Dallas Mavericks: 3 teams that would have to underperform for Mavs to make playoffs

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OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on March 23, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors

It seems blasphemous to count out the best team from the West over the past five years, especially considering they still have the same nucleus as their first championship team, but this year just feels different. Stephen Curry is getting a little older, Klay Thompson will miss most of the year with a torn ACL and Draymond Green isn’t the player he used to be.

Past their continued big three, the Warriors lost Kevin Durant this summer, along with Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, DeMarcus Cousins and Jonas Jerebko. They added a few pieces in D’Angelo Russell and Willie Cauley-Stein, but neither of these guys can even begin to bring what KD and Klay brought to the team.

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If Steph can turn back the clock a little bit and play at his MVP level potential, the Warriors will still likely make the playoffs. However, if he has trouble creating and scoring without Klay on the court next to him, this Warriors team could be in some danger.

I think Golden State is the team closest to a lock that is not quite there. They are still a tremendously talented team with plenty of firepower, but without seeing Curry and Russell on the court together, I can’t lock them in just yet.

Dallas would be very fortunate to end up with a record above the Warriors this year. If the Mavs do end up with more wins than Golden State, it is probably a safe bet that it means Dallas is in the playoffs.

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