Bodog Beat

Baron Davis and the Warriors host the Mavericks tonight in NBA action. (AI Wire)

It's hard to say whether the Golden State Warriors should be thrilled or terrified to see the Dallas Mavericks come to town.

The 0-4 Warriors look to continue their dominance over the Mavericks (3-1) when the teams meet Thursday for the first time since Golden State's shocking first-round playoff upset last season.

But the bitter taste still lingering in the mouths of Dallas players could be a problem for Golden State, who have looked horrible in the early parts of 2007-08, especially on defense. The Warriors are allowing 119.5 points per game – most in the league and seven more than the next-worst average. The Warriors held the Mavs to less than 100 points in all four playoff wins last season. For Golden State, Tuesday's 108-104 home loss to Cleveland actually represented a defensive improvement.

Oddsmakers currently have the Mavericks listed as 7.5-point favorites versus the Warriors, while the game's total is sitting at 214.

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