Current State of the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks aren’t calling it quits just yet on what has been a disappointing season given the preseason expectations to contend for a championship.
In fact, the Western Conference champs are collecting wins at a pivotal time in the season as the race for the final four spots in the play-in tournament intensifies.
Teams in both conferences that finish Nos. 7-10 in the standings advance to the play-in tournament.
Probability is working in the Mavericks’ favor. They own a 35% chance to finish the regular season with the ninth seed, meaning they could host a play-in game at American Airlines Center against whomever finishes with the 10th seed. Conversely, they hold a 48% chance to remain 10th, which would require them to win two play-in games on the road to qualify for the playoffs.
Team Updates and Injuries
Late March is usually a time when teams begin to pay attention to the results of other games that could affect playoff positioning, but Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says the team’s approach is to remain present and take it one game at a time.
“Everyone’s going to watch the scoreboard,” Kidd said before Thursday’s win at Orlando. “We can focus on what we can control, but the most important thing for me is who can play and who’s on a minutes restriction and who’s out. I can’t worry about the other games. I can only focus on the cards that I’m dealt and try to put those players in a position to win.”
The Mavericks are winners of three of their past four games, including two victories with Anthony Davis in the lineup. The All-Star big man returned for Monday’s win at Brooklyn after missing the 18 games with a left adductor strain. He remains on a restriction of 24 to 28 minutes, but his late-season return was rooted in helping this battered Mavericks team win as many games as possible for a late run toward the postseason.
Return of Key Players
More reinforcements could be on the way. The Mavericks upgraded Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II to doubtful ahead of Saturday’s game against the Bulls. It’s the first time either of them had received a designation other than out since they suffered their respective injuries. Gafford has missed the last 20 games with a right knee sprain, while Lively has been sidelined since Jan. 14 with a left ankle stress fracture.
Davis is looking forward to having the “twin towers” of Lively and Gafford back in the lineup.
“Obviously, we don’t want them rushing back,” Davis said. “Make sure they take their time and get 100% healthy. If and when they do, it’s going to take more time to them getting adjusted to being back on the floor.”
Current Standings and Playoff Chances
Dallas entered Saturday 10th in the West with a realistic chance to improve to ninth with a win over Chicago. Despite a virtual tie with the Sacramento Kings (36-38) going into Saturday night, the Mavericks lead the 11th-place Phoenix Suns by a half game.
“We’re in a battle,” Davis said. “We’re trying to not only get to the 10th seed, but past that wherever we can go. If we get into the play-in or playoffs, anything can happen.”
The Mavericks began this season with lofty expectations after last season’s improbable run to the NBA Finals. That goal sounds far-fetched without Kyrie Irving, who had surgery to repair his torn left ACL, but the Mavericks are still in a position to reach the postseason with eight games left.
Coach Kidd’s Approach
While every game at this point has implications, Kidd doesn’t agree with the notion that team should adopt a “Game 7″ mentality.
“It’s not Game 7 because if we happen to lose, that means it’s over,” Kidd said. “We gotta take it one day at a time and put ourselves in a position to win, and come out of it healthy. That’s our biggest problem, it’s our health.
“Game 7 is when the season can end and we have too many games, too many minutes and too many flights to go on. No, we don’t take that approach. That’s the wrong approach.”
Additional News and Updates
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
The Dallas Mavericks are still in the running for a playoff spot, despite a disappointing season. With key players returning from injury and a favorable schedule, they have a chance to make a late push for the postseason. Coach Jason Kidd’s approach of taking it one game at a time and focusing on the team’s health will be crucial in the final stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current standing of the Dallas Mavericks?
A: The Mavericks are currently 10th in the Western Conference, with a realistic chance to improve to 9th with a win over Chicago.
Q: Who are the key players returning from injury?
A: Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II are the key players returning from injury, with Davis already back in the lineup and Gafford and Lively II listed as doubtful.
Q: What is Coach Kidd’s approach to the final stretch of the season?
A: Coach Kidd is taking it one game at a time, focusing on the team’s health and putting players in a position to win, rather than adopting a “Game 7” mentality.
