GAME 72: DAL (42-30) @ MIN (23-49) | 121-136 loss

[Kammrath]

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/13...1722923008

[DrMav]

While we think we have a handle on the motivations of teams currently seeded 3-6, one can only speculate how the next 24 hours will actually play out. What I do know is that a victory would mean finishing the season 14 games over .500, the highest mark since 2014-2015. Must win game.

[fifteenth]

The good doctor setting the tone

[TXBamanut]

I can honestly say that I would not be surprised if the Mavs win by twenty or lose by twenty.

[StepBackJay]

I hope the Mavs rest some guys including Luka but haven't seen any indication yet that they are planning to rest guys this game.

[SwisherPrice]

They have at least 5 days of rest coming up so I would not be scared to play everyone big minutes EXCEPT for Luka. I would sit Luka today, he's seemed hurt/tired for the last week so an extra off day might help him

[StepBackJay]

They have at least 5 days of rest coming up so I would not be scared to play everyone big minutes EXCEPT for Luka. I would sit Luka today, he's seemed hurt/tired for the last week so an extra off day might help him

Right I hope they do. KP needs the live game action. But I wish DFS and Luka especially would get the night off.

[dirkfansince1998]

No rest today. Who cares about the playoffs. One more win and eternal bragging rights willl be mine.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

I fully expect the core of the team will be on the sidelines wearing their Sunday Best.

[Hogmelon]

I fully expect the core of the team will be on the sidelines wearing their Sunday Best.

Surely you can't be serious.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM2K7sV-K74

[Hogmelon]

I hope the Mavs rest some guys including Luka but haven't seen any indication yet that they are planning to rest guys this game.

https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/in...6_05PM.pdf

[Hogmelon]

While we think we have a handle on the motivations of teams currently seeded 3-6, one can only speculate how the next 24 hours will actually play out. What I do know is that a victory would mean finishing the season 14 games over .500, the highest mark since 2014-2015. Must win game.

I think a Lakers victory over the Pelicans tonight is very likely.

If the Lakers do beat the Pelicans, then the outcome of the Mavs vs. Timberwolves game has no bearing on anything.

(I also think the Blazers will probably beat the Nuggets, and the Clippers will probably beat the Thunder.  So ... say  hello to Lakers vs. Warriors, Blazers vs. Clippers, and Mavs vs. Nuggets!)

[Jommybone]

Mavs -6
Clips -9
Blaze -8.5

Vegas agrees.

[Kammrath]

Nuggets

So the Nuggets essentially control their destiny tonight, right?

Win and get #3 seed vs. Blazers....lose and get #4 seed vs. Mavs....right?

[KillerLeft]

Win and get #3 seed vs. Blazers....lose and get #4 seed vs. Mavs....right?

Despite what I bet some people here would say, I'd bet a lot of money they prefer the Blazers, who I think are pretty overrated. Don't get me wrong, I doubt they're scared of the Mavs, either. But, if I'm going into the playoffs this year, the Blazers might be the team I want to face the most.

[Halfnir]

So the Nuggets essentially control their destiny tonight, right?

Win and get #3 seed vs. Blazers....lose and get #4 seed vs. Mavs....right?

Nope, if they win, they'll get the Lakers most likely (unless Lakers lose against NOP's G-League team) and Blazers are pushed to Play-in. I would assume they'd prefer their chances against Dallas ...

[Hogmelon]

Mavs -6
Clips -9
Blaze -8.5

Vegas agrees.

And ... Lakers by 7 or 7½ (which I think is giving way too much credit to the Pelicans)

---

Despite what I bet some people here would say, I'd bet a lot of money [the Nuggets] prefer the Blazers, who I think are pretty overrated. Don't get me wrong, I doubt [the Nuggets are] scared of the Mavs, either. But, if I'm going into the playoffs this year, the Blazers might be the team I want to face the most.

I agree with all of the above, but I think Denver's preference to avoid the Lakers probably outweighs whatever preference they have with respect to Dallas and Portland.

So ...

I still maintain that Portland has a lot more incentive to win tonight than Denver does.

FWIW.

[sefant]

So the Nuggets essentially control their destiny tonight, right?

Win and get #3 seed vs. Blazers....lose and get #4 seed vs. Mavs....right?

They get Lakers, if they win (assuming the Lakers win)

I dont think there is any scenario where Denver can make sure they end up with the Blazers. Its basically just the decision between Lakers vs. Mavs.

[Hypermav]

They get Lakers, if they win (assuming the Lakers win)

I dont think there is any scenario where Denver can make sure they end up with the Blazers. Its basically just the decision between Lakers vs. Mavs.

Everyone wants to avoid the Mavs.  Must win for Denver.