Mavericks' unexpected starter's playoff eligibility is quietly in major danger

Despite everything the Dallas Mavericks have been through this season, their chances of making the NBA Playoffs are looking promising. They currently hold a one-game lead over the Phoenix Suns for the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference and final spot in the Play-In Tournament, and considering how challenging Phoenix's upcoming schedule is, Dallas has a great shot at beating them out for this spot.

Along with Phoenix's tough remaining schedule, the Mavericks are also about to get some reinforcements in the injury department with less than one month to go in the season. Both Jaden Hardy and Kai Jones are expected to return to the lineup soon, and Anthony Davis is also approaching a return from the adductor strain that he suffered during his Mavs debut on February 8.

Davis practiced with the Texas Legends on Monday, and all signs are pointing to him playing again this season. While Davis' return sounds like it could be soon, his return will soon be followed by a different player's potential farewell.

Kessler Edwards' playoff eligibility is a major question mark

Since Kessler Edwards has been active for 48 games this season, he can only play in two more games due to constraints with his two-way contract. Edwards has been the team's starting five over the last few weeks, and while that is not his typical position, he has willingly stepped up to the plate and delivered in his expanded role.

In 16 games as a starter this season, Edwards has averaged 8.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from downtown, and his improvement as a jump shooter combined with his activeness in the dunker spot has helped lead to his success this season.

The Mavericks will undoubtedly miss Edwards' presence once he runs out of games that he can play in, and once he plays two more games, he will be ineligible for playoffs as well. Dallas faces this same situation with Brandon Williams as well since he is on a two-way contract, and they'll have a tough decision to make once April 10 rolls around.

On April 10, the Mavericks will finally be able to fill their final roster spot, and they can explore converting Williams or Edwards' contract to a standard deal. Edwards is in the hunt for this final roster spot, and this is the only way that he can gain playoff eligibility for the Mavs before the season ends on April 13.

While the Mavericks don't have the firepower to make a deep run into the NBA Playoffs like they did last season, they still have a shot at escaping the play-in and booking a series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. This would not be a favorable matchup for Dallas, but if Davis does return this season, some solid performances from him in the postseason could excite Mavs fans ahead of a pivotal next season for the franchise.