2024 Dallas Mavericks playoff picture following win vs Houston Rockets (March 31): Updated standings, schedule and more

The Dallas Mavericks ended the Houston Rockets’ 11-game winning streak on Sunday and continued their own winning streak, securing a significant victory. This win also brought their overall record to 45-29 with eight games left to play.

Luka Doncic’s exceptional performance was the driving force behind the Mavericks’ win, as he scored 47 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out seven assists. Kyrie Irving also added 24 points and seven assists to the team’s success.

The Mavericks displayed an impressive performance as a team, shooting at an impressive 52% from the field and sinking 24 of 47 3-point attempts.

The Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. put up 28 points, but unfortunately their hopes of making it into the Play-In Tournament were dealt a blow after their loss on Sunday and Golden State’s win against the Spurs.

Dallas Mavericks Playoff Race: Current Team Standings

Currently tied with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Dallas Mavericks hold the fifth place spot in the Western Conference standings with eight games left in the season.

According to the current rankings, the Mavericks would match up against the LA Clippers in the opening round of the playoffs. As the fourth seed, the Clippers would hold the advantage of playing on their home court against the Mavericks.

The Mavericks and Clippers share a history, having previously met in the playoffs in both 2020 and 2021.

It is highly probable that the Mavericks will retain their position within the fifth to eighth seeds. They currently hold a two-game lead over the Phoenix Suns, who are in seventh place, and a 2.5-game lead over the Sacramento Kings, who are in eighth place.

Dallas Mavericks Playoff Schedule and Matchups

According to Tankathon, the Mavericks have the seventh easiest remaining schedule. Four of their upcoming games are against teams competing for playoff spots, such as the OKC Thunder, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and the Houston Rockets. Additionally, they will play two teams that have already been eliminated from playoff contention, the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets.

The Mavericks, who are currently tied with the Pelicans, have a slightly more favorable schedule compared to their opponents. The Pelicans’ remaining games consist of two matchups against the Phoenix Suns, as well as games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, LA Lakers, and Orlando Magic.

The Mavericks have a comparatively easier schedule than the Kings and Suns, with the Suns facing the most challenging schedule as their final eight games will be against teams headed for the playoffs.

The Dallas Mavericks’ Road to the Playoffs: Examining Potential First-Round Matchups

Despite their overall success this season, the Mavericks have faced challenges against the top teams in the Western Conference. Prior to the trade deadline, they suffered losses in both of their games against the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets, leading to a record of 1-2 against each team.

Since acquiring PJ Washington, the team has played two games against the Thunder and has a record of 1-2. In their four games against the Timberwolves, the Mavericks have a record of 1-3.