Mavericks, Stars Standings Watch

We past the 70 game mark in both the NBA and NHL, so we are truly in the stretch run. Here's where the Mavs and Stars sit this morning.  

The Lakers and Mavericks both have most of the West remaining to play, including a March 31 showdown in Los Angeles on TNT. The Lakers also have one more with the Spurs, but it is on the next-to-last night of the season, so San Antonio will be in roll over mode. Both Dallas and LA are finished with the East.

The 5/6/7/8 seeds are each separated by one game in the loss column. Denver currently holds the fifth spots over Portland. Both teams play both Dallas and LA, so the late jockeying could be interesting. You would think that the Blazers are the worst case scenario for the Mavs.  

This picture is much more complicated and intriguing. Realistically, the Stars aren't going to finish first in the Pacific, given their remaining schedule and their injury situation, but both Phoenix and LA are in sight if they play well. With three games in hand over Calgary, they will certainly have to stay in front of the Flames to stay in the race. Anyone from four down could pretty easily falter and fall out of the race, but, given the current standings, the Ducks have to be a prime target. The Stars and Ducks play tomorrow in Dallas and then a week from Sunday in Anaheim. Between those, Dallas has a brutal road foursome - Nashville, Phoenix, San Jose and LA - that will likely seal their fate. If they're somehow still standing, they finish with four lottery opponents.