Mavericks need Davis Bertans in the playoffs: Will he be healthy?

The Dallas Mavericks suffered a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 25, but they are still in prime position to make the playoffs for the third straight year. Dallas cannot fall further than seventh, and they are 2.5 games up on the Wolves with eight left to play. The Mavs can move up to fourth with a win on Sunday night over the Jazz, and the team is looking to secure homecourt in the first round for the first time since 2011.

Dallas has played their last three games without recently acquired forward Davis Bertans. The 6’10 big man was spotted doing some work on the floor before Friday’s game in Minnesota, but he remained out with a sore right knee. It was positive to see him moving and not just set shooting as Bertans looks to get back on the floor.

The Mavericks need Davis Bertans in the playoffs, so here is a look at why and another reason to be optimistic about his return.

Dallas Mavericks need Davis Bertans in the playoffs: Will he be healthy?

The first round of the playoffs begins on April 16, which is still three weeks away. If Bertans is already doing on-court work, there is a good chance he returns within the next seven days. That should give him a few regular season games to find his rhythm and get ready for the postseason.

Bertans averaged 8.1 minutes per in the four games before his injury, so why is he such an important piece? The 6’10 big man can stretch the floor and is not afraid to fire away when left open. He is going to shoot and has connected on 39.7 percent of his career 3-point attempts. With Tim Hardaway Jr. out, the Mavericks need more shooting around Luka Doncic.

Yes, the opposition will try to attack Bertans on the defensive end of the floor, but can he make enough shots to balance that out? The 6’10 forward will be a change of pace option for Mavs head coach Jason Kidd in the postseason. Expect the Hall of Fame point guard to go to it, if Maxi Kleber continues to struggle with his jumper.

Stayed tuned to The Smoking Cuban for updates on Davis Bertan’s injury and all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.