5 Things Dallas Mavericks fans should root for, 5 to root against to close season

1. Against: The New Orleans Pelicans in every game

The difference between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference standings is just half a game, and Mavs fans should be rooting against the Pelicans in every game that they play in.

If the Mavs take care of business in all of their games then what the Pelicans do won't matter, but getting some help with some more New Orleans losses would help Dallas. There is no room for error in the Western Conference right now, and the Pelicans pose the biggest threat to the Mavs right now when it comes to teams on their tail.

If the Mavericks can beat out the Pelicans and grab the No. 4 or 5 seed, they will likely play the LA Clippers. This would be the third time that the Mavs have played the Clippers in the playoffs in the Luka Doncic era. The Clippers would be a tough matchup for the Mavs, but with as well as Dallas is playing, the Mavs could easily knock them off.

New Orleans losing and Dallas winning could set up a perfect playoff rematch for the Mavs, and Doncic would likely be eager for another chance at beating the Clippers. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Mavs to remain deep in the playoff hunt, and all signs are pointing to them avoiding the Play-In Tournament.

For all the latest on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks for the remainder of the season, stay tuned.