The Dallas Mavericks face the Philadelphia 76ers in a crucial encounter. The Mavericks, playing away, are on a five-game losing streak, with their offensive efficiency declining. Their defence has been problematic, conceding an average of 122.3 points in their last six games. This season, the Mavericks have lost 13 away games by an average of 3.8 points. They face increasing defensive pressure, and limiting outside shooting is key for them to turn things around. Meanwhile, the 76ers, while maintaining a good home record, struggle in the first half of games. They have won six away games this season, but their half-time score in the last six games is only 59.4 points. Often, they enter the second half with only a small lead, highlighting a lack of offensive consistency, which is a significant concern. Although the 76ers generally have a better lead in regulation time, with an average points difference of only 0.3 points, they haven't yet fully realised their potential. Historically, the Mavericks have an advantage when playing at home. They tend to dominate rebounds and create high-quality opportunities through high-intensity fast breaks. To win, the 76ers need to lead at half-time and compensate for their poor three-point shooting with more efficient scoring near the basket. They also need to strengthen their control and response to defensive vulnerabilities, which will directly affect the final result. NBA Dallas Mavericks - Philadelphia 76ers 01-02 09:30 Match direction: 231.5, Small