Dallas Mavericks sliding in NBA Power Rankings: Where should they rank?

The Dallas Mavericks played five games in seven days last week. They lost to three different teams currently outside of the top eight in their conference. Luka Doncic willed the short-handed Mavs to two victories to keep their record even after 16 games.

Dallas has been without multiple rotation players since Jan. 7. They have dealt with COVID issues, but only had one game canceled. Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Dwight Powell all remain out due to the league’s health and safety protocols. Coach Carlisle noted before Saturday’s game that their was no definitive plan on when they would return.

On Monday’s the major outlets release their weekly Power Rankings. Let us take a look at where the Mavericks stand in four different ones, and where they should be right now.

Dallas Mavericks falling in NBA Power Rankings: Where should they be?

ESPN slipped the Mavs from tenth to 12th this week. Hoops Habit had Dallas inside the top ten before dropping them to 16th. Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated both pushed the Mavericks down to 13th.

Is Dallas a middle of the pack team? Will they be clawing for a playoff spot all season? With four key players out, the Mavs would be fighting to avoid the play-in tournament. Luka Doncic is amazing and Kristaps Porzingis is returning to his All-Star form, but Dallas needs the four players on the sidelines to transform into an elite team.

The Mavericks are a top-four team in the Western Conference when fully healthy. Fans have not seen that group play together this season, though. It has been a rough start, but things are looking up. Josh Richardson was on the bench for Saturday’s game. All four players could return over the next week or two as the Mavs quickly become dangerous. Stay tuned because it promises to be fun.