Dallas Mavericks Playoff Future: One and done or one and run?

The Dallas Mavericks’ playoff hopes will be figured out by the end of the weekend. The question many fans are wondering: What seed will Dallas end up in?

Currently the possibilities are endless. If Portland wins out, then Dallas could be the sixth or seventh seed. However, if Dallas wins out and Portland loses one game then the Mavs will be the fifth seed.

How the Dallas Mavericks finish the regular season could make all the difference

So why is the seeding important? Well let me break it down.

If Dallas ends up the fifth or sixth seed, then the focus is on the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets. But if something drastic happens, then the Mavericks would likely face the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.

The last two games for Dallas include the 27-42 Toronto Raptors and a depleted Minnesota Timberwolves team. Based on their records, Rick Carlisle and company should, and I repeat “should,” take care of business.

Assuming the Mavs do what they are supposed to, just how far can Luka Doncic carry his team?

If Dallas plays Denver, then there would be a clear advantage for the team. This season against the Nuggets, the Mavs went two and one, including an overtime win back in January. Say for instance, Denver ends up on their radar, then Dallas’s sole focus would be on NBA MVP front runner Nikola Jokic. Jokic has played a pivotal role in resurrecting his squad to a top four team in the West.

Last month, the Nuggets lost their starting guard Jamal Murray to a devastating knee injury. Since then, the Nuggets have gone 11-4. One reason for their recent resurrection is the play of forward Michael Porter Jr.

If Dallas plays Denver in the first round, it won’t be an easy task. The advantage for the Mavs would be their backup court. Doncic and Josh Richardson would have to toil against Austin Rivers and Facundo Campazzo. However, when it comes to the frontcourt that is a different story. So many factors will come into play.

Will Kristaps Porzingis be healthy? Could Maxi Kleber get back to this regular from? Will Dwight Powell keep up his recent momentum?

If you ask me, I want Denver! Forget about their recent success, give me Luka over Denver’s guards. I have the utmost faith in Dorian Finney-Smith slowing down Porter Jr.