Mavericks vs. Heat: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
It's a rematch of the 2011 NBA Finals as LeBron James and the Miami Heat take on Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in a big game for both teams.
For Miami, it's a chance to avoid losing three straight for only the second time this season. Both of the Heat's past two losses—to Oklahoma City and Indiana—have come by double digits, marking the first time that's happened to the Big Three.
A big reason for the struggles has been the play of James, who hasn't been very LeBron-like the past five games. He's averaged only 18.4 points during that span, shooting 39 percent from the floor.
Dallas could be catching Miami at the right time, since the Heat are an unimpressive 8-6 during the month of March.
The Mavericks have won two straight and six of eight overall, attempting to make a final push for a top-four seed in the Western Conference.
Nowitzki has been playing his best basketball of the season at the right time, averaging 25.6 points through his last nine games.
The stars will certainly be out in this finals rematch. Here's a look at everything you need to know about the nationally televised contest.
Where: American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida
When: Thursday, March 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET
Watch: TNT
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Betting Line: Not available until tomorrow
Mavericks Key Injuries (per Yahoo! Sports)
Probable: Delonte West (fractured right ring finger)
Questionable: Brendan Haywood (sprained right knee)
Heat Key Injuries (per Yahoo! Sports)
Day-to-Day: Mike Miller (ankle), LeBron James (elbow, finger)
What They're Saying
James has been really banged up as of late, after a collision with the Phoenix Suns' Grant Hill. He was tested for a concussion and has been playing through elbow pain, but ESPN's Chris Broussard just reported that James may also have a dislocated finger on his non-shooting hand.
"The severity of the injury is not known at this point, but sources indicated the finger might be dislocated. The Heat did not practice Tuesday and had no comment on James' injury.
The injury, which is to James' non-shooting hand, occurred in the first half and did not force James to leave the game. Instead, after having it taped by a Heat trainer, he went on to play 41 minutes, scoring 24 points with nine rebounds while making 9 of 21 shots. He then iced his finger after the game.
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Most Important Player to Watch: LeBron James
Miami needs James to be healthy in addition to performing at a high level; he's been neither as of late. If LeBron gets going early and stays hot, it could be a long night for Dallas.
However, if he's struggling from the floor and turning the ball over a lot (4.6 per game in last five, including six against the Pacers), LeBron can single-handedly keep the Mavericks in the game. If the game stays close, all eyes will naturally be on James late and that favors the Mavericks.
Key Matchup: Miami Offense vs. Dallas Defense
Speaking of turnovers, the Heat have been careless with the ball as of late and the Mavericks will look to take advantage.
If the Dallas defense—which is sixth in the NBA, allowing only 93.1 points per game—can force the Heat into turnovers and get some easy buckets in the process, then give the Mavericks a big advantage. If they can't and they allow the Heat offense—which scores an average of 100.9 points per game (third in NBA)—to control the game, Dallas could be in trouble.
Prediction
Heat 99, Mavericks 94
