Mavericks schedule lookahead: Difficult stretch with playoff implications

The Dallas Mavericks are clawing for every inch down the stretch. They are flirting with the play-in tournament as they sit just 33-32 with 17 games left in the regular season. Dallas could move to fifth with a hot week or down to tenth if they struggle. Every game will matter down the stretch.

The Mavs are still figuring things out after the Kyrie Irving trade. They have struggled mightily on the defensive end of the floor, and Dallas is searching for how to finish games with their new superstar duo. There is not much time left to iron things out, but the Mavericks are slowly making progress.

The next eight games will determine if Dallas makes the playoffs or has to go through the play-in tournament. It will be a difficult stretch against teams all fighting for positioning in the standings here is a closer look at their schedule through March 22nd.

Dallas Mavericks host Utah Jazz

Tuesday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. CT

The Jazz are 31-33, but they are holding onto ninth in the Western Conference. Utah wants to make the play-in tournament, even after selling at the trade deadline. This is a must-win game for both teams, but the Mavericks absolutely need it because they have a schedule-loss the following night in New Orleans.

Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans

Wednesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. CT

The Pels have lost five of their last six games, but Dallas will be playing their third game in four days and has to travel to New Orleans for the second night of a back-to-back. This has schedule loss written all over it.

Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies

Saturday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. CT

Dallas Mavericks host Memphis Grizzlies

Monday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. CT

The Mavericks have a home-and-home with the Grizzlies, and Memphis could be without Ja Morant. The two-time All-Star is facing a suspension, and Dallas needs to take advantage if Memphis is without their best player.

Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs

Wednesday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. CT

The Spurs have lost 17 of their last 19 games, and they are clearly in rebuilding mode. Dallas must grab this win during this impossible stretch.

Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers

Friday, March 17 at 9:30 p.m. CT

The Lakers are fighting to reach the play-in tournament, and they will be fired up to host the Mavericks. LeBron James will likely miss this contest, but the rest of the roster will be pushing hard for a victory. Can Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving steal a win in LA?

Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies

Monday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. CT

The Grizzlies are second in the West, and Ja Morant will likely be back. It is never easy to win in Memphis, but Dallas could be on a roll at this point. Expect a wild and entertaining contest between the two playoff hopefuls.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors

Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. CT

Luka Doncic versus Stephen Curry always provides fireworks, and Golden State is right there with the Mavs in the standings. This will be another must-win game for both teams that nobody will want to miss.

After that, the Dallas Mavericks have nine games left in the regular season with five of those coming against expected lottery teams. Will Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving find their stride? Can Dallas get hot down the stretch? Stay tuned to find out.