2018-19 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks will go as far as Luka Doncic takes them. He’s arguably the most accomplished rookie in NBA history, coming off an MVP and EuroLeague title overseas. He’s ready to make an impact from day one, and with Rick Carlisle at the helm, that should happen.

With that said, pegging the Mavs in a highly competitive Western Conference is challenging.. As good as Doncic is, he’s still a 19-year-old rookie. It’s unreasonable to hold him to the standards set by Donovan Mitchell and Ben Simmons, who are outliers.

Doncic enters the season as the Rookie of the Year favorite in most circles. There are valid concerns over his athleticism, but Doncic has the size and shiftiness needed to overcome those concerns. His basketball I.Q. is undisputed.

DeAndre Jordan will make an impact as well. He’s the perfect co-star for Doncic, giving the Mavs an easy lob target and an elite pick-and-roll combo. Dennis Smith Jr. looked good in preseason, aggressively attacking the rim and complementing Doncic’s more cerebral play style.

Harrison Barnes has a good chance to lead the Mavs in scoring once again, while Wesley Matthews‘ 3-and-D approach fits nicely alongside the current core. That main five, plus 15-20 minutes of Dirk Nowitzki swishing jumpers, puts Dallas in a good position.

The Mavs will be a tough, competitive team — one that slides into the playoffs with ease in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, the West is a little more challenging. Doncic and Jordan are capable of guiding Dallas to the postseason, but it’s far from a safe bet.

Final prediction: 38-44, Miss NBA Playoffs