Dallas is actually sitting just four games out of the Western Conference playoff picture at this point, and they currently reside in twelfth place overall. For many teams, that's not too shabby. But, for the Mavs, we all know that's far too shabby.
Though they have looked pretty bad for most of the season, they have been playing particularly well through their past five games. They won four games of their last five contests, and what makes it even better, is that three of those wins came against Western Conference foes ahead of them in the standings. Those are the must-win games for Dallas from here on out if they intend to make the playoff cut.
For many Mavs fans, it is such a strange feeling, to wonder if the Mavs will actually end up making it to the playoffs. That really hasn't even been close to an issue over the past decade, largely due to Dirk's dominance, durability and dependability.
Statistically speaking, this season could be the first time since Dirk's second season with Dallas that the Mavericks fail to record at least 50 wins during the regular season. That figure, of course, excludes the 1998-1999 and the 2011-2012 seasons which were shortened by lockouts. In order to keep that streak alive, they'll have to win 34 of their next 41 games. However, they could probably secure a playoff spot with about 45 wins, meaning they just need to win 29 of their next 41 to achieve that. Regardless, that's a tall order.
Even if the Mavs do come up short in the end, let's not act like the season has been a complete waste...yet. On the bright side, the playoffs are still very possible, Dirk looks to be recovering very well from his knee surgery, and we have certainly seen some fantastic things out of O.J. Mayo, Darren Collison, Jae Crowder and a few other new guys, as well. In addition to all of that, our outspoken owner has officially declared that, "the Bank of Cuban" is now open as it relates to the trade deadline that is approaching in just four short weeks. It scares me to say this, but you never know what Mark Cuban is going to do.
On the dark side, we have a tough climb ahead in order to secure a playoff position. IF we manage to string together the kind of second half that would grant us an invitation to the playoff dance, we would most likely be facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, or the San Antonio Spurs. Not that those teams are unbeatable...but they certainly are the top three Western Conference teams for a reason.
Now, considering the good things and the bad, it doesn't hurt to pose a question: should the Mavs shoot for another playoff berth and at least a chance, however slight, to make another magical run in the playoffs? Or, should they play it safe the rest of the season, keep Dirk healthy, and perhaps wind up with a nice draft pick to add to their arsenal for next season?
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