With Rookie of the Year frontrunners Ben Simmons and Jayson Tatum making noise in the Eastern Conference, Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. has quietly put up solid numbers, garnering early comparisons to reining league MVP Russell Westbrook. Smith’s 14 points, four assists and four rebounds per game have been a revelation for the Mavericks, who have been stranded in the cellar when it comes to team standings. San Antonio has dominated Dallas in recent memory with the Spurs going 18-3 against the Mavs in the last five seasons. Injuries have been a recurring theme for San Antonio to start the season, with Coach Popovich’s squad admirably holding their own against most opponents while shorthanded. Look for Danny Green to get an early jump on Smith and the Mavs at home.