The Dallas Mavericks are just 3-7 in their last 10 games since the All-Star break and are dangerously close to falling out of the top 8 in the Western Conference standings. SB Nation's Tom Ziller released his NBA power rankings on Monday and the Mavs sit at No. 18 this week.
| 18. | Dallas Mavericks | 23-20 | W: NY; L: OKC, PHX, SAC, GSW | Mavs Moneyball |
| The Mavericks are 2-7 since that national TV loss to the Lakers without Lamar Odom. Yes, it has somehow gotten worse. | ||||
Not that Lamar Odom deserves any real blame for the Mavs downfall this season, but along with Vince Carter, their additions to a defending champion roster were expected to at least hold serve versus being virtually anemic at times. Moreover, Mavericks' star player Dirk Nowitzki has admittedly came into the season out of shape and uninspired.
Now, the Mavericks sit 1.5 games out from being outside the playoff picture. Not quite the way you'd expect a reigning national champion to defend the throne.
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