Mavericks vs. Thunder 2016: Time, TV schedule and how to live stream for Game 2

A month ago, there were serious questions about whether the Mavericks would make the playoffs at all. They lost five straight early in March, and toward the end of the month they were three games under .500 at 35-38. Almost out of nowhere, they rattled off an improbable six-game win streak -- all games that they just about had to win to make the playoffs -- and ended up not only in the postseason, but holding the No. 6 seed.

The Thunder have been tasked with a challenge too, but theirs is more complex: they're trying to prove themselves as a true contender for this year's NBA championship. That can't truly happen until the next round, where they will likely face the San Antonio Spurs in a highly anticipated clash. But if they struggle against the Mavericks, which is possible with Rick Carlisle's coaching wizardry and the Mavs' general ability to get the most from their players, people will rightfully question how OKC could possibly match up with Golden State, should they even get that far.

Carlisle's genius is well noted, and he's sure to have one strategy or another useful for throwing the Thunder off their game. The Mavericks' pace -- slowest in the league since March 28 -- is one thing that has helped the team make the playoffs, and using that slowed style to limit Oklahoma City's transition opportunities will be smart. With that said, the talent gap between these two teams is enormous, especially with the Mavericks missing Chandler Parsons for the year. These Mavericks have scrapped all season to be somewhere they're not supposed to be, but their run likely ends here.

Streaming: WatchESPN