Warriors: (W-L): 40-40

Mavs: (W-L): 66-14

TV: FSN Bay Area

Radio: KNBR 1050

Time: 7:30PM PST tip off

It's time to make our own fate.

All of the ups and downs, all of the injuries, all of the bad calls, all of the great games, and all of the bad ones; tonight can elevate or erase them all. Tonight the Warriors have an opportunity to do something really special.

Granted, everything is still very circumstantial. We're still tied to the Clippers at the hip to some degree, but for the first time in a VERY LONG TIME, the Warriors are officially in control over their own destiny.

As we sit today and wait for the Biggest Game of The Past 12 Years against the Mavs tonight, our minds are plagued with nothing but questions. It's no secret that for some unknown reason, we own the Mavs. This will be our third and final meeting with them in this regular season, and they haven't walked away with a win yet. Consider the fact that the Mavs have the best record in the NBA with a mere 14 losses all season. In my mind that makes us quite a threat to them.

The questions linger. How is Avery going to respond to this? What exactly is he going to throw at us tonight? As a good coach, I'm sure he wants to rest his starters. But as a smart coach, I'm sure he'd rather play the Clippers than us in the first round. Questions, questions, questions...

While we tip off with the Mavericks tonight, the Clippers will already be underway with the Suns - in Phoenix. I need not tell you the combination of events that can happen as a result of these two games (see The W Column: 12 Years, 40 Wins, 40 Losses, and 2 Games).

But enough talk from us. Let's hear your predictions Warriors Nation!

Vegas Odds: Warriors by 4.5 (as of 8:30am PST). It looks like Vegas has the inside scoop on Avery's decision tonight. That or they're tired of losing money every time we play the Mavericks

GSoM Prediction: There are times when it is fitting for us here at GSoM to sit quietly and let the fans speak. Now is one of those times.

Tonight especially, make sure to drop your vote for who you think will win in the Comments. If you're watching or listening near a computer, post any comments you have during the game right here.

ON YOUR FEET WARRIORS! Tonight we fight.

UPDATE: More preview madness from around the web for tonight's BIG game...

• One for the Ages [Fast Break]
• Quest for the Playoffs: Warriors' strategy: Mind over Mavericks [SFGate]
• Tuesday Warriors Game Links [Mavs Moneyball]
• Dallas (66-14) at Golden State (40-40) [Yahoo!]

UPDATE 2: Dirk Nowitzki, Erik Dampier, Josh Howard, and Jerry Stackhouse are all sitting this one out. Check out the preview over at SBN brother site Mavs Moneyball. Avery's a good coach.

UPDATE 3: Live Box Score from Yahoo!

UPDATE 4: The Clippers-Suns game is over on NBATV. BEAT LA! Live Box Score from Yahoo!

UPDATE 5:

The Clippers beat the Suns earlier tonight, so it all comes down to tomorrow...

Stay tuned for the Recap!