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NBA Power Rankings 18: A new top team as the playoffs approach

By Corey Rausch

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers walks in reverse to the bench during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images )
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers walks in reverse to the bench during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images ) /
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(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

33-26. Previous: 10th. Dallas Mavericks. 10. team. 79.

Last Week: Lost to Sacramento Kings 121-107, Beat Detroit Pistons 127-117, Beat Los Angeles Lakers 115-110, Beat Los Angeles Lakers 108-93

This Week: 4/26 at Sacramento Kings, 4/27 at Golden State Warriors, 4/29 at Detroit Pistons, 5/1 vs. Washington Wizards

Sometimes the stories around the Dallas Mavericks raise more questions than answers. Even as the on-court product is starting to get on track there seems to be drama that takes precedence. Mark Cuban acknowledging the rumored rift between Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic does no one any favors and only raises more questions should an early postseason exit occur.

Porzingis is out of the lineup yet again, this time with an ankle injury, doing little to quell any trepidation around the star. When he is on the court he is a strong second offensive option, averaging 20.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. But he has missed 20 games again this year, the third straight season he has missed at least 18 games without including the season that he completely missed due to a knee injury.

His availability will be a never-ending worry until injuries stop being a constant. Given the trends for someone of his size that is unlikely to happen any time soon, a worrisome fact that the Mavericks must grapple with. Doncic has been masterful (28.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game this week) but he alone can only do so much in a loaded Western Conference.