In this week's edition of power rankings, we don't see much movement, which seems about right for the week that just went by. A win over the Pelicans (somewhat expected), losses to the Trail Blazers and Warriors (also expected), and a win over the Lakers (expected). So, probably not much reason to get excited or not over the boys in blue over the stretch of games they just played.
The problem is, as last night reminded us, the games don't get easier from here on out, Ugh. A reminder, these rankings don't reflect last night's tire fire of a game (thankfully).
Let us here you in the comments, and as always, you can read the full rankings for each site by clicking on "what they said."
SB Nation
This Week: 7 Last Week: 8
The Mavericks happily welcomed Chandler Parsons back on Sunday, just in time for a week they'll see both LeBron James and Kevin Durant as opponents. Dallas is still very much in position to move up the standings and seal up home court advantage in the first week, especially with Parsons back.
Yahoo! Sports
This Week: 10 Last Week: 8
The Mavs still have interest in free-agent center JaVale McGee, but a source said "it's been quiet" since a possible Boston deal died.
CBS Sports
This Week: 9 Last Week: 11
The Rondo fit has been bad, but remember this team looked like a first-round pushover until they made a run at the Spurs in the first round last year, and they are much better defensively since adding Rondo.
ESPN
This Week: 9 Last Week: 9
The Mavs' 22-16 mark since trading for Rajon Rondo reads a bit harshly on the enigmatic PG, who missed eight of those games. Dallas is 18-12 with Rondo in uniform and has suffered as much from the absences of Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons as Rondo's struggles (PER as a Mav of just 11.7).
Sports Illustrated
This Week: 9 Last Week: 9
Dirk Nowitzki has topped 20 points in just under a third of his games this season and only hit the mark once in his last 12 games. With the 36-year-old slowing down-or at least pacing himself for the postseason-Dallas needs Monta Ellis (who had 31 points on Sunday) to seize the reins.