The Dallas Mavericks (38 - 38) defeated the Detroit Pistons (40 - 36) 98 - 89 on Friday. The Mavericks made a couple of lineup changes prior to the contest, with one being a strategic move, and another due to injury. Zaza Pachulia returned to the starting lineup, in an attempt to slow down Andre Drummond down low. Pachulia tallied a modest six points, but did haul in 11 rebounds and hand out three assists. Meanwhile, J.J. Barea got the start in place of Raymond Felton, whose right groin strain prevented him from taking the court. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Dallas, which got the former's second - highest scoring total of the season in return. His performance helped offset a remarkable night from the Pistons' starting five, including a season - high scoring output from Marcus Morris. Barea totaled 29 points, which he complemented with three rebounds and three assists. Dirk Nowitzki was next, contributing 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal. Wesley Matthews pitched in with 17 points, six rebounds, an assist and a steal. Devin Harris contributed 13 points, two rebounds and three assists while pacing the bench. The Mavericks are currently in third place in the Western Conference's Southwest Division, and are slotted in the seventh seed as well. They head to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves on Sunday. Detroit was spearheaded by Morris' remarkable 31 - point, 12 - rebound double - double, which also included four assists, two blocks and a steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope poured in 15 points, and added two rebounds and an assist. Tobias Harris was right behind with 14 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Andre Drummond contributed one of his trademark double - doubles, registering 12 points, 17 boards, an assist and a steal. Reggie Jackson filled out the stat sheet with 11 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two steals. The only blemish on an otherwise stellar performance was his game - high six turnovers. With the high level of efficiency from the starting five, the Pistons bench scored a scant six points on the night. The Pistons remain in second place in the Eastern Conference's Central Division. They head to Chicago to take on the Bulls in a Saturday night showdown.
["TeamStat(G,'Pistons') has 36 Losses ,has 89 Total points ,has 40 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Mavericks') has 38 Losses ,has 98 Total points ,has 38 Wins ."]