4 Mavericks who need to improve in second half of the season

The Mavericks need to focus on finishing the season strong. Here are four players that could improve the rest of the way.

The Dallas Mavericks have 31 wins after 51 games. They appear to be a lock to make the playoffs with the All-Star break approaching. The Mavs recently lost Dwight Powell after he suffered a torn Achilles, but they quickly made a trade to replace him with Willie Cauley-Stein.

The regular season is a bit more than half over. Dallas may be a surprise team, but the stretch run has a ton of importance for the Mavericks. They need to figure out their struggles in close games. Dallas also has issues winning at home. They are 14-13 at the American Airlines Center this season. The Mavs sit at 17-7 away from home.

Their roster has more capable contributors than minutes to go around this season. Players like J.J. Barea remain on the fringes of the rotation despite strong play when given the opportunity.

The Mavs are looking to make a trade with the deadline quickly approaching. They could move Courtney Lee and his expiring contract. The Mavericks also have a trade exception that goes away after the deadline. Making a trade seems ideal, however, there are enough capable players on the roster to push the team in the right direction.

Here are four current Dallas Mavericks who need to improve the rest of the way to propel the team into the playoffs and give them a shot to win in the first round.

Next: No. 4