Dallas Mavericks projected to be top-five team in the Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks projected to be top-five in the Western Conference

The Dallas Mavericks finished seventh in the Western Conference last season, but they played better. They were sixth in the NBA in point differential and had the best offense rating in league history. The Mavs focused on improving their defense this offseason as the key to jumping into title contention.

They added Josh Richardson, James Johnson, and Wesley Iwundu to give them more versatility and defense. Dallas drafted two plus defenders and one of the best shooters in the class. They improved their roster this offseason, but was it enough to become a title contender?

Multiple outlets are releasing their projected win totals for the 2020-2021 season. Let us take a look at two to see where the Mavs rank.

Dallas Mavericks projected to be top-five in the Western Conference by two outlets

ESPN using their RPM projected the win total for every team in the league (subscription required). The Mavericks were fifth in the West with an average of 39.9 wins. They made the playoffs 73 percent of the time as well.

Hoops Habit had the Mavs winning 48 games this season and finishing second in the Western Conference. The only team ahead of them in these rankings is the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Dallas Mavericks are an improved team. They will start the season without Kristaps Porzingis, but the 7’3 big man is expecting to be back in short order. Dallas’ improved defense coupled with internal growth should see them pushing for homecourt in the Western Conference. No team will be looking forward to facing the Mavs this season. Fans can bank on that.

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