The 33-28 Dallas Mavericks remain in the middle of the NBA Western Conference playoff race thanks to three straight wins, including one already this week. The Mavericks have won four of their last five and look to continue that with their two other games this week. Let's get you caught up with what happened in their the Mavs' two games and preview the remaining week ahead with our Mavs Weekly Update.
The Week That Was:
We'll start with Dallas' Sunday night game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mavs jumped out to an early 39-24 lead at the end of the first quarter and cruised to a 128-104 win. Dirk Nowitzki only played 17 minutes in the win, but still had 10 points. Chandler Parsons led the way with 29 points on 10 of 15 shooting. Every player on the Mavs played in the win.
The Mavs extended their winning streak to three with a 121-108 win over the Orlando Magic Tuesday. It was Wesley Matthews who led the way for Dallas, scoring 21 points. Nowitzki, Parsons, J.J. Barea and Zaza Pachulia all had at least 17 points in the win.
Coming Up Next:
The Mavs return to action Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings, who have lost four straight. It's a home game for the Mavs, as former point Rajon Rondo returns for the first time since leaving Dallas. The Mavs are favored by seven and they should pick up a win.
The final game of the week for the Mavs is a road contest against the Denver Nuggets. It's a rebuilding year for Denver and the Mavs should have a great chance to extend that winning streak to five games against Denver.
Playoff Picture:
The Mavs are in position to make the postseason, but an opening round home series seems unlikely. The Mavs hold the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference at the moment. They are 3.5 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 5 seed, but 7.5 games back of the No. 4 seed. Dallas has just a half game lead over the No. 7 seed, but is 4.5 games clear of the Utah Jazz, the first team out of the playoff picture.
Injury Report:
Raymond Felton twisted his ankle in Tuesday's win, but said he's fine. He's listed as day-to-day and should play Thursday night.
What They're Saying About The Mavs:
Nowitzki Is Still A Menace In Post Up Situations (Fansided)
'Hearty Boys' Give Mavs Mini Options Off Bench (Dallas Morning News)
Parsons' Hot Streak Continues (Mavs' Official Site)
Mavs Interested In Kevin Martin (Mavs Moneyball)