Are the Dallas Mavericks really playoff bound?
The Dallas Mavericks have the worst record in the Western Conference but could the team still make the playoffs?
Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks currently sit with a record of 10 wins and 24 loses. The team has the worst record in the West, but like any night that could all change in an instant.
Dallas started off the NBA year going 0-4 during the month of October. This all went down once November rolled around. Just last month, the team went 3-11 going on various losing streaks with their longest being eight games.
As of now, the playoffs seem like a longshot for the Mavs, but with a little more than a half of the season left to play that could all switch. So what are the possibilities that the Mavericks make the playoffs?
Never say Never?
Looking at the oh so early playoff picture the Dallas Mavericks seem like a lost hope to make the playoffs because of where they stand. The Western Conference may prove otherwise though. The Sacramento Kings currently own the eight seed in the West as we speak. While the Kings would make the playoffs if the season ended today, their record would prove otherwise.
The Kings are currently 14-18 and have been inconsistent throughout the season thus far. Dallas and Sacramento have met twice this season splitting both games.
If the season has prove anything it is that the Dallas have the assets to hang in with a team like Sacramento. Although Dallas would not play Sacramento if they made the playoffs, at least the Mavs have shown they have what it takes to contend for the eight spot.
The Kings are just five games ahead of the Mavs for that final playoff spot. With plenty of basketball left to play anything could change. All it would take is a nice hot streak by Dallas to jump right into the picture.
Help is on the Way!!!
One of the hottest Mavs so far is newcomer Harrison Barnes. Barnes has become the focal point of the Mavericks’ offense this season. The former Warrior has embraced his new role just fine as he is currently averaging 20.4 points per games along with 5.5 rebounds a game as well.
Like Barnes, shooting guard Wesley Matthews has taken his game to the next level too averaging 15.8 points per game. Matthews and Barnes have been the key contributors for Dallas this year.
Both players could be getting some key help though as Dirk Nowitzki looks to be getting off his training wheels. Nowitzki has played in the last three games for Dallas. On December 23rd, Dirk scored 17 points in just 15 minutes in his first game back. Since then the German star has been on restricted minutes playing anywhere between 15-17 minutes a game. While has yet to score over 20 points a games, he has shown life within the past week scoring little by little each and every game.
Like Dirk, J.J. Barea is expected to make a return too as his Achilles injury is listed as day to day. Before going out with injury, Barea was averaging 14.5 points a game to go with 5.2 assists.
Both major valuable assets to the team, Dirk and Barea have the capability to take over a game and have the possibility to help Dallas go on a nice run of their own.
Next: Dallas Mavericks: The Day of Reckoning is Fast Approaching
Being just five games back from the eight spot in the Western Conference and having major players report for duty could be the difference the Mavs need to sneak into the playoffs. The Mavericks currently have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.