As unlikely as it seemed as recently as a week ago, the Mavericks have put themselves in a position where they can control their own destiny, at least to some degree.
Sweeping their two games against the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday and Saturday certainly helped.
That gives them the tiebreaker against the defending champs, if that should come into play when it comes to playoff seedings. And it very well could given the Lakers’ injury concerns and the compacted standings.
But the most important thing is that the Mavericks now know they can take care of their own business and reap the benefits – mainly avoiding the play-in tournament and, perhaps, moving up from the No. 6 position they have claimed ahead of Portland.
“Obviously in a season you’re going to have a lot of ups and downs, of course,” said Luka Dončić. “It’s been a strange season. There’s a lot of games and with all the COVID. But I think we’re in a good spot.”
As Maxi Kleber said: “Obviously, we’re super happy about the last wins to finish this home stand very strong. And our goal is to make the six spot because if you have to play the play-in tournament, you have no time to rest. Obviously, making the six spot or better is our goal and that’s what we’re fighting for.”
And then there’s the Lakers, who left town smarting, but defiant, as always.
“I think seeding matters for a lot of other teams in the league,” said LA forward Kyle Kuzma. “I don’t think it matters much for us. Obviously, we are declining. We have to just figure it out.”
By all appearances, the Mavericks have figured a few things out. Not everything. But they are in a much more palatable position at 33-26 and with three wins in a row than they were a week ago.
They now face three road games starting Monday at Sacramento.
Here’s a look at the remaining schedules for the teams in the running for spots 5 through 10 in the Western Conference (all numbers through Saturday’s games).
Team Record SOS Vs. .500+/<.500 H/R
No. 5 Lakers 35-25 352-366 (.490) 5/7 6/6
No. 6 Mavs 33-26 334-442 (.430) 4/9 6/7
No. 7 Blazers 32-27 416-351 (.542) 10/3 5/8
No. 8 Grizzlies 30-28 366-463 (.441) 6/8 7/7
No. 9 Spurs 30-29 468-308 (.603) 11/2 4/9
No. 10 Warriors 30-30 323-394 (.450) 4/8 8/4
Key: SOS (strength of remaining schedule), Vs. 500+/<.500 (Opponents remaining at .500 or better and below .500), H/R (home/road).
Aches and pains: The Mavericks expect to find out more about their multiple injury concerns early Monday.
As of Sunday afternoon, Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle), Josh Richardson (right hamstring), Maxi Kleber (lower back) and Luka Dončić (left elbow) all are listed as questionable on the day-ahead injury update.
Dončić is a new addition to the report. Kleber played on Saturday, but took a nasty spill, landing on the small of his back late in the game.
Briefly: The Mavericks traveled on Sunday to Sacramento, who they hope to settle a score against on Monday night. The Kings broke their nine-game losing streak with a victory last week in Dallas . . . This will be the front end of a back-to-back, which could further complicate the injury situation. The Mavericks play Tuesday at Golden State.
Twitter: @ESefko
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