Playoff update: Mavs get some help, now need to help themselves

The Mavericks got some much-needed help on Friday night when Indiana won against Oklahoma City, the team directly ahead of Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving and Co. in the Western Conference standings.

Now, if the Mavericks are dedicated to making the play-in tournament, it’s time for them to help themselves.

A busy night in the NBA ended with the Mavericks inching a bit closer to one of the top-10 spots in the West, which at the least would stretch their season another game or two.

The Thunder got nipped at the Pacers as Rick Carlisle’s team pulled out a 121-117 victory without Tyrese Haliburton or Myles Turner.

So the Mavericks are only a half-game behind No. 10, although the Thunder owns the tiebreaker, so there’s plenty of work to do for the Mavericks, starting Saturday night at Miami. It’s one of only two NBA games Saturday, but the other one is important to the Mavericks, too, as the Los Angeles Clippers visit New Orleans. The Mavericks could be within a game of the Pelicans by the end of the day if things break right.

In addition, the Los Angeles Lakers moved up to seventh on Friday with a win at Minnesota, which is going to make the Lakers hard to catch for the Mavericks. However, the Wolves now are in striking distance for the Mavericks if they can get a win streak going tonight.

It’s still clear as mud how the West will shake out, but every day provides a new narrative.

Here’s the updated race for spots four through 12 in the Western Conference, with games-behind and each team’s remaining schedule.

4. Phoenix, 42-35, ————– @OKC, SA, Den, @LAL, LAC.
5. LA Clippers, 41-37, 1½, —– @NO, LAL, Port, @Phx.
6. Golden State, 41-37, 1½, —- @Den, OKC, @Sac, @Port.

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7. LA Lakers, 39-38, 3, ———- @Hou, @Utah, @LAC, Phx, Utah.
8. New Orleans, 39-38, 3, ——– LAC, Sac, Mem, NY, @Minn.
9. Minnesota, 39-39, 3½, ——– Port, @Brook, @SA, NO.
10. Oklahoma City, 38-40, 4½, — Phx, @GS, @Utah, Mem.

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11. Dallas, 37-40, 5, ————— @Mia, @Atl, Sac, Chi, SA.
12. Utah, 36-41, 6, —————– @Brook, LAL, OKC, Den, @LAL.

Twitter: @ESefko