Chris Kaman getting minutes together down the stretch, as it will force Dallas’s bigs to stop out, thereby opening the lane up for the Hornets. If that happens, look for Jack and Ariza to attack the rim.

Joe: Jack attack, baby! Look for Jarrett to continue his solid play as of late against the Mavs backcourt. They just don’t have the right combination of size and speed to shut him down throughout the game. That said, Jack is always capable of stopping himself.

3. Care to make some predictions about the game?

Jake: With the game on a Saturday night and the Saints’ season over, I’m predicting the largest attendance of the season so far at 16,000+.

Michael: I think we see a horrible game from Shawn Marion tonight. Just call it a hunch. Like a 2 for 13 type of game. Will that be enough for the Hornets to steal this one? You know what, I got a hunch about that too. Hornets 88 Mavs 82.

Joe: Hornets are craving a win and practiced yesterday on what was supposed to be an off day in order to increase the odds of that happening today. Will it matter? That depends on whether or not they can hit their three’s. I hate saying that, but it’s going to be tough to beat Dallas (or anyone, really) without at least an average performance from downtown.

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  1. Pingback: Game On: Mavs @ Hornets (With Live Chat) | New Orleans Hornets | Hornets247.com

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