The Dallas Mavericks (26-25) are facing a must-win situation after suffering a devastating loss to the Utah Jazz over the weekend. Looking to rebound from the loss, the Mavs welcome the Detroit Pistons (13-38) to the American Airlines Center on Monday night. Dallas is running short on leverage, however, as they are currently without key players Luka Doncic and Christian Wood, along with Maxi Kleber who is still recovering from a back issue. Detroit's Cory Joseph will miss the game due to injury as well.

It's arguably a trap game for Dallas, but they shouldn't have trouble with the Pistons, a team comfortable with tanking. Detroit has only won three games since January and have the second worst defensive rating in the NBA. Compounding their struggles, they surrendered a staggering 150 points to the Milwaukee Bucks last week.

For Dallas, this is a must-win game, and Spencer Dinwiddie is ready to take on the responsibility. After back-to-back 35-point games, Dinwiddie has thrust his name on the list of Mavericks with five or more such outings. Dinwiddie joins Luka Doncic, Mark Aguirre, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kristaps Porzingis on the illustrious list.

The Mavericks are listed as 7.5-point favorites and the over/under is set at - for the game. With their backs against the wall, Dallas must seize the opportunity for their fourth win in the last 12 games. Anything less and the postseason will become increasingly difficult to reach.