The Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings will square off Wednesday night in a pivotal matchup, each with a chance to clinch a spot in the NBA Playoffs. After an up-and-down regular season, both teams now find themselves near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, making this play-in showdown their first opportunity to punch a postseason ticket.
The Mavericks enter the game dealing with injury concerns that could impact head coach Jason Kidd’s strategy. Anthony Davis and Brandon Williams are listed as probable, while Kyrie Irving and Olivier-Maxence Prosper remain out with more serious injuries.
On the other side, the Kings are looking to capitalize on this opportunity with a relatively healthy roster. Only Jake LaRavia and Malik Monk are sidelined, and Sacramento is eager to prove that their regular-season setbacks were just a bump in the road as they aim for a deep playoff run.
What happens if the Mavericks beat the Kings?
If the Mavericks defeat the Kings in Wednesday’s NBA Play-In Tournament matchup, they’ll move on to face the Memphis Grizzlies with a first-round playoff spot on the line. The winner of that game will earn the right to face the top seed in the Western Conference: the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
The Grizzlies will be looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season following a loss to the Warriors. With Ja Morant leading the charge, Memphis would present a tough challenge for Dallas, assuming the Mavericks get past Sacramento first.
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What happens if the Mavericks lose to the Kings?
If the Mavericks fall to the Kings, their season will be over. They’ll be eliminated from playoff contention and watching the rest of the postseason from home. It would mark the second time in five seasons that Dallas has missed the playoffs.
Head coach Jason Kidd and his squad are aiming to make a postseason run, especially after the late-season setback involving Luka Doncic. A playoff berth would be a way to reward their fans and keep their championship hopes alive.
What happens if the Mavericks and Kings tie in the NBA Play-In?
If the game between the Mavericks and Kings ends in a tie at the end of regulation, it will proceed to a five-minute overtime to determine a winner. The outcome of the overtime period will dictate which of the above scenarios comes into play.
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