Mavericks' improbable playoff reality is somehow just inches away

For the first time in a long time, the Dallas Mavericks are riding a wave of momentum that has helped them win four of their last five games, including last night's impressive 120-119 win over a hot Chicago Bulls squad. A returning Anthony Davis has given Dallas the jolt of life it needed if it wished to make the playoffs a reality.

Not only has Davis's return to the hardwood given the Mavericks an extra inch in tight games, but multiple Mavericks have stepped up their play since receiving more minutes over the last month. One Mav who has benefited greatly from the extra time on the floor has been two-way center Kai Jones; however, the Mavericks will need to make a tough roster decision if they wish to bring Jones along for the playoffs.

Not only has Jones hunkered down the center spot while Davis has been sidelined, but since being signed on March 3, the Mavericks have been without Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. However, this may change soon with the big men likely returning from injury at the perfect time to make a legitimate playoff push.

Lively II and Gafford would give the Mavericks much-needed reinforcements down low and would also help the Mavericks secure a play-in tournament home-court advantage in the first game that would likely be played against the Sacramento Kings or Phoenix Suns.

Mavs closing in on home-court advantage for Play-In Tournament

Despite all odds, the Mavericks' playoff reality isn't far from the truth. Since defeating the Bulls on Saturday night, the Mavericks have vaulted themselves into sole possession of ninth place in the Western Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round of the Play-In Tournament.

Not only has the Mavericks' season suddenly been revived, but with Lively II and Gafford returning before the playoffs tip-off, it's not a crazy thing to say a playoff berth is out of reach. While home floor advantage in any play-in game is huge, the team would still need to travel if they won their matchup against the Kings or the Suns.

Assuming Dallas' hot streak isn't a fluke, they would likely run into one of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, or LA Clippers in the second round of the Play-In Tournament. Of these, neither team is considered an easy opponent.

With only seven games left before the Mavericks' 2024-25 regular season comes to an end, it may be the perfect amount of time for the Mavs to get their feet back under them. Winning four of their last five games is a solid start, but heading into the playoffs with momentum may be the exact thing Dallas needs if they wish to compete as the ninth seed.

Dallas wouldn't only need to go through two gauntlet games just to secure an eight seed in the Western Conference and play the first-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, but they would likely need Davis to return to his natural position. With Lively II and Gafford returning soon, this isn't far from reality for Davis and the Mavs.

Dallas has an opportunity to become one of the rare play-in teams that could stir up some noise in the Western Conference. For the Mavericks, they must gain as much momentum as possible with the remaining time left in the regular season to ensure they won't have an extended offseason.