Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

You can either look at Friday’s New Orleans loss as concerning, or you can shrug, tip your cap and accept that some teams match up well against the Spurs and are poise to steal a game here and there (note: I missed the game, so I can’t do either).

Another team that raises its level of play against the Spurs are Rick Carlisle’s Mavs, who have given San Antonio two close calls this season despite being among the West’s bottom-feeders. Dirk Nowitzki has played only 20 games this year (and is expected to sit out this evening), and Carlisle has dealt with injuries up and down the roster.

Still, Dallas has played San Antonio to within 7 points in two low-scoring games this year. Carlisle is a member of the same Istari order of coaches as Extraneous G, which means things can get a little weird.

San Antonio Spurs (36-10) vs. Dallas Mavericks (16-30)

Jan. 29, 2016, 6:00 CST

Watch: FSSW; Listen: 1200 AM WOAI

Spurs injuries: Pau Gasol (hand), Jonathon Simmons (wrist)

Mavericks injuries: J.J. Barea (calf), Wes Matthews (hip), Deron Williams (toe), Dirk Nowtizki (rest)

Enjoy home (while you can)

In Manu’s latest blog post, he broke down how many hours he figures were spent with ‘Ass on a Seat’ over San Antonio’s latest road trip. The Spurs can enjoy playing their next four games at home before jetting off again for the annual Rodeo Road Trip.

Stopping the Mavs’ wings

They’re not world-beaters, but Harrison Barnes and Wes Matthews have averaged 18.5 and 23 points per game, respectively, in their two meetings with the Spurs.

Vegas line: Spurs by 14.

Game prediction: Spurs by 8.

For the Mavericks fans’ perspective, visit Mavs Moneyball.

As always Tony must dominate Fisher.

PtR's Gamethread will be up this evening for those who want to chat through the game. You can also follow along with the action through PtR's Twitter feed.