Mavericks' playoff hopes hang in the balance after costly defeat

Dallas Mavericks continue to hover just outside the play-in spots and did their chances of gaining an automatic entry into the playoffs more harm with an insipid display against the 76ers. 

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 47 points but their real issues came on the defensive end with James Harden orchestrating plays and Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid getting to their desired spots for Philadelphia.

The Mavericks did stay in the game for most of the first three quarters but ran out gas in the fourth continuing a theme that has been present over recent weeks. 

A spot in the play-in is far from a disaster,  however, the outcome could be devastating. 

There is the real possibility of coming up against a Lakers side that nobody really wants to see in the post-season regardless of their troubles. 

Dallas unfortunately do not have any answers for Anthony Davis, for instance.

 They could also face the Pelicans and even that would not be a straightforward fixture as their lack of rim protection flat-out makes it impossible to win high-level NBA games. 

At this point the Mavs have 5 games left to save their season. Starting with a road trip that takes them to Miami to face the notoriously difficult Heat and then a high-octane affair against the free scoring Atlanta Hawks. 

They need to start winning games to save their season.