Dec 27, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mavericks’ final two games will be crucial for Knicks’ draft hopes
The New York Knicks are resting players to prepare for the playoffs, not because they’ve been eliminated from playoff contention. What a time. The Mavericks wish that they could be doing the same, but the best that Dallas will be able to do is secure a play-in spot.
The Mavericks’ issues go a lot deeper than trading for Kyrie Irving in February. Look no further than Mark Cuban blaming Jalen Brunson’s parents for the guard signing with the Knicks in free agency. It’s not as if Dallas could’ve signed Brunson to a four-year contract or anything. The lack of accountability within that organization is a problem.
While the Mavericks missing the play-in tournament would be hilarious for Knicks fans, New York would benefit if Dallas won its last two games of the regular season. The Knicks own the Mavericks’ 2023 first-round draft pick, but it’s top-10 protected. Because of Dallas’ win over Sacramento on Wednesday, the pick is tied at No. 10.
If the pick winds up outside of the top 10, New York will have a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. If not, the Knicks won’t have a pick in the draft.
Mavericks’ final two regular season games are crucial to Knicks’ draft hopes
Dallas is 23-16 in games played at home this season, which is far better than the team’s 15-26 record on the road. Luckily for both the Mavericks and Knicks, Dallas’ final two games of the regular season are at American Airlines Center.
The Mavericks will host the Bulls on Friday before ending the regular season by hosting the Spurs on Sunday. It’s hard to be confident in Dallas beating San Antonio based on the fact that the Mavericks lost to the Hornets twice a couple of weeks ago. However, their final two games play in their favor. Chicago could be resting a couple of key players and San Antonio has been tanking for Victor Wembanyama.
The good news is that Luka Doncic is listed as probable for Friday night’s matchup against the Bulls. The bad news is that Kyrie Irving and three other starters won’t play.
Mark Cuban will likely have another outlandish thing to say if the Kristaps Porzingis trade results in a lottery pick for the Knicks, but that will only make the situation that much more entertaining for New York fans.
Come on, Mavericks. You know that you want to give the Knicks a lottery pick!
