Betting tips / Matthew Reid / 02 February 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

In what looms as a statement game for both teams, Matt Reid previews Oklahoma City travelling to Dallas, which will renew a rivalry built on last year's Western Conference finals.

The Thunder are coming off their first really disappointing performance of the season (I'm not counting the unspeakable loss to the Wizards), while the Mavs will look to keep their recent hot form rolling.

The Thunder's most recent outing was a 112-100 loss to the LA Clippers. The actual outcome of the game has been overshadowed by Blake Griffin's degradation of Kendrick Perkins with one of the best dunks you will ever see.

In that match the Clippers exploited the Thunder's lack of scoring options and turned the game into a high scoring one as the Thunder were missing Thabo Sefolosha, their best perimeter defender. Sefolosha is doubtful for this match, which would be another big blow as the Maverick guards have found some shooting touch.

The Mavericks are currently playing without veteran Jason Kidd who is missing with injury. Kidd's aging legs don't allow him to push the ball like he did in his prime, meaning the Mavs become a half-court team. In his absence they take shots earlier in the shoot clock and look to run more often. This has seen shooters like Vince Carter, Delonte West and Jason Terry run to the three point line for open shots.

With the Thunder likely missing a key defender, they will struggle to contend with the Mavs shooters in this match.

Oklahoma will be desperate to bounce back from their poor showing in LA but they run into a red hot Mavericks team who dismantled them comfortably earlier in the year.

Back the Mavs to get another 'W'.