The Mavericks are seemingly tanking in a must-win game against the Bulls Friday night, potentially screwing up the Knicks’ 2023 NBA Draft plans.

As a result of the Kristaps Porzingis trade back in 2019, the Knicks received the Mavericks’ 2023 pick, but, the pick is top-10 protected.

This means if Dallas’ 2023 NBA Draft pick is inside the top 10, they hold on to it and the Knicks have a chance at the pick in 2024 — which is also top-10 protected.

If, however, this year’s pick is No. 11 or lower, it belongs to the Knicks.

Friday night’s Mavericks-Bulls game has monumental implications for this scenario as the two teams are tied for the 10th-worst-record in the league.

If the Mavericks win, they have at least one more fading shot at the play-in tournament.

If they lose, they’re eliminated from the post-season but will secure the 10th worst record, giving them a better chance at a top-10 pick in the 2023 Draft Lottery.

Key players such as Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, Josh Green and Christian Wood have been ruled out, according to the Mavericks PR Twitter account.

Green and Wood are listed as out due to rest, promptly causing fans to accuse the Mavericks of tanking.

This wouldn’t be the first time Cuban has attempted something like this, though.

In 2018, Cuban was fined $600,000 for going on a podcast and admitting that he told his players, “losing is our best option,” in order to get a better draft pick.

Earlier this week, head coach Jason Kidd was asked about his opinion on the outside noise from fans and analysts in regard to the Mavericks’ best course of action.

“I think [whether to tank or not] is also a fair question for a fan. They don’t own the team. They’re not the general manager. Those questions are for those guys. And also, it starts with the player. I think Luka answered that question loud and clear yesterday, he said he was playing,” Kidd responded. “Nobody came to him to sit and I think that just shows the character of who he is. He believes — everybody in that locker room still believes — we still have a chance…”

The Bulls will be without some of their stars as well, with top scorers Zach Lavine and DeMar DeRozan ruled out for rest.

If the Mavericks do indeed lose on purpose, it could be smart from a tactical standpoint.

Cuban, however, might have to deal with some angry Knicks fans.