Celtics Vs. Mavericks: Can Dirk And Dallas Bounce Back From Loss To Jeremy Lin?

The Dallas Mavericks looked like they had everything under control against Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon, but Jeremy Lin led a fourth-quarter comeback to hand Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of Dallas their first loss in seven games.

The Mavs will attempt to get back on track Monday, however, as they host the reeling Boston Celtics in a President's Day affair. The Celtics will look to snap a three-game skid when they meet the Mavericks for an 8 p.m. game on TNT.

The Mavericks led through three quarters against Lin and the Knicks on Sunday, but Nowitzki didn't get enough help from his teammates as the Knicks continued a third-quarter comeback into the fourth on their way to victory. Nowitzki had a season-high 34 points for Dallas, but it simply wasn't enough.

Boston will look to snap their losing streak without the services of Brandon Bass and, possibly, Kevin Garnett. The veteran forward missed Sunday's game due to personal reasons and head coach Doc Rivers was unsure if things would change in time for Monday's contest.

Considering it's a February game before All-Star break between two veteran teams, Monday evening's game isn't the most important. That said, both teams certainly wouldn't be mad at picking up some momentum before the layoff.

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