Jason Kidd has been out of the Dallas Mavericks lineup for the last four games due to a strained right groin. Without Kidd in the lineup the Mavs have lost three of their last four, and are now sitting in the eighth position in the Western Conference playoff standings.
WIth just nine games remaining and crucial games remaining on the schedule including contests versus the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors and Portland Trailblazers, the immediate future of the season lies in front of Rick Carlisle, Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of the team. Dirk addressed the need for Kidd in the lineup to the press after Saturday's contest:
"We needed his veteran leadership to make passes and not turn the ball over," Dirk Nowitzki said after Saturday's 94-89 loss to the Grizzlies, the Mavs' third defeat in four games. "We definitely need it. Hopefully we’ll see him at some point (this) week and keep the troops together, stay healthy and make a push here towards the playoffs."
Dallas has a few days off until they prepare to host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.
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