To beat the Chicago Bulls, the Dallas Mavericks need to rely on more than just new year's mojo to find success.

The Bulls come into the game with a 2-4 record, 0-3 at home. Zach LeVine is Chicago's leading scorer averaging 22 points per game on 43 percent field goal shooting. LaVine's taken a step forward this season with Chicago. On the court, it looks as though he's understanding when and where to pick his spots. Everyone in the NBA knows that he can get 30 or 40 on a given night. Now he's learning how to pace himself by allowing his teammates to do more so he can be more efficient.

Dallas comes into the game after beating up the Miami Heat. The defense limited Miami's possessions and forced easy transition looks. The offense made open jump shots, and Luka Doncic found his offensive rhythm again. However, don't bank on this Mavs team turning the corner until that sustained effort is seen nightly.

Top storylines heading into the game:

• The Bulls backcourt is responsible for 37 points nightly. Limiting Coby White and LaVine should be the first objective of Dallas' defense. White gives Chicago a steady hand at the three-point line. He shoots 36 percent from outside as a second-year player. Dallas' perimeter stoppers have to focus on running him off the line because he can get hot in a hurry.
• Closing out possessions in rebounds leads to Mavericks wins. Dallas hasn't played back-to-back games with great team defense and complete rebounding efforts. Winning defensive matchups and winning the rebounding battle can give the Mavs a needed edge over the young Chicago Bulls.
• Dallas' shooters need to come to play. The offensive mark isn't near where it was last season. The Mavericks sit 15th in the league in its offensive ranking. Per 100 possession, Dallas is scoring 109 points. That mark is way down from last season's 116.9 points per 100 possessions. The Mavs are still without key player Kristaps Porzingis, but Doncic getting out of his early-season struggles should help improve the team offense.

Projected lineups:

Dallas Mavericks	Chicago Bulls
PG: Luka Doncic	PG: Coby White
SG: Josh Richardson	SG: Zach LaVine
SF: Tim Hardaway Jr.	SF: Otto Porter Jr.
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith	PF: Patrick Williams
C: Dwight Powell	C: Wendell Carter Jr.

Last notes heading into the game:

Chicago is a young team that Dallas can use to build momentum going forward. This game offers a real chance to carry over the good things the team did against the Miami Heat. Consistency has to be on the mind of everyone playing today. Luka broke out of his slump, but can't slip back into today. Dallas defended at a high rate against the Heat, the game today needs to be the same story. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. on NBA league pass and Fox southwest.

Feature image via Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports