Mavericks fail to move up in week 10 power rankings

The Dallas Mavericks have won two of the last four games without Luka Doncic. The 22-year-old superstar is nursing an ankle injury, and the Mavs have struggled, especially in the fourth quarter without their offensive engine. Dallas blew fourth quarter leads in each of their last two games, and they cannot afford to give away anymore contests.

Reggie Bullock and Josh Green entered the health and safety protocols over the weekend with two assistant coaches joining them on Sunday. It is something for fans to watch closely this week because this could just be the beginning of outbreak in Dallas.

The Mavericks held steady in the week ten power rankings, but should they be higher? Where does Dallas sit after 29 games? Here is a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks hold steady in week 10 power rankings

The Athletic was the highest on the Mavs this week placing them 16th in their weekly rankings (subscription required). ESPN put Dallas 17th, and NBA.com had them 19th.

With a healthy Luka Doncic, the Mavericks are in the top half of the league, but they need to add more talent before the trade deadline if they want to secure a playoff and go on a postseason run. The 22-year-old is one of the top five players in the NBA, but Dallas needs additional pieces to be serious title contenders. Everyone else should be on the table as the Mavs look to make a leap.

There is no word yet on when Luka will return from his ankle injury, but fans are hoping to see him back for the Mavericks Christmas Day game in Utah against the Jazz. Kristaps Porzingis suffered a foot injury in Sunday’s game, and supporters are awaiting word on the severity of his injury too.

The Dallas Mavericks have still not played their best basketball this season. They need to get healthy to make a move up the standings, so stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.