Mavs-at-LA: 'Let It Rip!'

   The Mavs lose Devean George as they prepare for today’s ABC-nationally-televised 2:30 matinee game at LA against a team they hope not to lose to. … because they hope not to have to lose to them again in the playoffs. … Let’s donuts this thing!

   DONUT 1: Every number here, of course, leans toward Los Angeles. The Lakers are cruising to the No. 1 seed in the West with their 52-13 record while Dallas is trying to climb from the No. 8 spot (and a first-round playoff collision with LA) with their record of 40-26. The Mavs have lost five straight to LA, have felt like they’ve played well in some of those games and have still lost by seven or so, and are a 9.5-point underdog here.

   DONUT 2: Oh, yeah: The Mavs are mediocre on the road (Dallas is only 16-18) and the Lakers are terrific at home (29-4). And when I say "by seven or so,'' ... it was by exactly seven, twice in November, with LA now going for three-game season sweep.

   DONUT 3: Quote of the Day: “To win this game, we've got to rebound and we can’t let Kobe get 100.’’ – Jason Terry.

   DONUT 4: Mark Cuban’s getting a CLIO.

   DONUT 5: The best NBA nicknames you’ve never heard of.

   DONUT 6: Los Angeles is making a go of it (again) without injured center Andrew Bynum. I mention that as a matter of perspective while we contemplate the news that Devean George will undergo knee surgery and will probably miss the rest of the season.

    Devean is an important perimeter defender for Dallas, no doubt. But let’s not get too hung up on this. Other teams are accomplishing good things without players like Bynum, McGrady and Manu.

    Those facts leave little room to whine about the non-availability of Devean George or Jerry Stackhouse. 

   DONUT 7: No Josh today, either. Now, we can probably whine about that just a bit, if we wish.

   DONUT 8: Henry’s visit with Rob of TheTwoManGame.com, as Rob defends his Mavs. … and defends him being homosexually groped at a college party in Austin.

   DONUT 9: Remember how the Mavs couldn't quite find spots or milk production out of backup bigs like DJ MBenga and Josh Powell? Guess which team IS finding and milking?  

   DONUT 10: Maybe someday Chris Bosh could do the weather here in Dallas? (Which, btw, is the easiest job in TV.)

   DONUT 11: Lakers Coach Phil Jackson was apparently serious and respectful when noting that frequent jousting partner Mark Cuban had inspired his Mavs with those pink-slip promises.

   "Cuban jacked them up or something a couple weeks ago, didn't he?" Jackson said. "They look like a team that's determined and playing very well."

   DONUT 12: Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson passed away on Friday. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle praised the man who gave him his first head-coaching job.

   “In NBA circles, he’s a giant,’’ Carlisle said. “A great man, who shared a lot of wisdom with me in my two years there. Obviously, it’s difficult news for those of us who knew him. But he lived a very rich life and helped untold thousands and probably millions of people with all his philanthropic things, which frankly, he never wanted anybody to talk about.’’

   DONUT 13: Bonus Quote of the Day: “We’ve definitely got to let it rip against the Lakers.’’ – Dirk Nowitzki