Clippers take a step backward in Dallas

If the Clippers qualify for the playoffs and face the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, they probably could pack lightly for the trip.

The Clippers are in a tight race to earn a postseason berth, and they suffered another setback Monday night, losing to the formidable Mavericks, 96-86, in front of a sellout crowd of 20,042 at American Airlines Center.

The Mavericks (64-13) added to their long list of accomplishments in an impressive regular season, clinching the NBA’s top overall seeding and home-court advantage in every series. The Clippers’ situation isn’t as strong or clear.

After consecutive losses to Denver and Dallas, the Clippers (37-39) are tied with the Golden State Warriors (38-40) for the eighth and final spot in the West Conference. The New Orleans Hornets, whom the Clippers play tonight in Oklahoma City, trail the Clippers and Warriors by 1 1/2 games.

A few days ago, the Clippers were riding high after defeating the Lakers, figuring they had taken a significant step toward solidifying their position in the race and salvaging a disappointing season.

The Clippers, however, were in a difficult spot again after finishing the season series 1-2 against the Mavericks, players said. And even if the Clippers qualify for the playoffs, their reward could be an early exit at the hands of the Mavericks.

“We’ve got to play well and win more games,” said Elton Brand, who scored 20 points. “They’re all must-win games now. This was a must-win game and we didn’t do it, and I know the Hornets are looking at [tonight] as a must-win game too.”

The Mavericks plan to take it easy now.

After the game, Dallas Coach Avery Johnson announced Dirk Nowitzki and Jerry Stackhouse would not accompany the team on its next trip.

“I told them if I see them on the plane, I’ll fine them,” Johnson said, jokingly.

Unfortunately for the Clippers, Nowitzki and Stackhouse played Monday.

Nowitzki scored a game-high 26 points, including 18 in the second half as the Mavericks extended their lead to 15 points in the third quarter and maintained at least an eight-point advantage. Stackhouse had 18 of Dallas’ 34 points off the bench.

“Stackhouse gave us a big lift in the first half,” Johnson said. “Dirk gave us a big lift in the second half.”

With Tim Thomas out because of a sprained left wrist and Sam Cassell sidelined because of back spasms, Clippers reserves produced 11 points.

James Singleton again provided energy in a rare appearance off the bench, grabbing 10 rebounds, including six on offense, in only 24 minutes. In comparison, Chris Kaman had six rebounds (two on offense) in 35 minutes.

Singleton also extended several possessions with hustle plays. He seems to give the team a spark whenever he’s on the court, but the second-year player has appeared in only 47 games.

Jason Hart had a strong performance, scoring 14 points with eight assists and a personal-best five steals.

Corey Maggette led the Clippers with 24 points, but had six turnovers. In the last two games, Maggette has committed 13 turnovers.

“The situation that we’re in, we just have to continue to try to play hard and hope the next team loses,” Maggette said. “If we just stay positive and stay together, hopefully, we’ll have a better chance of doing what we’re trying to do.”

The Clippers are capable of clinching the eighth playoff spot, Hart said, but they have to go and do it now.

“With a couple of wins, it could turn around,” he said. “We just have to see where our heart is as a team.”

jason.reid@latimes.com