2. Dallas Mavericks

There are a few key things to take a look at when picking out teams that can make unexpected runs in the postseason. Having the best player on the court and one aspect of the team you can count on nightly is important. The Dallas Mavericks have both of those things.

Dallas has a bonafide star in Luka Doncic that can carry the team on any given night. He has had some monster performances and the roster around him is much stronger this season.

They could have some struggles if they run into a team that plays big, but their small-ball lineups are just as difficult to combat.

Under Jason Kidd, the Dallas Mavericks have also become a strong defensive team. He has unlocked some lineup combinations that get the job done on both ends of the court. Shockingly, the Mavericks were more consistent on the defensive end of the court this season.

LATEST NBA NEWS: Draymond Green Reveals Shocking Pick For 2022 NBA MVP

Knowing they no longer have to rely on purely outscoring their opponents in back-and-forth contests, the Dallas Mavericks are prime for a run in the postseason. If they can move up into the third spot in the Western Conference and avoid the Phoenix Suns until the Western Conference Finals, even better.