NBA: Western Conference Contenders And Pretenders

Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts to drive the ball past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 9

Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) and guard Monta Ellis (11) celebrate after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 101-94 at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 7: Dallas Mavericks – Pretender

Probably the easiest call on this list, unless Rick Carlisle has some trick hidden up his sleeve. Before the scapegoat-y Rajon Rondo trade, the Mavericks had the most high-powered offense in the NBA. Dallas improved defensively once the embattled Boston point guard joined the team, but the offense lost its punch.

Blaming the trajectory of Dallas’ season on Rondo’s arrival is unfair, of course. Injuries to Chandler Parsons and Rajon Rondo, not to mention Monta Ellis being banged up, have prevented this team from developing a rhythm. Or, you know, not:

But as long as the Mavs sit in the No. 7 spot in the standings, the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets will continue to duel to the death for the right to meet them in the easiest first round matchup possible. The Mavs have experience and a starting five that looks great on paper, so perhaps a first round matchup against a struggling Grizz team could provide an opening to the second round.

But I don’t see Memphis’ problems carrying over once the postseason starts. Dirk Nowitzki is no longer the game-changer he once was and Ellis’ shooting struggles are concerning. That long playoff run that Mark Cuban was trying to provide for Nowitzki has a small chance of coming to fruition.

Next: No. 6