The Dallas Mavericks could become the first defending NBA champion to lose the first three games of the following season in over 40 years Thursday night in Oklahoma City when they take on the Thunder. The Mavericks lost to the Heat and then to the Nuggets to start the season. Meanwhile, the Thunder is undefeated having beaten the Magic, Timberwolves and Grizzlies.
Dallas is led by forward Dirk Nowitzki's 20.5 points per game and guard Jason Terry's 14.5 points per game. They currently average 93.5 points per game, which puts them in the middle of the pack in the NBA, but they allow 110 points per game which is the worst in the league.
Oklahoma City is led by forward Kevin Durant's 31.7 points per game and guard James Harden's 18.3 points per game. The only player in the NBA who is averaging more points per game than Durant at this point in the season is LeBron James with 32.7. The Thunder average the eighth most points per game in the league at 99.67 and allow 94.67 points per game, which is 11th in the NBA.
This rematch of the Western Conference finals will not be an easy game for Dallas to get their first win of the season.
Game Date/Time: Thursday, Dec. 29; 8 p.m. ET
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
TV Schedule
National: TNT