Nets look to get a win against Dallas

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger) by Ryan Carbain Resolution: Pray for health When Kenny Atkinson took the Brooklyn Nets' head coach vacancy, he knew it'd be a tough task -- but it's not clear if he signed up for the league's worst record. While the Nets have improved their once plodding pace (they currently run at the fastest pace in the league), and transitioned to an offense with a much more modern shot distribution, they rank near the bottom in the league in offensive rating (26th). The defense has been even worse, as they rank 27th in efficiency at a miserable 101.3 clip -- so what gives? Of course, most of this is due to injury, particularly so to that of Jeremy Lin. No one could have predicted that Isaiah Whitehead would play the most minutes at point guard this season come 2017 and, unfortunately, there's no end in sight. And in other instances, players have been unable to convert the open looks or handle their defensive assignments at all. While Atkinson's squad has a reputation of a team that plays hard, I doubt that's good enough for the rookie head coach. There are positives to the coach's' tenure thus far, that is certain. The Nets' offense has emerged from the dark ages and he's been especially successful in procuring solid minutes from players like Joe Harris, Anthony Bennett, and the aforementioned Whitehead -- all of whom would be at the end of another franchise's bench. For a resolution, Atkinson should pray for a healthy team (or at least a healthy point guard), consider tinkering with a leaky defensive scheme that asks too much of the team's slow-footed big men, and stick with the general program. The goal of this season is developing players and schemes for the future and, on that front, the team has at least seen a little bit of success. — (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Opponent: Dallas Mavericks
Time: 12:00 PM EST
Location: Barclays Center
Watch: YES Network, Fox Sports GO
Listen: 660 AM, 101.9 FM

The luck of the Irish prevailed on St. Patrick’s Day as the Brooklyn Nets couldn’t close out in the final moments of Friday’s contest against the Boston Celtics and fell, 98-95. Despite a 13-55 record, the Nets, eager to finish the year off on a high note, will look to get a win over the Dallas Mavericks in Brooklyn Sunday afternoon.

In their last meeting a few weeks back, the Nets fell 105-96. Isaiah Whitehead shined in that game, scoring 24 points on an efficient eight of 12 shooting. Brook Lopez was out with a sprained ankle, leaving the Nets without his usual 20 points.

It’s a fair assessment to say the Nets are a different team with a healthy Jeremy Lin. Over the past few weeks Nets fans have seen what could’ve been. They’re 4-8 since his return after the All-Star break. Sure, it’s still a losing record, but they were 1-25 in January and February. Big difference.

The Mavericks also lost in their game Friday night, as they were blown out by the Philadelphia 76ers, 116-74. While they look to get back on a winning track, the Nets will be poised to even the season series.

3 Things to Watch for in Nets-Mavericks

Brook Lopez

The presence of Lopez will make a significant difference in the matchup. Without Lopez, the Nets still had a competitive game with the Mavericks. His easy 20 points is vital in the Nets getting the victory.

Third quarter woes?

It’s been a recurring issue throughout the season, the Nets play competitive in the first half and blow it in the third quarter. In fact, the Nets, on average, are outscored by four points in the third quarter, that’s the highest in the league by a large margin. However in the past two games the Nets have outscored their opponents in the third. They outscored the Knicks, 38-26, and the Celtics 28-26. They were 1-1 in those games but preventing a third quarter meltdown can give them a winning chance.

Spencer Dinwiddie vs. Yogi Ferrell

Here we go again. Nets fans will surely be hoping Yogi Ferrell, the former Net, will be outshined by the player he was waived for, Spencer Dinwiddie. In their previous meeting, Dinwiddie only scored two points, while Ferrell dropped 17. Dinwiddie has shown improvements and let’s hope he has a big game.