Western Conference Standings Watch: Mavericks Hanging On For Dear Life
The Dallas Mavericks have been firmly entrenched within the Western Conference playoff standings throughout the 2022-23 NBA season, yet recent injuries and camaraderie building have resulted in a slight descent down the ranks.
The current NBA standings after last nights string of games show that seeds No. 1-4 have a healthy enough lead in win percentage to feel good about securing home court advantage in the first round of the 2023 playoffs at best, and at worst, avoid the play-in tournament out West. Things get interesting from there.
The 36-33 Los Angeles Clippers own the No. 5 seed in the West. They are 36-33 and have a 0.5 game lead over the No. 6 seeded Golden State Warriors.
Having to fend for themselves throughout early stretches of the season without superstar Kawhi Leonard or Paul George (and sometimes both) seems to be a thing of the past. Norman Powell is the only player sidelined on their injury report. Coach Ty Lue looks to put it all together and avoid a situation like last season, which saw his Clippers bounced in the play-in tournament by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Ahead of the Mavericks are the Warriors and Timberwolves. Out of Golden State's 14 remaining games, eight are on the road. The Warriors own an abysmal 7-26 record away from the bay. To make matters worse, Andrew Wiggins remains away from the team due to 'personal reasons.' Usurpation appears to be ripe for the taking.
It won't be easy though, as Dallas's record is tied with Minnesota, yet does not own the tie-breaker, settling them at No. 8 in the ranks. Within the past week, reports have surfaced that Karl-Anthony Towns has completed on-court drills. However, it has not been confirmed whether or not the 27-year-old former All-Star has participated in 5-on-5 runs in practice -- typically the final hurdle before a player returns to game action.
Below the Mavericks are the Utah Jazz (No. 9), Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 10), Los Angeles Lakers (No. 11), and New Orleans Pelicans (No. 12), all owning an identical 33-35 record.
Superstar Lakers LeBron James has been out since Feb. 26 with a foot injury, yet was seen without a walking boot in L.A's loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday, Mar. 12.
Also, Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson has been out since Jan. 4 and New Orleans have gone 10-21 in his absence. He and Jose Alvarado (leg) are not expected to be back until at least March 23. Brandon Ingram has also dealt with lingering injuries throughout the year in a team that has seen the biggest fall in the Western Conference this season.
Still in the mix are the Portland Trail Blazers (No. 13). While they have two games separating them from the No. 12 seed, they still have a legitimate chance to upset the apple cart and reap the benefit of the vicissitudes of the standings by the time all 82 games are said and done.
The Mavericks will have to survive injuries to All-Stars Luka Doncic (thigh) and Kyrie Irving (foot) to hold off the Jazz and the Thunder -- both of which are winners of two straight.
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