Dallas Mavericks: 3 critical goals for their NBA playoff run

Dallas Mavericks playoff goals No. 1: Solidify home-court advantage

The Mavericks did something which is going to help them no end. They went into Staples Center and took both the opening games. This allowed them to gain the home-court advantage which is crucial for later in the series.

The Mavericks then lost their first game at home which was then compounded by the news that Luka Doncic is doubtful for the fourth game of the series. If the Clippers take this game, then the series is back per seeding which would make life harder for the Mavericks.

If Doncic can’t play then this makes the Mavericks’ task to keep home-court advantage really difficult. The Mavericks have built their offense around Doncic and without him, the Clippers would feel much more confident of regaining the advantage being the fourth seed gives them.

The Mavericks need to defend Kawhi Leonard and Paul George at a high level. They also need to take care of the ball so that they give the Clippers the fewest transition points they can. This is true if Doncic is available or if he is out. If the Mavericks lose both the home-court advantage and Doncic, they are almost guaranteed another first-round exit.