Despite dropping 12 of their last 17 games, including back-to-back single-point losses, the San Antonio Spurs still have a big opportunity. The Spurs have failed to make the playoffs for the last 5 years, and they have been desperate to make it back this season.
The Spurs' play of late would otherwise have disqualified them from playoff contention, with them six games below .500 and seemingly fading fast. Even so, their rivals, the Dallas Mavericks, missteps could open the door for them to get in.
Prior to trading superstar Luka Doncic, the Mavericks were already struggling in the standings, having dropped down to play-in territory. However, since trading him for Anthony Davis and Max Christie and with Davis out for several weeks, their chances of making the playoffs have taken a serious hit.
Never mind the clear talent downgrade from Doncic to Davis and Christie, but they could be without Davis for weeks at a time during this crucial stretch of the season. That not only will hurt them in the standings but also delay his integration into their team. It also opens up an opportunity for teams behind them in the standings to make a playoff push.
The Spurs were just gifted a golden opportunity thanks to the Mavericks.
As of writing, the Spurs are 2.5 games back of 10th in the Western Conference, but two of the four teams ahead of them are headed for tough stretches. The Mavericks trading Doncic and then seeing Davis go down in his first game with the team have given the Spurs a glimmer of hope.
Especially with the addition of De'Aaron Fox and the rapidly improving Stephon Castle. They could also benefit from the Phoenix Suns failing to improve and having the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA.
Nevertheless, the Spurs are running out of time to turn things around. They have just 31 remaining games, and the current 10th seed, the Golden State Warriors, are projected to win 42 games. That might not seem like a tall task to best, but San Antonio has just 23 wins, meaning they would have to go 20-11.
It's not impossible, but the Spurs won't play a home game until March thanks to a long road trip in which they've recently bungled two winnable games against the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic. They haven't done themselves any favors, but the Mavs losing their collective minds has given them a chance to make the playoffs.