Look what could happen tonight

If things break right this evening, the Mavericks could be the proud owner of a home-court advantage were the playoffs to start this weekend.

Yep, for all the trials and tribulations, the Mavericks sit in fifth place in the West as we compose this blog item.

And if they win tonight -- coupled with a Portland loss at Golden State -- the Mavericks would move into the fourth-best record in the West.

How's that sound to all you "let's-trade-the-whole-team'' proponents?

Admittedly, it may not happen. But when the Lakers, Hornets and ;Spurs all lose on the same night, you realize just how fragile the Western Conference is. -Eddie Sefko