Dallas Mavericks: Top 5 Most Important Opponents This Season

1 of 6

Apr 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) reacts after hitting a three point shot during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

As we prepare for another Dallas Mavericks season, it is time to take a look at the most important teams the Mavs will need to beat this year to compete.

The Dallas Mavericks will be in for an interesting season this year. After fighting all of last season through injuries and lower production from some players, the Mavs still found themselves in a fight to even make the playoffs.

They did end up grabbing the 6-seed in the end, but it was not an easy process. Without a solid stretch of games towards the end of the season, Dallas could have easily been on the outside looking in. This season may be very similar.

After the Warriors added Kevin Durant to replace Harrison Barnes and the Spurs grabbed Pau Gasol to take Tim Duncan’s spot, it was obvious that the 1 and 2 seeds in the west were not going to be changing. They may flip-flop, but even that is very unlikely.

More from The Smoking Cuban

After these two teams, the Los Angeles Clippers seem to be a lock at number 3. They have been in the top half of the playoffs for a while and with the Thunder losing their best player in the offseason, LA should move up a spot.

At this point, the race seems to get a little more open. Teams like the Grizzlies and Jazz made some smart moves to bolster their roster while others like the Blazers kept the talent around. Other teams like the Nuggets, Pelicans, and Timberwolves all appear to be getting better as their players get more experience as well.

Obviously the Eastern Conference will not come into discussion much as teams that will threaten Dallas’ playoff hopes, so they are not included. If they were, I imagine wins against the Celtics, Heat, and Raptors would be good for the Mavs.

That being said, here are the 5 most important opponents for Dallas in the coming season. The list may not be terribly surprising, but it is important to know who we need to beat this year.

Next: Memphis Grizzlies