Dallas Mavericks: Odds favor them to finish in play-in tournament

The Dallas Mavericks need to win games down the stretch. They are currently seventh in the Western Conference. Dallas will take part in the expanded play-in tournament if they do not move into the top six. No team wants to face a one-off game that could end their season.

Luka Doncic made an incredible game-winning buzzer-beater against the Grizzlies or the Mavericks would have lost five straight games. They are struggling right now. The schedule is favorable down the stretch, but the Mavs need to find their groove if they plan on moving up. Dallas has no margin for error now with just 16 games remaining.

They were favored to finish sixth and avoid the play-in last week, but losing two straight did them no favors. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Mavs a 50.9 percent chance of being in the seven versus eight game in the play-in tournament. Here is a closer look at what that means.

Odds favor Dallas Mavericks being in the play-in tournament

ESPN has it at just over a coin flip’s chance that Dallas will take part in the play-in tournament. The remaining 49.1 percent has the Mavericks finishing in the top six and advancing to the playoffs.

They will at least be in the seven versus eight game in the play-in, which means Dallas gets two chances to advance if needed. Remember, the winner of that contest advances as the seventh seed, and the loser faces the winner of the nine against ten game to earn the last spot.

Do not count out the Dallas Mavericks. They have the second-easiest remaining schedule in the NBA, according to Tankathon. The Portland Trail Blazers have lost five of their last seven games and have the fourth-hardest remaining slate. If the Mavs can get back on track, they could still avoid the play-in. Three games are a lot to make up with just 16 left, though.

Mavericks fans should keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news, analysis, and opinions on their favorite time. There promises to be plenty of excitement down the stretch, so do not miss it.