Thunder-Mavericks Preview

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Mavs try to steal OKC's thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder (46-28) at Dallas Mavericks (50-26)

It seems that every game grows with intensity as the playoffs approach.

Saturday's matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder is no different, as both teams enter the game with a lot on the line. While the Southwest Division-leading Mavericks are out to continue holding the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference standings, the Thunder have an opportunity to grab a postseason berth. It all only adds fuel to the heated fire that figures to burn at the American Airlines Center, in a potential opening round playoff series preview.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

"They're all potential playoff matchups at this point," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said about all six games left on the schedule. "Look, (the Thunder) are going to be a playoff team. So, this game is important on many levels, and there's no need to overstate that."

"You can't worry about the playoffs right now. You have to play the games in front of you...Easily things could be reversed, because (seeds two through eight) are separated by a couple of games," sixth man Jason Terry explained.

But the Mavericks are well aware of the Thunder's sixth-seed spot in playoff positioning. It comes as no surprise to Carlisle, after watching the Thunder battle back from an abysmal start to the 2008-09 season before finishing with a 23-59 record.

"I think their struggles last season have only fueled them. They did a great job of battling back last year, and they've continued to battle this year," the coach said.

According to Terry, the Thunder came into this season with a purpose. That purpose was clear from the initial game: Make the playoffs.

"They've looked like they've been playing for something all season. You can't tell they are a young team," Terry said.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Now the Mavericks come into the fourth and final regular season meeting against Oklahoma City with a purpose as well. Dallas wants to stop the upstart Thunder from making a statement on the Mavs' home floor. That starts with stopping superstar Kevin Durant.

The 21-year-old Durant is second in the NBA in scoring (29.7 ppg), sitting only behind reigning MVP LeBron James in a virtual dead heat for the scoring title. But Durant has averaged just 16.0 points per game in his five career visits to the AAC. The Mavs will once again make stopping the budding star top billing.

The Mavericks will also try to contain the Thunder's fast-break opportunities. That means limiting point guard Russell Westbrook's impact on the game. Westbrook, a second-year pro out of UCLA, may be the league's most improved player. Teamed with Durant, the duo will look to run. As will the Mavs.

"We definitely want to limit their transition baskets," Terry said. "Winning the battle of fast-break points is definitely a key to the game."

Dallas will be looking to rebound from a disappointing 97-82 home loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, in the first contest of a spaced out three-game home stand. The Mavs will also be out to take the season series with the Thunder, leading 2-1 in this season's meetings. The Thunder-Mavericks matchup will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

For up to the minute news on the Dallas Mavericks, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EarlKSneed.