The Dallas Mavericks (31-20) head to the nation’s capital Friday evening to take on the Washington Wizards (17-32). Dallas is coming off yet another home loss, this time to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Wizards lost to the Warriors on Monday at home and have had plenty of time to stew over the loss.
With just a week to go before All-Star weekend then solid break, many NBA teams are going through the motions. Dallas, though, cannot afford a loss. Though the playoffs remain a likelihood, a victory gives them more margin for error as the season progresses.