Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks

San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks

America Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
Date: 4/13/16, Time: 7:00 PM Spurs Time
TV: FSSW  - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI

It's a surprise to many that the Mavericks, currently at 42-39, are in the position they're in -- sitting in seventh place with a chance to get to sixth or (if certain things bounce the right way) fifth. Much credit is due to coach Rick Carlisle, future HOFer Dirk Nowitzki, and another ragtag group of players who have taken advantage of a down year in the Western Conference and made fans forget about the DeAndre Jordan saga of last summer.

Staring at a potential first-round matchup with San Antonio, the Mavericks will surely want to move up to either face Oklahoma City or Los Angeles and that means getting the W tonight. It'll give tonight a fun atmosphere, in the least.

Pop and the Spurs will make that feat a bit easier, with news that a number will stay home and rest:

PSA to my Mavs friends: If I'm guessing, I'd say no Leonard, Parker, Duncan, Aldridge at minimum tomorrow. https://t.co/21giL2ruNF

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 13, 2016

If Dallas can't get it going on the perimeter, or if Dirk has an off night, a short-handed Spurs team can still play spoiler. It would mean San Antonio's 67th win of the season -- tying Dallas' best-ever record from the 2006-07 season. Of course, that team didn't fare too well in the playoffs, getting bounced in the first round by (gasp) the Golden State Warriors. So, maybe 66 isn't such a bad number after all.

Matchup to watch: Boban. Just Boban.

pic.twitter.com/yypgSTNLNB

— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) January 18, 2016

Game prediction: Mavs by 5.

For the Mavericks fans' perspective, visit Mavs Money Ball.

As always Tony must dominate Fisher.