With the 2024 NBA Playoffs being under two weeks away, Dallas Mavericks fans can't wait to see their team in the postseason for the first time since 2022.
Fans were shocked that the Mavs missed the playoffs last year after trading for Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline, but they reloaded over the summer and at this year's trade deadline to surround Luka Doncic with the best team he has ever had.
The Mavs are rolling as they had won seven games in a row before losing to the Golden State Warriors last night, and fans are starting to speculate who the Mavs may play in the playoffs.
5 Things Dallas Mavericks fans should root for, 5 to root against to close season
There are a couple of different possibilities for the Mavs, and whoever they play will be an exciting matchup.
Here are five things that Dallas Mavericks fans should root for, and five things they should root against to close the season.
10. For: A speedy Josh Green recovery
A few weeks ago, Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green went down with a nasty ankle sprain against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This injury happened at the most unfortunate time considering the Mavs' positioning, but the Mavs haven't lost since this injury and other players have been able to lessen the blow.
Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dante Exum are both playing well right now, and Derrick Jones Jr. has been great on both ends as the team's starting small forward. Dallas' 3-point shooting has also been much better, and Green's return could elevate their shooting even more.
Green is one of the best 3-point shooters on the team and is automatic from the corners. Hitting corner threes is essential in the playoffs, especially for a player in a limited role like Green, and Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will create plenty of these looks.
Getting Green back before the playoffs would be massive for the Mavs, and his energy off the bench has been missed. Green's ability to full-court press will also likely be utilized in the playoffs, and it'll be interesting to see how the rotation changes once he returns.