Mavs vs. Bulls: Only One Dallas Play-In Scenario Remains

The Dallas Mavericks host the Chicago Bulls at the American Airlines Center on Friday night.

Despite the odds, in the face of doubt, the Dallas Mavericks continue their pursuit of the playoffs. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving exploded vs. the Sacramento Kings to keep the season alive for at least a few more days. Now, against the visiting Chicago Bulls on Friday night, the Mavs duo’s scoring success is imperative to their postseason chances yet again. 

Only one play-in scenario remains for the Mavs. They must win their last two games against the Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder must lose their season finale to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. If that happens, the Mavs will be the 10th seed in the play-in tournament.

While outside noise is already hitting the Mavs’ radar, getting knocked out of playoff contention would take on even more criticism. With the Bulls firmly in play-in position, they have nothing to lose, which might be good for Dallas’ chances on Friday.

Two losses separate them from the nine-seed Toronto Raptors. Similar to Dallas, Chicago handled multiple injury issues, including an ongoing knee injury to Lonzo Ball, which has kept him out all season. 

Zach LaVine might not play in this one due to rest, but if he does, the Mavs’ already-depleted defense will be tested further. In LaVine’s previous 15 games, he's averaged 26 points with an effective field goal percentage of 58 percent, a higher mark than Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and Kyrie Irving.

In addition to LaVine’s overall scoring, DeMar DeRozan provides the Bulls with a reliable mid-range attack; DeRozan converts 47 percent of his mid-range shots. But DeRozan is also listed as questionable due to rest … so perhaps the Mavs are catching a big break in this one.

With all the talk about their offense, you'd figure the Bulls’ overall rank would at least be adequate. However, Chicago is just 23rd in offensive rating. Meanwhile, its defense ranks fifth. Alex Caruso leads the Bulls with a 3.3 defensive box plus/minus … and he is another player the Bulls have listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup.

Considering the Mavs’ shallow roster depth, Doncic, and Irving, must shoulder the load per usual. 

Mavericks vs. Kings Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks

• Luka Doncic (PROBABLE- thigh)

• Kyrie Irving (PROBABLE - foot)

Chicago Bulls 

• Lonzo Ball (OUT - knee)
• Justin Lewis (OUT - knee)
• Alex Caruso (QUESTIONABLE - foot)
• DeMar DeRozan (QUESTIONABLE - rest)
• Zach LaVine (QUESTIONABLE - rest)

RECORDS: Dallas Mavericks (38-42), Chicago Bulls (38-42)

WHERE: American Airlines Center, (Dallas, TX)

WHEN: Friday, Apr. 7, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. CT

TV: Bally Sports Southwest, League Pass

RADIO: 97.1 The Freak

ODDS: The Mavs are nine-point favorites over the Bulls.

NEXT UP: The Mavs play the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CT.

FINAL WORD: Mark Cuban can't afford another free agency mistake.

Dalton Trigg recently discussed Cuban's mistake with Jalen Brunson in a recent piece and explained why history can't repeat itself, for the Mavs' sake. 

Here's an excerpt: "It has been a long, painful fall from grace for the Mavs, but now, they must focus on not making the same mistakes this summer with star point guard Kyrie Irving, who they traded two key starters in Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie to the Brooklyn Nets for, as well as a future first-round pick and two second-round picks. The trade hasn't paid off yet, as the Mavs' gutted depth and defense hasn't been able to finish off close games, but individually, Irving has fit in like a glove."

Ultimately, it's put up or shut up time with Cuban. He's said things heading into free agency in the past only to do the opposite. Doncic likely won't put up with such disappointment forever. 

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