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NBA Power Rankings: Hot or Cold Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) slap hands during the second half of the Dallas Mavericks 119-101 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) slap hands during the second half of the Dallas Mavericks 119-101 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Dallas Mavericks

Previous: No. 5

Record: 27-12

Last Week: 1-2

Verdict: Lukewarm

The Dallas Mavericks have built one of the most high-profile starting lineups in the NBA. There are big-name performers with championship pedigrees and a number of All-Star Game appearances.

Unfortunately for the Mavericks, they suffered two lopsided losses over the past two weeks. The growing pains continue.

Dallas fell 108-95 to the Detroit Pistons and 120-100 on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers. Both defeats were significant in nature.

Rajon Rondo has improved the flow of the offense, but these issues will exist until the core gains experience together. Rick Carlisle can lead this team to success, but it will take time.

The good news for Dallas is that it’s 13-6 at home and 14-6 on the road. It’s also 3-3 against its division and a less than desirable 11-8 against the Western Conference.

Until Dallas consistently defeats the tougher teams on its schedule, it will have legitimate question marks.

Next: Contender or Pretender?