Other than Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic, who took part in All-Star weekend, most of the Mavericks last played in a game nine days ago.
Naturally, then, Dallas enters Friday's home game against Denver and the regular-season's final 25 games feeling refreshed and optimistic, even if their positivity isn't widely shared.
The Mavericks (26-31) are 12th in the Western Conference standings and, entering Thursday night, were five games behind the Clippers for the conference's eighth and final playoff berth.
When asked about his team's goals for the rest of the season, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle was purposely vague: "I'm not sure I want to advertise them.