- Offense: 1
- Defense: 4
- Overall: 1
- Offense: 11
- Defense: 20
- Overall: 15
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Seems like the Mavs really fell off a cliff since the Knicks humbled them on November 9th. The Mavs entered that game 4-1 and are 2-5 since. They’re also one of the few teams ranked worse than the Knicks in rebound rate (23rd vs 28th). The Knicks also have the advantage when it comes to turnovers (1st vs. 13th), and when the Mavs do turn it over they’re likely to cough up points (20th in pace-adjusted opponents’ points off TOs) so look for the Knicks to may hay by forcing the Mavs into errors (although the Knicks aren’t that efficient in converting opportunities off of TOs – 14th).
Another prediction: The Mavs will not hurt the Knicks inside. Not only are the Mavs 22nd in points in the paint (not really surprising considering their personnel), the Knicks keep teams from scoring in there to the tune of 6th best in the league. If the Knicks keep up their excellent perimeter defense, this should be another gimme.
***
Offense, defense and overall rankings are based on ORtg, DRtg, and NetRtg, respectively.
Source: NBA.com/stats
