The Dallas Mavericks are officially in playoff mode. Yes, playoff mode, I said it. After the Mavericks crushed the L.A. Lakers on Sunday 122-73, Dallas let it be known for sure that they are not tanking and will do anything in their power to make the playoffs.

 

The Mavs led by as much as 53 in their beatdown against the Lakers and are hoping that they can carry over their blowout win on the court against the New York Knicks tonight at American Airlines Center. The Mavs win against the Lakers was a statement win. Even though it is safe to say that the Lakers won’t be competing for any championships come June, the Mavs blowout win of the Lakers showed that they are not going to back down from the playoffs especially with just being four games back of the final playoff spot in the west.

 

The Mavs have battled injuries all season and tonight’s game against the Knicks will be no different. J.J. Barea will miss his second straight game as he continues to battle a lingering left calf strain.Wesley Matthews and Andrew Bogut are listed as questionable. Matthews exited the game on Sunday vs the Lakers with a right hip strain.

 

The Knicks defeated the Mavericks 93-77 at Madison Square Garden back on November 14. Kristaps Porzingus and Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks in scoring with 24 points each. Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle knows the Knicks have some superstar talent despite their lack of a top NBA record.

 

“Well, they’ve got some dominant type of guys, I mean, Carmelo Anthony is one of the best scorers in the history of the game, Carlisle said. “Derrick Rose is a former MVP, and he’s playing well. Porzingis is having a big year, and they’ve added some pieces around those three guys that make these guys a heck of a lot better. We’re just going to have to be ready and play our game.”

 

Mavs will be looking to win there 2nd in a row as they conclude this home-stand. Tip off is at 7:30pm.