Dallas Mavericks in top ten of Week 23 power rankings with massive week ahead

The Dallas Mavericks survived their five-game road trip with three wins, but two straight losses have added some pressure for the stretch run. They are just 1.5 games ahead of seventh in the Western Conference with 11 games remaining, and falling would mean having to advance through the play-in tournament.

Luka Doncic and company need to take care of business down the stretch. They play four times this week, including two meetings against the white-hot Minnesota Timberwolves and a matchup versus the Utah Jazz, who sit just ahead of Dallas in the standings. The Mavs schedule softens after this week, but taking care of business could mean moving up and getting homecourt in the first round of the playoffs.

Monday means a fresh set of power rankings were released, and the Mavericks held steady, despite back-to-back losses. Here is a look at where they stood in three lists, and why Dallas deserves more credit.

Dallas Mavericks hold in top ten in Week 23 power rankings

The Mavs held at eighth in ESPN’s weekly power rankings. They dropped to eighth in The Athletic’s ranks (subscription required), and were tenth in Sports Illustrated’s version. Dallas is a consensus top ten team, but should they be higher?

The Mavericks have the fourth-best record in the NBA since the calendar flipped to 2022, and winning three of four this week could vault them up to number two. They have been an absolute force that has only improved since trading Kristaps Porzingis for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. No team wants to face the Mavs right now, and they are playing like one of the best teams in the league.

The Dallas Mavericks have the opportunity to move up in the standings and power rankings with a strong week that solidifies their playoff position. Expect Luka Doncic to play his best as Dallas dominates the Timberwolves and Jazz this week. There will be plenty of excitement, so be sure to tune in and enjoy.