5 problems Dallas Mavericks must address before the playoffs

Problem Dallas Mavericks address before the playoffs: 2. Figure out rotation

The Mavs have started Dwight Powell for most of the season, and he has played fantastic in recent weeks, but will he remain in the starting five in the playoffs? Most teams are going to go small as they attempt to spread the floor. How will Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd counter?

There will be no minutes limit for Luka Doncic, and fans can bet he will be pushing 40 minutes in some contests. The Mavs need him on the floor if they are going to win their first postseason series since 2011.

Kidd needs to figure out his entire rotation. He has played a 10-man group in recent weeks, but will he trim it in the postseason? Does he ever pair two big men on the floor at the same time? What combination works best for closing games? Does Kidd opt for Jalen Brunson over Maxi Kleber? Who closes the game if the opposition goes small? Does it change if they are playing traditional big men?

The Hall of Fame point guard likely already has answers to those questions, but expect him to tinker with groupings over the final ten regular-season contests. Jason Kidd will be looking to maximize every second in the playoffs, so expect him to have his rotation locked in.