Who Mavericks fans should root for (and against) in April 4’s NBA games
By Tyler Watts
The Dallas Mavericks are off on Tuesday night as they gear up for their final three games with a difficult decision to make. The franchise is weighing shutting down Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the season. Dallas still has slim hopes of reaching the Play-In Tournament, but losing could allow them to keep their first-round pick.
If the Mavs shut down Luka and Kyrie, the Tankathon lottery simulator will become every fan's best friend. Dallas has a three percent chance of the number one pick if they finish with the tenth-worst record. It jumps to 4.5 percent if they finish with the ninth-worst.
There are 13 games on April 4, and there is plenty for MFFLs to watch. Here is a look at who Mavericks fans should be rooting for on Tuesday night.
Who Mavericks fans should root for (and against) in today's NBA games
Supporters have to decide which way they want the Mavericks to go in the final week. Are you rooting for them to finish tenth and qualify for the Play-In Tournament or to head into the lottery with the best chance of keeping their pick? Here we will examine both scenarios by looking at who to root for tonight.
Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards
Who to root for: Wizards
The Wizards are tied for the seventh-worst record in the NBA, and they are 2.5 games behind Dallas with four to play. Fans should root for Kristaps Porzingis and Washington to win on Tuesday night. It will put them just two behind with three to play meaning if the Mavericks lose out, Washington would have to win two of their last three for a coin flip to take place.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic
Who to root for: Magic
The Wizards are tied with the Magic for the seventh-worst record. Orlando is not trying to win this game, but Mavericks fans should be rooting for them anyways. Crazier things have happened in the NBA.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Brooklyn Nets
Who to root for: Nets
The Mavericks can still catch the Timberwolves if Minnesota goes 0-3 this week and Dallas wins out. The Nets can lock up a place in the top six in the East with a victory, so expect them to give it everything they have got on Tuesday night.
Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls
Who to root for: Bulls
Chicago is 1.5 games better than the Mavericks coming into Tuesday, and the two teams face off on Friday. This contest has massive Play-In implications in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls need the win, and it means they will finish ahead of Dallas.
Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz
Who to root for: Jazz
The Mavericks are just 0.5 games ahead of the Jazz. A win by Utah puts them in a tie heading into the final three games. The Lakers are favored coming in, but can Utah pull the upset on their home floor?
Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors
Who to root for: Warriors
Dallas needs the Thunder to lose at least two of their last three games if the Mavericks want to make the Play-In Tournament. Golden State will be locked in as they try to stay in the top six in the Western Conference. Fans should be rooting for the Dubs to keep the Mavs' slim hopes alive.
If the Dallas Mavericks end the season with the tenth-worst record in the NBA, they will have a three percent chance at the number one pick, a 13.9 percent shot at moving into the top four, and a 79.8 percent shot at keeping their selection. If the pick falls outside the top ten, Dallas owes their pick to the Knicks to complete the Kristaps Porzingis trade. There is a ton to play for this week, so be sure to tune in and enjoy the games.