Who do the Mavs really want next?

The Dallas Mavericks are officially the first team into the second round of the playoffs.  Now they must wait for their opponent to be determined between the Kings/Spurs series.  If you are a Maverick, who do you really want to see in the next round? There seems to be a lot of pros and cons with both of these teams going into what could be a seven game series.  Along with the wait for a challenger, there is also the dilemma of what to do during the time off. The Dallas Mavericks were able to keep Memphis’ post-season loss record alive last night after a huge 102-76 win. The Mavs are the only team in these playoffs to get a sweep, and have given up the least points-per-game of any team averaging only 84.3 against. Many felt that this fourth and fifth seed match-up would be a seven game series, while the number one Spurs and eighth ranked Kings would be an easy sweep for the reigning champs. Surprisingly though the Kings have won their last two games at home to tie the series up at 2-2 before going back to San Antonio tonight for game five. If either team wins the next two games, then the Mavs will look to play the upcoming Sunday. Now the Dallas squad can only sit back and watch these two teams battle it out, hoping they will do a good job of tiring themselves out. So who are the Mavs rooting for this week?

If San Antonio wins this series they will hold onto the home court advantage against Dallas. If Sacramento wins then the Mavs will have home court. Home court is very important, yet there may be more to it to ensure Dallas a good chance at the western conference finals. The Mavs may want to see San Antonio for a couple of reasons. Duncan has had problems with his foot for the majority of the season, and this extended, fast paced series should really wear on him. Tim Duncan has averaged only 12.5 points in the last two games against the Kings. If he does not get some sufficient rest, he may struggle against Dampier and Diop down low. Also the Spurs have a good, but old bench with veterans Horry, Van Exel, and Finley. Along with Duncan, they too may show signs of fatigue after this long battle with Sacramento. The Spurs are the champs though, so Ginobili, Duncan, and Parker will give Dallas a lot of problems as usual. Parker averaged 22 points and 4 assists during the regular season series which is tied 2-2.

The Kings also could be in the minds of the Mavs. Of course if it is the Kings who advance, Dallas will control the home court. This is a team that Dallas will be able to match up with better than the Spurs due to the Mavs athleticism. The Mavs can run better with the Kings and still be able to get defensive stops. This Sacramento team is not the same rival that the Mavs and Mav fans remember from a few years ago. No more C-Webb and Stojakovic in the lineup. Dallas watched Christie retire, and just retired Bobby Jackson’s season. Ron Artest has been a monster for the Kings against San Antonio, instead of the monster many felt he would be for any club who dared to trade for him. Brad Miller can have his good games and bad games, but he can score from beyond the perimeter, this will be a defensive task for the Dallas centers. We are not done yet. The play of Bonzi Wells and Mike Bibby has been stellar of late. The Mavericks won 2 of 3 against Sacramento during the regular season.

Either way, the Mavs will have their hands full in the second round. Once again the top part of this bracket will probably be the true conference finals. The question is now what this extended time off will do to Dallas’ momentum. I have never believed in too much time off in the NBA playoffs. This of course if you have a good coach to guide you through the time off. Dallas has the coach of the year in Avery Johnson. Johnson learned from one of the best in Popovich, and he will not allow his team to lose focus. The Mavs should get a chance to rest Dirk, Daniels, and Harris, along with working on their offense and defensive games. This post-season is shaping up in just the right way for Dallas to have a serious chance at getting to the NBA finals