4 Teams the Dallas Mavericks could destroy in first round of the playoffs

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. The team has gone 9-1 in their last 10 games. Dallas is also riding a six-game winning streak, as they pulled out key wins against the Denver Nuggets and the Sacramento Kings twice.

Both of the Kings games were testaments to the team's recent success. The Mavs beat Sacramento by 36 points and dominated in almost every category in the first game. Dallas shot 56.4 percent from the 3-point line and outrebounded the opposition by seven boards.

All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 52 points and 14 assists. The Dallas duo has been on fire recently. Their high level of play has allowed the team to become one of the top groups in the league.

4 Teams the Dallas Mavericks could destroy in first round of the playoffs

Doncic has been a prime reason for Dallas' success. He is averaging a triple-double with 31.8 points per game, 10.2 assists, and 10.1 rebounds in March. He is also knocking down 35.1 percent of his shot attempts. Against the Kings in the first game, Doncic scored 26 in the first half, as he sat out much of the fourth.

Irving on the other hand, has been the perfect counterpart for Doncic. He has averaged 24 points or more in five of his last six games. His best performance came last week against the Denver Nuggets when he hit a buzzer-beater against star Nikola Jokic.

The Mavs seem to be rolling at the right time. This is important for the team, as the Western Conference is stacked this season.

So, with the playoffs in sight, what teams might Dallas be yearning to play against? Who gives them the best chance to win a playoff series?

Here are four teams Dallas could match up well against in the playoffs.

4, New Orleans Pelicans

The one team Dallas has matched fairly even with this season is the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams have a 2-2 record against each other this season.

The Mavs' most recent loss to the Pelicans was a 10-point defeat on January 13. Luka Doncic did not play in the game, and newcomers P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford had not yet been traded to the team.

Dallas got their revenge the next round, as they defeat the Pelicans by five on January 15.

When comparing both teams, the Pelicans run a different approach than Dallas. New Orleans relies on their bodies inside to help score, as they can either win inside the paint or use their presence down low to outrebound and outperform teams. When healthy, they are a scary matchup down low.

However, this is something Dallas is not afraid of. The team traded for players like Gafford and Washington to help beat teams like the Pelicans. Their presence is something that helps the Mavs remain competitive in games.

Dallas is also a better shooting team than the Pelicans. They can use the mid-range game or outside shot to help outscore teams. The Pelicans wouldn't be much of a threat to the Mavs.

A 4-5 matchup against New Orleans would be a fun series for Mavs' fans.