Does anybody want the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs?
The Mavericks' 133-111 loss to the Kings on Sunday was their third in a row and fifth in six games. Their Texas counterparts, the Rockets, also lost 104-101 to the Pacers — their fourth loss in five games.
MORE: Best active NBA players by age
The Rockets are clinging to eighth place with a 36-38 record after sleepwalking in the first half against the Pacers and seeing a second-half rally attempt fall short. The Mavericks are a half-game behind them in ninth place with a 35-38 record after allowing the Kings to have eight players score in double figures Sunday.
In past years, neither team would be playoff material in the fiercely contested Western Conference. But with the conference being so top heavy, at least one of these teams figures to make the postseason.
And what does the winner get? A chance to play the role of first-round victim to the Warriors.
On second thought, maybe an early vacation isn't so bad at all.
Stud of the night
Stephen Curry is cruising to his second consecutive MVP award but even he had to take a backseat to Klay Thompson on Sunday night. Thompson scored 40 points for the second straight game, hitting seven 3-pointers as the Warriors beat the 76ers 117-105.
Dud of the night
The Nuggets' starters were horrible Sunday afternoon. They scored just 29 points on 11-for-49 shooting in a 105-90 loss to the Clippers.
Tweet of The Night
Nightly reminder that Curry is at the very least unfair, and quite possibly inhuman.
🔒 in? Yup. pic.twitter.com/lSXQa7hCg9
— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) March 27, 2016
Looking ahead
Hawks (44-30) at Bulls (36-36), 8 p.m. ET: Both teams have a lot on the line Monday night. The Hawks are looking to stay ahead of a pack that includes the Celtics, Heat and Hornets, all of whom are within two games of their third spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls are hoping they can end their three-game skid and inch closer to the eighth and final playoff spot in the East as they trail the Pistons with 10 games remaining.