06-03-2020, 07:16 PM
https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/6/3/2...bron-james
Beware of the Mavs
[b]Zach Kram[/b][b]: [/b]The Mavericks rank among the top tier of NBA teams by advanced metrics; they’re in sixth place in net rating, a smidge behind the Clippers, Raptors, and Celtics, and well above seventh place and beyond. Yet thanks to poor luck in close games and a congested Western bracket, Dallas sits in seventh place in the conference. Dallas has the top-level talent, coaching, and depth to make a real playoff run—but probably not if it has to face a fully healthy Clippers team in Round 1.
The eight-game regular season extension affords Dallas the opportunity to climb in the standings and avoid that nightmare first-round matchup. The Mavericks trail the Thunder and Rockets by 1.5 games each and the Jazz by 2.5 games; it won’t be easy to pass those opponents, but it’s not impossible, either. If Dallas were to go, say, 6-2 in its eight remaining games and the Thunder 4-4, then Dallas would jump ahead. And because the Mavericks hold a seven-game lead over Memphis for the no. 8 seed, they’re all but assured of avoiding a play-in tournament, as the league is guaranteeing playoff spots to the top seven seeds in each conference.
Beware of the Mavs
[b]Zach Kram[/b][b]: [/b]The Mavericks rank among the top tier of NBA teams by advanced metrics; they’re in sixth place in net rating, a smidge behind the Clippers, Raptors, and Celtics, and well above seventh place and beyond. Yet thanks to poor luck in close games and a congested Western bracket, Dallas sits in seventh place in the conference. Dallas has the top-level talent, coaching, and depth to make a real playoff run—but probably not if it has to face a fully healthy Clippers team in Round 1.
The eight-game regular season extension affords Dallas the opportunity to climb in the standings and avoid that nightmare first-round matchup. The Mavericks trail the Thunder and Rockets by 1.5 games each and the Jazz by 2.5 games; it won’t be easy to pass those opponents, but it’s not impossible, either. If Dallas were to go, say, 6-2 in its eight remaining games and the Thunder 4-4, then Dallas would jump ahead. And because the Mavericks hold a seven-game lead over Memphis for the no. 8 seed, they’re all but assured of avoiding a play-in tournament, as the league is guaranteeing playoff spots to the top seven seeds in each conference.