Mavericks are making a convincing playoff case with key reinforcements still missing

The Dallas Mavericks are building a strong playoff case despite missing multiple key contributors early in the season. Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban highlights that Dallas has started 4-3 following an opening-night loss to the Houston Rockets, including wins over Houston and the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as a one-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The roster has competed effectively behind Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg while awaiting sidelined reinforcements.

Weber argues the Mavericks will reach another level once injured players Dereck Lively II, Santi Aldama, and Tarik Biberovic return to action. Aldama is listed as probable against the Utah Jazz, offering frontcourt shooting versatility for head coach Dusty May. Meanwhile, Lively continues his recovery from foot surgery to bolster rim protection, and Biberovic is expected to provide valuable outside shooting off the bench.