As the last few days of the NBA restart season comes to an end, potential playoff matchups are starting to come into fruition.

For the Mavericks, playoff seeding still remains on the line as the team has the opportunity to move up in the standings. For the Trail Blazers, just qualifying for the play-in game for the 8th and final spot is what they’re chasing.

The Mavericks are coming off an impressive comeback victory after being down by 22 to the Jazz on Monday while Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Dorian Finney-Smith were out for rest.

Though Dallas will need plenty of help to be able to sneak up the standings, it’s still possible.

If Mavs lose either of final 2 games they finish 7th.

To overtake 6th-place Utah, Mavs have to win remaining games vs Portland and Phoenix, and Utah must lose its remaining game vs. S.A.

To overtake No. 5 OKC, Mavs must win 2 games and OKC must to lose to Miami and Clippers.

— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) August 10, 2020

And that pursuit to potentially avoid the Clippers continues tonight against the red hot Blazers, who look like the favorite to overtake Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West.

Fresh legs

With Luka, KP, and DFS resting yesterday against the Jazz, the Mavericks have some fresh legs in the starting lineup in a game where it’s damn near a must-win for both teams. Luka and Dorian are coming off what was arguably both their best games of their careers in the overtime victory against the Bucks on Saturday.

Dame Dolla

He’s a problem. A big one.

There’s no stopping Dame and every team knows that, especially in these must-win, clutch situations, where he seems to be his best.

Dame and Luka have had some fun battles over the past two years and I don’t see why tonight would be any different, especially with what’s on the line and Luka coming off a day of rest.

From downtown

Both the Mavericks and Blazers are known for being elite three point shooting teams with a handful of shooters on each side. For Portland, you obviously have Dame, CJ McCollum, and Melo, but Gary Trent Jr. has been one of the talks of the bubble as he has been an absolute sniper, shooting 57% from deep.

For Dallas, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Seth Curry will need to come out firing to keep up with Portland’s mirage of shooters. With Luka, KP, and DFS resting yesterday, Hardaway Jr. was able to find his groove, scoring 27 points on 11/15 shooting which is a great sign for the Mavericks.