Dallas Mavericks: 3 takeaways from the loss in Miami

2. Carlisle is tightening the rotation

The Dallas Mavericks played a nine-man rotation on Friday night. Boban Marjanovic was the tenth, but he entered the game for 0.5 seconds in the third quarter after a review put time back on the clock. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist played just five minutes too.

Coach Rick Carlisle continues to tighten his rotation as the Mavs prepare for the playoffs. Maxi Kleber was the only bench player to play more than 18 minutes in Miami. Dorian Finney-Smith was the lone starter to see below 35.

The Mavericks are going to rely heavily on Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the playoffs. All three will play 35-plus in each game. Carlisle will give significant minutes to Curry, Kleber, and Finney-Smith too. The other players will be used to allow for brief rests or in matchup scenarios.

Mavs supporters should have no surprises come playoff time. Coach Carlisle is already showing them what he plans to do with the rotation in these difficult games down the stretch.

Remember every win will be crucial. The Mavericks are three games behind the Rockets for fourth in the Western Conference. That would mean having homecourt in the first round of the playoffs. Expect the rotation to be tightened over the final 22 games.

Next: No. 1