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Dallas and Miami hoping to reach playoffs

Both teams are outside of Top 8 in their respective Conferences, which is why they need a good final part of the season

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Dallas are trying to get Nowitzki another playoffs but that won't be an easy task since they are not the only teams trying to catch up with the Nuggets. That chase would have been a bit easier had the board not waived Deron Williams. Dallas' determination to create a younger team was proven as they acquired Nerlens Noel from the 76ers. They had to trade Justin Anderson and first round pick.

Noel had a Dallas debut on Friday when he recorded 9 points in the 96-83 home win over the Pens. He finished with 9 points (3-for-8), 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in 30 minutes on the floor.

- I think I did well. I'm proud of how I tried to contribute. The more I learn about the offensive system, the more effective I will be. I think I need to make progress there - the Mavs center said. Barnes (7-for-15) and Nowitzki hit team-high 19 and 18 points, respectively. 

Dallas have not had a center of Noel's quality since Tyson Chandler. Coach Carlisle is not entirely sure whether to put him in the starting five or use him as a starter. The Mavs' head coach does not want to disrupt the starters' chemistry which is why Noel will probably be starting from the bench for some time to come.

- We've got some guys that roll well but we don't have that kind of elevation. He's going to help us there. Defensively, I like the way he mixes it up in the post; he's got the quickness to front and still get back around. He got his hands on a lot of balls. The last play of the game where he steals it and goes down and dunks it shows you the kind of quickness he has. The guys really loved playing with him (Saturday) and really took to him. That was great to see. It's one game, but it's a good start - coach Carlisle said.

The Mavs are 15-14 home this season. They are now to face Miami, who won 16 out of the last 18 which saw them get back in the playoffs race. Eric Spoelstra players recorded their third straight wins on Friday when they beat the Pacers 113-95. The best player was Hassan Whiteside, who recorded 22 points and 17 rebounds in 37 minutes.

- I just go our there and play my game. The ball bounced well several times and my teammates put me in great situations. They made my life really easy - Whiteside said.

Dion Waiters kept on doing well. He finished with 22 points this time, while Dragic added 21. James Johnson stood out with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.

The team from Florida won the last three head-to-head meetings, including the 99-95 win last month. The Mavs now have Noel who can defend the paint and keep Whiteside under control.

- I've played him a few times. We need to do our best and try and get on a winning run - Noel said.