3 teams Dallas Mavericks want to face in the 1st round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs

Dallas Mavericks are hoping to face the Kings in the 1st round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs

The Sacramento Kings have not made the playoffs since 2006. Children graduating high school this summer were just being born the last time the Kings were in the postseason. Domantas Sabonis and former Maverick Harrison Barnes are the only two players on Sacramento’s roster that have any playoff experience to speak of.

The Mavs were just in the conference finals, and Kyrie Irving has championship experience. They would have a massive edge over the Kings here, but that is not the biggest reason they want to face Sacramento.

The Kings are the only playoff team with a worse defensive rating than the Mavericks. Sacramento sits 24th with a 115.8, and Dallas is 23rd at 115.5. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would be able to put up some massive numbers against the Kings in the postseason.

Yes, Dallas would struggle to slow down Sacramento’s high-powered offense, but this is where experience matters. The Kings could get tight down the stretch of close games leaving the door open for the Mavs to steal the series.

The Dallas Mavericks are focused on the stretch run. They are trying to get healthy and clinch their place in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. No matter what team they draw in the first round, it won’t be easy, but Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are up for that challenge. Stay tuned to see how it all plays out.