Stiles Points: Dallas Mavericks Contest Serves As Important Data Point

The Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the Dallas Mavericks in a contest that will serve as an important Data point.

The NBA Playoffs are right around the corner and as teams have under 20 games to go, it is only natural to start peaking at the standings. Each day, the potential playoff matchups shuffle as do the expectations. 

This year, the Western Conference is one of if not the deepest conferences we have ever seen. Success, even in the first round, will be predicated on survival and getting a favorable draw. 

On Thursday the Oklahoma City Thunder will clash with the Dallas Mavericks on National Television in Bricktown in a game that will serve as an important data point. The Thunder and Mavericks could easily see themselves matched up in the first round of the playoffs next month and this game could be invaluable experience. 

The last time these two teams got together, the Mavericks' new toys from the NBA Trade Deadline and their two stars took over the game blowing out the Thunder in a sleepy afternoon game. 

Mining data on what works and doesn't against the Mavericks will go a long way in playoff prep for Oklahoma City. 

The Thunder are more secure in their playoff positioning, not only will they be in the top-six but will assuredly own home-court advantage in the first round. This gives Oklahoma City a built-in week off leading into their first playoff game. 

Much like a bye week in football, those days off give Mark Daigneault and his staff a chance to install counters and points of emphasis against their opponents to start a series fast and steal the opening set. Their ability to do that comes with games like this. 

Stiles Points

• Jalen Williams did not appear on the OKC Thunder initial injury report for Thursday's game signaling he will play in this contest. 
• Luka Doncic left the Mavericks contest against the Warriors on Wednesday with an ankle injury putting his availability against the Thunder in Jeopardy. 
• If Daniel Gatford makes his first two field goal attempts against the Thunder, he will break Wilt Chamberlin's record for consecutive makes.
• The OKC Blue swept their two-game series against the Iowa Wolves with Ousmane Dieng posting 22 points, seven assists and eight rebounds. 
• This game wraps up a four-game home stand for the Thunder where Oklahoma City has been dominant. 

Song of the Day: Austin by Blake Shelton. 

---

Chet Holmgren Convinced OKC Thunder to Let Him Play Instead of Rest

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.