Due to a string of disappointing defeats, the Mavs have dropped out of the play-in race and have very little chance of making a comeback. With a 37-42 record and an astonishing 9-16 record since Kyrie Irving was traded there in February, the Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving-led team is presently ranked 11th in the West.
Although they are one game behind OKC for the final play-in spot and Oklahoma holds the tie-breaker, they still have three regular-season games remaining to play against the Kings, Bulls, and Spurs, respectively. Dallas will therefore need to win all three of their games while hoping the Thunder drop at least two of their final contests.
Dallas’ Chance
Irving had a game-high 41 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter of their most recent defeat to the Hawks, in addition to five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block.
But after shooting just 1-for-3 from the field and 0-for-2 from beyond the line in overtime, he only managed to score two points.
- Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving-led team is presently ranked 11th in the West.
- Dallas will therefore need to win all three of their games.
- Dallas has a 65.9% chance of landing the No. 10 selection if they finish in tenth place.
In his last seven games, Doncic has continued to put up absurd numbers, averaging 31 points, nine rebounds, and 8.9 assists while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. Doncic has recently stated that the team’s defense, not its offense, is the real issue.
Because Dallas’ chances of reaching the play-in are so slim, NBA insider Shams Charania recommended that they rest their star players.
In an interview on FanDuel TV, Charania said: “The Mavericks should seriously consider shutting down Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving over the next three games.”
Dallas has a 65.9% chance of landing the No. 10 selection if they finish in tenth place, in addition to a combined 13.9 percent chance of landing a top-four pick, which includes a 3% chance of drawing first and landing the outstanding Victor Wembanyama. So if you were in Dallas’ front office, it would be something to think about.
