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Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, who lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, are in danger of missing the playoffs.
Dallas holds a 37-40 record, which puts them in 11th place in the bunched-up west.
Chris Broussard had this to say about the Mavericks’ playoff hopes on "First Things First:"
“The Dallas Mavericks no longer control their own destiny. … They got Miami, which is playing for something, Chicago and Atlanta, all playing for something. Atlanta and Miami are on the road and then Sacramento. … The only guaranteed victory is the Spurs.
“I am ready to say and I hope I’m wrong, the Dallas Mavericks are toast! They will miss the play-in!”
The Mavericks have five games remaining in their schedule. They are on a road trip that will take them to Miami and Atlanta. The Heat and Hawks are still jockeying for positions in the Eastern Conference, which means that both will be very motivated to win.
Dallas is also just 15-24 outside of Texas, so these games will really test them.
Luka Doncic and crew will finish their season at home in their last three games. They will face the Sacramento Kings, the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Kings have already clinched a postseason berth, which may allow them to rest their most important players. Dallas will like its chances against Sacramento without All-Stars Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox.
The Chicago Bulls, however, may not give Luka Doncic's squad that luxury. Chicago (36-40) is only two games ahead of the Washington Wizards (34-42) for the last play-in spot. The Bulls may likely be playing for a big win to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Dallas Mavericks' defense has been feasted on by opponents
The Dallas Mavericks have a 115.7 defensive rating, which puts them 23rd in the NBA. After trading for Kyrie Irving, they are averaging 119.1 DRTG, which is tied with the Houston Rockets for the second-worst mark in the league.
In the Mavericks’ 116-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, Dallas blew a 12-point lead. Philly’s defense also clamped down on Luka Doncic and the Mavericks' offense. They were held scoreless in the game’s final 3:18.
The Charlotte Hornets, who have the fourth-worst record in the NBA, overwhelmed the Dallas Mavericks in their first meeting on Mar. 24. Without four of their top scorers, the Hornets built a 21-point lead on the road and kept Dallas at bay for the win.
Jason Kidd told the media that he understood why the home fans booed them and vowed to do much better in the rematch. Instead, it was yet another humiliating loss and Luka Doncic refused to be interviewed after the game.
A day after the said loss, “Luka Magic” explained to reporters that he wasn’t having as much “fun” as before. He added that it wasn’t just basketball-related but did not elaborate on his statement.
A sieve-like defense and a visibly-frustrated superstar have the makings of an early exit. If the Mavs don’t get their act together, they may just prove Chris Broussard right.
Guess the Lakers players!
