NBA standings: Mavericks miss chance to gain ground against Spurs, Grizzlies slip

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: