12. Dallas Mavericks (40-27)
Other than the Pelicans, the Dallas Mavericks might be the most talked-about “underdog” status team heading into the bubble. The Mavs have one of the best rising superstars in the NBA in Luka Doncic and have one of the best second-tier stars in Kristaps Porzingis. You’d think that the time off will only help Kristaps and could do wonders for Luka’s continued development.
In such an unprecedented time as this, you can’t help but also love one of the best coaches in the NBA leading such a dangerously talented young team. Rick Carlisle is the best coach in the NBA that nobody talks about. He deserves more credit than he often receives and will have his team ready to compete once the season restarts.
The Mavs should be considered as a dark horse to make some noise in the West. Plenty of that will depend on how the bracket settles entering the playoffs, but I’m not sure there’s going to be any top-seeded team that will want to play the Mavs in the first round.