The United States came up short in an all-timer of a game against Japan in the World Baseball Classic, while the Stars—stop me if you’ve heard this before—lost in overtime in their matchup with Seattle. And the less said about the Mavs, the better. Just know that everything Jake Kemp wrote Friday morning is even more urgent today.
Here’s what I’m watching this week:
Monday, 3/27—Mavericks at Pacers—6:30 p.m., Bally Sports Southwest
So, here’s the deal. Back-to-back ghastly defeats against the Hornets have dropped the Mavericks to 36-39 on the season and one game back of the final play-in spot. Both the Lakers and Thunder, who are a game ahead of Dallas, probably have easier schedules down the stretch and definitely are playing better basketball. And if Dallas doesn’t make the playoffs, its draft pick needs to finish 10th or better in the NBA Draft lottery to avoid being conveyed to the Knicks to complete the Kristaps Porzingis trade.
Things are bleak. Whatever slim hopes the Mavericks now have of sneaking into the playoffs almost certainly hinge on them defeating Indiana and old pal Rick Carlisle tonight on the road.
Just know this: if the Mavs lose, any restraint toward tanking and preserving their draft pick should go down the drain. Dallas’ next three games are a road swing against East playoff teams Philadelphia, Miami, and Atlanta, and after that comes a home tilt against Sacramento, currently third in the West. A win over a bad Indiana team won’t preclude the Mavs from losing any or all of those, of course. At this juncture, I’d bet on them missing the postseason over making it. But there will be no more delusions if Dallas drops its fifth consecutive game.
Thursday, 3/30—Rangers versus Phillies—3:05 p.m., Bally Sports Southwest
It’s Opening Day, and the best pitcher in baseball is on the hill in a Ranger uniform. Enough said.
Saturday, 4/1—Stars at Avalanche—8 p.m., Bally Sports Southwest
Unlike their American Airlines Center co-tenants, the Stars are cruising toward the playoffs. And if you read David Castillo, you know that Colorado is on the shortlist for most likely first-round opponents. A win Saturday would be a nice ego boost ahead of a possible rematch down the road.
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