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After walloping the Spurs on Tuesday, another win on Friday would have gone a long ways towards the Mavericks slipping past them for the sixth seed in the West. Unfortunately, Monta Ellis left in the third quarter and Dallas could never get a real rally going.
The Mavericks are now a game a half back of the Spurs, but Dallas does hold the tiebreaker thanks to in-division record (7-8 vs. 5-7). Still, the Mavericks need to win some games quick while hoping San Antonio loses a few if they hope to move up.
Elsewhere in the conference, Memphis' hold on the second seed is looking much iffier than it did just a week ago. Houston is now just a half game back after the Grizzlies lost to the Warriors and Cavaliers in consecutive game.
Current playoff opponent: Memphis Grizzlies
Games back of San Antonio: 1.5 games
Games ahead of Oklahoma City: Four games
One upcoming conference game to watch: On Sunday, San Antonio plays Memphis.
And for fun, where the Mavericks would be in the East: Third seed.
Here's a look at the complete standings: