Plummeting Mavericks could be in danger of missing playoffs

The Dallas Mavericks (35-35) are eighth in the Western Conference, 1.5 games from falling into 12th. Since trading for point guard Kyrie Irving, they are 6-9 and have dropped in the standings.

Missing the playoffs would be a disaster for the Mavericks this season and beyond, but it's possible if Dallas doesn't get hot.

The Mavericks traded significant resources to acquire Irving, trying to prove to superstar Luka Doncic -- who averages 33 points, eight assists and 8.6 rebounds -- that they can provide support for him to win an NBA championship. The Mavericks are eager to persuade the 24-year-old -- who is under contract through 2026-27 -- that Dallas is the place for him to be for the rest of the decade.

But since acquiring Irving, the Mavs have been terrible defensively. Dallas has the seventh-worst defensive rating since Feb. 8. Despite the offensive brilliance of Doncic and Irving, their inability to defend and the team's overall lack of depth stand out. 

Availability is an issue, too, as both stars have missed multiple games since the blockbuster deal. Irving, who averages 27.5 points, has missed the past two games, and Doncic suffered an injured quad last Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans (33-36).

Following the game, Doncic told reporters that the injury was "not good."

The Athletic's Shams Charania, via FanDuel TV, reported that Doncic is day-to-day. He could be back as soon as Dallas' next game, at the Lakers (34-36) on Friday.

But even Doncic's return won't guarantee a turnaround. He and Irving together are just 3-6 and have struggled to close games multiple times -- something most NBA observers thought would be their strength. A 27-point choke job against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 26 should be the biggest tell of all that something is off with this chemistry experiment.