Game Preview
Dallas Mavericks: (26-13, 12-5 Road)
Detroit Pistons: (14-26, 10-9 Home)
The Situation
An early start, in honor of Martin Luther King's noted preference for late afternoon basketball. The Pistons are riding a two game win streak, and welcome the first real test of whether their new-found competence is at all legitimate.
Dirk Nowitzki will essentially be playing his first game back from injury. He was ejected after getting a double technical in 15 minutes of play at Memphis. Tyson Chandler will again be out due to illness (what does he have, dysentery?), a welcome reprieve for the front line.
Ostensibly, it's a nice opportunity for Greg Monroe and Chris Wilcox to put up big numbers, though they'll have their hands full with the Mavericks' potent offense.
Question of the game
Which McGrady will show up? It has been McFeast or McFamine with him, and the Pistons will need the former if they are going to prevail.
Late Afternoon Civil Links