The NBA season is underway, and although it is still in its early stages, with teams having played less than 10 games, chatter around playoff contenders and contenders has already begun. Across the media landscape, different outlets have released their NBA power rankings over the first two weeks of the season, with the usual suspects leading the way, like Boston and Oklahoma City, as well as a few surprises, like the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. It should be noted that some of these rankings have been released in recent days and may be updated based on this week’s results.

So where do the reigning Western Conference champion Mavericks fit in most of these lists?

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Typically, they range roughly between 6 and 8, generally falling into the category of “fringe contenders”, a term used by NBC Sports to describe teams like the Mavericks and Warriors. The summit of BNC ‘s list, released Nov. 6 ahead of last night’s games, is as follows: (1) Oklahoma City, 7-1; (2) Boston, 7-2; (3) Cleveland, 9-0; (4) Phoenix, 7-1; (5) Golden State, 7-1; and finally, Dallas, at 5-3. It’s obvious that these media outlets have at least somewhat factored in last season’s success, as the Mavericks sit atop a huge jumble of teams that are just above or just at .500 in 2024.

Athleticswho published his list on November 5 The Mavericks are also ranked sixth overall, behind the same five teams listed above, but in a different order: Oklahoma City, Cleveland, Boston, Golden State and Phoenix. Considering these five teams have the best records and are the only teams with two or fewer losses, the Mavs fall behind them in every major power ranking, including the two aforementioned as well as ESPNwhose list was published on November 5, as well as CBS.

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The most recently published power rankings were produced by CBS Sportswhich places the Mavs eighth and presents the teams in this order: Cleveland, Golden State, Oklahoma City, Boston, Phoenix, Houston, Denver, then Dallas. Given that this is accurate to today’s results, perhaps this is the one that makes the most sense to refer to given the major games played last night: the Warriors beat the Celtics in Boston , 118-112, and the Nuggets beat the Thunder at home. 124-122.

Even though we are very early in the season, it is encouraging to see the Mavericks in the top 10. It is also fair to say that they have underperformed to some extent, but injuries must be taken into account, as the Mavericks missed Derek Lively II for their last two competitions and PJ Washington against the Bulls. Luka Doncic also struggled to start the year while recovering from a calf injury. Still, Dallas is in a decent position, and it’s so early in the season that its position in the November power rankings probably isn’t that crucial to how the season will end.

The Mavs face Phoenix tomorrow for the second time this season as they look to avenge their October 26 loss, 114-102.

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