Dallas Mavericks: Back at work preparing for a strong close

The Dallas Mavericks returned to practice on Feb. 19. Here is a look at that session and what fans should expect for the stretch run.

The Dallas Mavericks needed a break. They lost three of their last five games including heartbreakers against the Wizards and Jazz. The Mavs have dealt with injuries and just needed some rest.

The All-Star break came at a fantastic time. The team gained a bit of confidence as Luka Doncic returned, and they dominated the Kings in their final game. The Mavericks took an entire week off. Luka was a major part of All-Star weekend, but the other players rested and recharged for the final 27 games.

The Dallas Mavericks returned to practice on Feb. 19. Here is an action video of Doncic firing a deep 3-pointer from the workout.

What to watch for

The Mavs are a virtual lock for the playoffs, so fans should be monitoring the rotation down the stretch. Coach Rick Carlisle will likely whittle it down as the postseason approaches. He will give more minutes to his best options and put others on the fringes.

Supporters should also keep an eye on the pairing of Luka and Kristaps Porzingis. The Unicorn finally looks healthy and ready to produce at an All-Star level. That gives the Mavs a dynamic one-two punch. It will be massive in the postseason as teams sellout to stop Doncic.

The final thing to watch is how the new pieces are fitting in. Will Carlisle make Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Willie Cauley-Stein part of the nightly rotation? Or does he see each man as a matchup option? Both men are capable contributors. The Mavs will have to bring the best out of them.

The Smoking Cuban will keep Dallas Mavericks fans up to date on all the happens of the team down the stretch and into the playoffs, so make the site part of your daily routine.