The Dallas Mavericks are in an unexpected position. After beating the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 2, they are 22-12 which is tied for fifth in the Western Conference. The Mavs are only two games out of second, though. That ability to move up into the elite tier makes every victory crucial.
The injury bug is beginning to hit the Mavericks. Ryan Broekhoff fractured his leg and will be out for an extended period. Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (hamstring) have missed the last two games and appear set to sit out more.