The Dallas Mavericks come to Staples Center Monday night winners of five straight games, looking much more like the defending NBA champions than the team that began the season just 3-5. The Los Angeles Lakers have their playoff sweep still fresh in their minds and look for some tiny measure of revenge Monday night as they host the Mavericks at Staples Center. Here are some notes with the probable starting lineups:
Mavericks (8-5)
Point Guard - Jason Kidd: He is 13 for 35 (37.1%) on three-point shots this season, and one for six on two-point shots.
Shooting Guard - Delonte West: One of nine Mavericks averaging at least 19.6 minutes per game this season.
Small Forward - Shawn Marion: Had a season-high eight rebounds Saturday night against Sacramento despite playing only 21 minutes.
Power Forward - Dirk Nowitzki: Lowest scoring average of his previous 11 seasons: 21.8 points per game; this season: 17.7 points per contest.
Center - Brendan Haywood: Leads Dallas in rebounding at 6.1 rebounds per game.
Lakers (9-5)
Point Guard - Derek Fisher: Monday night will be Fisher's 510th consecutive game played, and 388th straight start.
Shooting Guard - Kobe Bryant: Is 280 points behind Shaquille O`Neal for fifth place in the NBA all-time scoring list.
Small Forward - Matt Barnes: Has made 24 of 26 free throws this season, ninth in the NBA at 92.3%.
Power Forward - Pau Gasol: Has six straight double-doubles
Center - Andrew Bynum: Is third in the NBA averaging 13.4 rebounds per game.
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