Milwaukee Bucks Opposition Intel: Dallas Mavericks Q&A With Jay Knodell

Dec 12, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard

(5) reacts in front of Golden State Warriors guard

(30) after a Bucks basket late in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Warriors 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

AM: What do you see as the key matchup for Monday’s game?

JK: The key matchup in Monday’s game is anyone vs. Dirk. Obviously the Bucks will need to keep him in check offensively, but the real key is taking advantage of him on the other end. Nowitzki really struggles to defend mobile, athletic big men, and Milwaukee has plenty of those. Look for the Bucks to get him involved in as many pick-and-rolls as possible.

Another one would be the point guard matchup. I’d be surprised if Deron Williams plays as he continues to nurse a strained hamstring, but J.J. Barea has been great as his replacement the last two games. Against the Nets he recorded a career-high 32 points and added 11 assists. In Dallas’ win over the Bulls, Barea scored 26 and at one point was 7-7 from behind the arc before coming up short on his eighth attempt. He’s got the hot hand right now for the Mavericks, and Milwaukee could have a tough time with him.

Next: Final Prediction