Will the Mavericks take advantage of favorable schedule leading into All-Star break?

The Dallas Mavericks have won 12 of their last 15 games to vault back to fifth in the Western Conference. Since superstar Luka Doncic returned from a ten-game absence, his team has taken off. The Mavs are one of the hottest teams in the league, and they are playing some of the best defense.

The All-Star break is three weeks away, and every team is looking to close the unofficial first half strong. Dallas could climb to fourth and position themselves to make a run at the top three down the stretch by staying hot leading into All-Star weekend.

The NBA did a schedule breakdown for each team’s slate heading into the break, and the Mavs have arguably the easiest schedule in the league. Here is a closer look at why before examining if Dallas can take advantage.

Will Dallas Mavericks take advantage of favorable schedule before All-Star break?

The Mavs play ten times before All-Star weekend, including Saturday’s game against the Pacers. They have seven home games, and their opponent's combined winning percentage is the lowest in the Western Conference. The Mavericks face the Heat in Miami and the Sixers at home during that stretch, and their other eight opponents are below .500.

Dallas is primed to take full advantage. Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered a potentially season-ending foot injury, but the Mavericks are otherwise healthy and already rolling. Games against the rebuilding Magic, Thunder, and Pistons provide ample opportunities for head coach Jason Kidd to give his players some rest too.

Luka Doncic knows it is time to take over and push the gas pedal to the floor. The 22-year-old is just starting to play his best basketball of the season, and now has the added motivation of being snubbed as an All-Star starter. Expect the 22-year-old superstar to have plenty of monster performances leading into the break.

The Dallas Mavericks are primed to go on a run before All-Star weekend and pass the Utah Jazz for fourth in the Western Conference. Fans won’t want to miss a second of the action, so please tune in and check back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.