Getty
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 06: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Mavericks 120-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
A loss on Monday (March 23) for the Dallas Mavericks against the Golden State Warriors would officially deem the rest of the 2025-2026 NBA season meaningless.
Ahead of the action, the league announced all of the possible playoff scenarios for the start of the week. The Mavericks co-headlined the announcement for the wrong reasons.
It’s simple: One loss and the Mavericks are out.
NBA Communications
Postseason scenarios for Monday, March 23 ⬇️
NBA Announcement Highlights Mavericks’ Disastrous Scenario
Cooper Flagg
GettyDALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 12: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks follows through on a pass in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center on December 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Mavericks thought they were in a much better spot than where they ended up.
The thought of a healthy trio involving Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and the superstar rookie Cooper Flagg gave Dallas dark-horse contender dreams.
The reality? Davis’s longtime trend of failing to stay healthy continued and affected the Mavericks on multiple occasions.
By the time Irving might’ve considered a return to action, it didn’t seem like a logical decision to risk his health for a season that was clearly getting lost.
Cooper Flagg has been a bright spot, playing as well as advertised, but hero ball from a rookie wouldn’t get many–if any–teams far.
The Mavericks cut ties with Anthony Davis one season after trading for him. The Mavs engaged in a three-team trade, which included the Charlotte Hornets. Davis is now in the Eastern Conference.
As for Irving, his return is on hold until 2026-2027.
Where The Mavericks Stand
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks speaks with head coach Jason Kidd during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on November 05, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Mavs are placed 13th in the Western Conference. They are only in front of the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings.
This season, the Kings are holding a 19-53 record. The Jazz are at 21-50.
The Mavericks are sixth in the NBA Draft Lottery rankings on March 23. They have a 37.2% shot at landing a top-four pick in this year’s draft. They are at 9.0% for odds of going back-to-back and winning the No. 1 pick.
Last year, the Mavericks missed the playoffs after losing in the NBA Play-In Tournament. With worse odds, the Mavs landed the top pick, putting them in a position to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg.
Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Center on December 03, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
In 59 games, Flagg has posted averages of 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He is a Rookie of the Year candidate.
Failing to get Flagg early postseason experience would be unfortunate, but the Mavericks know that’s where they are right now.