How the Dallas Mavericks matchup against West’s top four
The Dallas Mavericks are currently in a virtual tie with the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. That will obviously change after tonight’s big matchup with those same Spurs, but it seems more than likely that this is around where the Mavericks will end the season at. There is the slightest chance that Dallas could some how make their way up to the No. 4 seed, but with how erratic they’ve been it is unlikely.
Regardless, it’s time to start looking at potential first round match ups for Dallas. Remember, the Mavs have not yet clinched a spot, but that shouldn’t be a problem unless a collapse of epic proportions happens. Here are four potential first round match ups, and how Dallas would fare:
1. Golden State: The likelihood of this happening is low, unless Dallas free falls and ends up as the No. 8 seed. Make no mistake, this series would be depressing and would make me want to go cry in a corner. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have torched Dallas in every meeting this year, and Draymond Green has shut Dirk Nowitzki down completely. It’s just an awful match up for Dallas across the board, and it would be over quick.
2. Memphis: This is a more likely match up for Dallas, especially if they end up with the No. 7 seed. Unfortunately, this also wouldn’t be in Dallas’ favor. The Grizzlies are built for the playoffs. A solid point guard in Mike Conley, good wings and two huge big men in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. They are going to slow the pace down and make it a half court game, which is the last thing Dallas wants to do. Plus, Gasol and Randolph have been absolute killers on the boards and on the offensive end. It is a complete mismatch for Dirk, and there’s only so much Tyson Chandler can do to contain both of those guys. Add the fact that they have Tony Allen to slow down Monta Ellis, and it could be a disaster for the Mavs. Dallas might be able to win one game, but no more than that.
3. Portland: This would be a fun series, but one I don’t think Dallas can win. The Blazers were a fringe title contender until Wes Matthews‘ season ending Achilles injury. Matthews was a good three-point shooter and good defender, and, while Aaron Afflalo is a solid replacement, it will be hard for Portland to replace him. Still, the Blazers have a nice front court in LaMarcus Aldridge and Brook Lopez, and Damian Lillard is very capable of lighting it up. Dallas has only beaten Portland once this season, and it took a comeback to do it, but I think Dallas can cause the Blazers problems if they are able to push the pace and get their offense right. But, the Blazers probably get the edge here.
4. Houston: This is the most interesting of all the match ups and one that could be destiny at this point. The amount of subplots (Mark Cuban vs. Daryl Morey, Chandler Parsons, etc.) would be staggering, but from a pure basketball perspective, the Rockets are the best opponent for Dallas. The Mavs have only beaten Houston once this season, and still have one more left to play with them. Every game, with the exception of the game the Mavs won, has been close and can go either way, and Dallas has not played Houston with Dwight Howard yet.
Still, Dallas would have a chance here. Patrick Beverley looks like he’ll be out for the season with a wrist injury, which means Houston loses his three-point shooting and defense in the backcourt. That could mean a big series for Ellis, and it would allow Rajon Rondo to focus on trying to bother and defend James Harden. Harden is clearly the biggest problem Houston poses, but all the Mavs need to do is slow him down and make him work for everything. He’s g0t this ability to get to the line at will, but there are times in the playoffs where the officials swallow their whistles, and that could be big for Dallas. If Dallas can slow down Harden, Houston doesn’t really have anyone that can score other than Howard, who at that point will still be rusty and not 100 percent. It’s a fascinating series, and one the Mavs have a shot at winning.