Dallas Mavericks: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 12: Rick Carlisle and Devin Harris #34 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 12, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images. /

2. The Mavs stay in the playoff hunt

Although signing DeAndre Jordan and trading up to draft Luka Doncic has many in the Mavs organization excited, it probably won’t be enough to claim a postseason berth. The Western Conference is ultra-competitive, and it will likely be close between playoff spots 5-10.

The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder all feel like locks for postseason play. The Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans both have superstars leading them to contention as well.

For the eighth and final spot, the Mavs would then have to compete with the injury-riddled San Antonio Spurs and defensively challenged Denver Nuggets. Still, the Spurs’ system and Nuggets’ talent surpasses that of Dallas.

If the Mavs can make it to the final games of the season and still be in the hunt, or even have the opportunity to play spoiler for a team trying to clinch a spot, this season should be considered a success.

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