The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks: Four Lottery Teams with a Chance at 2019 Playoffs

By Kohl Rast

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons grabs the rebound against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons grabs the rebound against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 28: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 28, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 28: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 28, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dallas Mavericks

Last but not least, you probably aren’t surprised to see a Mavs blog picking the Mavericks to be a potential playoff team next year. The Denver Nuggets probably seem like the obvious candidate for the other team in the West to potentially make a move up the standings, but I think Dallas has a real case here.

For one, the Dallas Mavericks are undoubtedly preparing for the final season of Dirk Nowitzki in a Mavs uniform. With this understanding alone, Mavs fans need to understand that Mark Cuban will do everything he can to give Dirk a playoff appearance to go out on. That is just the fact of the matter.

On the other hand, the Mavs are in the midst of a good-looking youthful rebuild with Dennis Smith Jr. and the upcoming draft pick ready to bring the team up in the standings. Harrison Barnes, Dwight Powell, Yogi Ferrell, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Doug McDermott are all great young players that have a chance to do well in Dallas as well.

I could be way off on this prediction, that would not be surprising at all, but I really think the Mavs are going to be moving in the right direction this season and could overtake a few more of the West teams. If Dallas was in the Eastern conference, I would be much stronger on this pick but, even still, Dallas is my second pick in the West to move up in the standings.

Next: Under the Radar Dallas Mavericks Free Agents

I could be way off on this one, but I think these four teams have a chance to make a strong move next season. Stay tuned here at the site to see which four teams I believe could be falling out of playoff contention.

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