NBA: Mavericks Bounce Into Philly On Five-Game Roll

People like to believe that true champions are consistent. The truth is that championship teams are composed of human beings, and humans can be erratic.

Take the Dallas Mavericks. The defending NBA champions started the lockout-shortended season looking like no one’s heroes. Out of the gate, they were spanked by Miami and Denver and edged by Oklahoma City before stopping their losing skid by squashing the team almost anyone can beat, the woeful Toronto Raptors.

Fast-forward to today, and the Mavs seem to have remembered they have a title to protect. They’re winners of five in a row, matching a season high, and have averaged 100 points in each of those games.

Most recently, they got some payback by crushing the Nuggets in Dallas 102-84. The old guard led the way as Shawn Marion had a solid effort, leading the team with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Vince Carter collected 15 points and 6 boards. Even Lamar Odom got in on the act with 14 points off the bench.

Their travels take them to Philadelphia Friday night, but they’ll have a shallow backcourt to work with: out are Jason Terry (personal reasons) and Delonte West, who mangled a finger against Denver and will be gone for an indefinite period.

The Sixers have also been playing like they have something to prove, leading the Atlantic Division with a 20-10 record and a 13-5 home record. Yes, they’re coming off a 16-point drubbing in Orlando, but they’re still only 3.5 games back of the Eastern Conference-leading Chicago Bulls.

Not all is right in the City of Brotherly Love, though. The 76ers have blown back-to-back games at the Wells Fargo Center. They’ve lost three of four on their home hardwood, averaging 85 points while being beaten on the boards too. Worse, an Achilles problem will keep their starting center and top rebounder, Spencer Hawes, out until after the All-Star break.

However, with Philadelphia ranking second overall in fewest points allowed, the NBA betting line will be a tough call. Not having Hawes will hurt them in the post, but if they can maintain their defense and if Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday lead the scoring parade, they’ll hold their own against the likes of Dirk Nowitzki. That could be a tall order, though: perhaps they should consider giving Allen Iverson one last chance after all.