Dallas Mavericks: 5 possible outcomes of Walt Disney World playoffs

Dallas Mavericks playoff outcome: 5. Lose in the first round after moving up

The Mavs goal is to move out of seventh during the eight seeding games. They are 1.5 games behind the Rockets and Thunder coming into play. Dallas is just 2.5 back of the Utah Jazz who sit fourth in the West. There is plenty of room to jump up.

If they do get out of seventh, losing in the first round of the playoffs would be the worst-case scenario for the team. Moving up means a matchup against the Nuggets, Jazz, Rockets, or Thunder to open their playoff slate. The Mavs are capable of winning a seven-game series against any of those teams.

It would be slightly disappointing to see them lose in the first round after moving up. Remember, the Mavericks were viewed as a fringe playoff team coming into the season. They have outperformed expectations so far. Seeing them fall in the first round of the playoff would not be ideal, but it would still be a season of growth.

The only thing that could make matter worse would be watching Luka Doncic or Kristaps Porzingis struggle in their first postseason experience. It could create long-term questions about if they can get it done in the playoffs.

This scenario is not the most likely outcome. The Mavericks may even be favored in the first round against one of these teams. Fans have to like their chances of advancing to round two if they move up during the seeding games.

Next: No. 4