Dallas Mavericks have a favorable schedule down the stretch

The Dallas Mavericks will be looking to make a move up the standings thanks to a favorable schedule down the stretch. Here is a look.

The Dallas Mavericks are exiting the All-Star break sitting seventh in the Western Conference. They have 33 wins and are all but guaranteed a playoff spot. The fighting down the stretch will be for seeding.

The Mavs have a realistic chance at homecourt in the first round. They are currently 3.5 games behind the Utah Jazz who are fourth. The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder also stand in their way of moving into that position.

Dallas could also slip to eighth and face the Lakers in the opening round. The Mavericks are just five games north of the Memphis Grizzlies for that spot.

Their final 27 games are important. The schedule will obviously play a role in their seeding. NBA.com ran an interesting piece analyzing the stretch run. Fans can read it here. Let us take a closer look at what is ahead for the Dallas Mavericks.

Eighth easiest slate

The Mavs have an advantage for the rest of the way. They are left with 15 road games in their final 27. Dallas is 18-8 away from the American Airlines Center this season and just 15-14 at home.

The Mavericks also have the eighth easiest schedule in the Western Conference as determined by their opponent’s win percentage. Eliminating teams outside the playoff picture, only the Lakers, Clippers, and Rockets have a more favorable slate down the stretch.

That leaves Dallas in prime position to pass the Thunder and Jazz before the postseason begins. The Mavs would be ecstatic about a first round playoff series against the Rockets. Houston is embracing small ball. Dallas has the pieces to match up and give the Rockets issues.

Having the schedule in your favor is one thing. Taking advantage of it is another. The Dallas Mavericks are healthy and ready to move up down the stretch. Expect a fun close to the regular season and exciting playoff basketball in Dallas for the first time since 2016.