Mavs Recent Struggles Have Dallas Fans Shaking

The Mavs have a lock on a high seed in the West? This is exactly what I remember hearing a couple of weeks ago and the city of Dallas was psyched for the future of their Mavericks. "Not so fast my friend," as Lee Corso would so nicely put it.

Dallas has lost three of their last four and is just 5-5 in their last ten games. The Mavericks have their work cut out for them as they try to keep a lock on first place in the toughest division in basketball. The Mavs have a 2 1/2 game lead over the hated San Antonio Spurs and only a 5 game lead on the last place New Orleans Hornets who are three games over .500 (the only division with all five teams with a winning record I may add).

Lots of trade talks surrounding Dallas have taken place in the news as the trade deadline slowly approaches us. Josh Howard and Erick Dampier have been the biggest names for Dallas in the mix as many fans are looking for that one extra piece to thrust Dallas over the top to challenge the Lakers. Many also feel that the Mavericks should wait and go for the home run in the off season for players such as Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade as opposed to going for a double or triple for players such as Kevin Martin or Andre Iguodala during this regular season. 

The Mavericks have the 11-38 Minnesota Timberwolves next on the schedule and then a road trip to Golden State and Denver. The Mavs need contributions from other players besides Dirk Nowitzki if they want to once again take charge in the West.  Dallas is currently the #3 seed in the Western Conference now behind Los Angeles and Denver but only hold a 5 game lead over the 11th seeded New Orleans Hornets.