Dallas Mavericks: 5 players on the edge of the playoff rotation

Dallas Mavericks on edge of playoff rotation: Justin Jackson

Justin Jackson would be higher on this list, but he already fell out of the Mavericks rotation before the NBA suspended play. At the beginning of the season, he was viewed as a potential starter. Jackson could provide flooring space for Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis to operate. That faded as the 25-year-old is having the worst shooting season of his NBA career.

Dallas Mavericks on edge of playoff rotation: J.J. Barea

Barea’s playing time has been limited this season. He only appears in blowouts or when other guards are out with injury. Coach Rick Carlisle has preferred using Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., Seth Curry, and Jalen Brunson. Brunson is not expected to play in Orlando because of shoulder surgery, though.

Barea still appears set for a mentorship role. Anything could happen but 35-year-old’s best bet is seeing minutes to change the pace of a playoff game.

Dallas Mavericks on edge of playoff rotation: Willie Cauley-Stein

The Dallas Mavericks are going to need a backup center, but Cauley-Stein may not get the chance to play. Coach Carlisle has rarely given the newly acquired center any playing time since the Mavs traded for him in January despite him shooting 57.9 percent from the field on the season.

Cauley-Stein can keep up on defense and contributes in the paint. His versatile skill set makes him an option regardless of the opponent.

Next: Boban and Wright