The Mavericks were the preseason favorite to win the Southwest Division, but they have fallen on hard times. Their division competition in the Southwest seemingly cannot lose, as the Rockets and Grizzles were on insane hot streaks. Is Dallas in danger of losing this division after closing as the odds-on favorite to win it in the offseason? Let’s discuss.

To say the season has gone sideways for Dallas is an understatement. After losing to the Suns at the buzzer Monday night, the Mavericks were in an 0-6 SU and ATS slide entering Wednesday’s game in Atlanta. In that stretch, Dallas was last in net rating
(-10.8) and 29th in defensive efficiency (119.9). While the defensive efficiency is a massive problem, this is a team that finished last season 18th in defense (111.2). It is not surprising the Mavericks would have a problem defensively. To struggle to this level is horrendous, but the issues on offense have been the biggest problem.

Dallas offset its defense last year by setting the single-season record for offensive efficiency, averaging 115.9 points every 100 possessions. That was predicated on 3-point shooting. The Mavericks took the second-most 3-point attempts per game (41.3) and shot 36.7 percent as a team. Dallas entered Wednesday dead last in 3-point shooting (32.8 percent), and as a result is taking nearly six fewer 3-pointers per game this season. Luka Doncic is still shooting under 30 percent from deep, and his overall efficiency has dipped to 1.135 points per shot attempt (49th percentile at his position).

The defense undoubtedly needs to improve. But if this offense continues to lag, the door is open for either of the next two teams to steal this division.

The Rockets play a quality brand of basketball, starting with a defense that is fourth in the league (107.9), according to Cleaning The Glass. That defense has been the driving force behind a 6-0 SU and ATS run in which they lead the league in net rating (+15.1). The Rockets have been dominant the way they protect the rim, giving up just 59.3 percent within 4 feet while allowing just 35.9 percent to opposing shooters. The most impressive aspect of this defense, however, has been in the half-court, where Houston allows a league-best 89.6 points every 100 plays.

But the offense could hold back the Rockets from a long-term run of success. Yes, they hit 28 3-pointers Monday against the Thunder, but they still rank 21st in offensive efficiency (109.6) and 14th in 3-point shooting (37.0 percent). Houston’s depth is not great, and it shows when John Wall and Christian Wood rest, as the Rockets have a -3.0 net rating in those possessions.

Two teams were on 6-0 SU and ATS runs as of Tuesday. One was Houston, and the other was Memphis. Houston was first in net rating over that stretch, and Memphis was second (+12.7). Before falling Tuesday night to the Pacers, the Grizzlies’ winning streak was built around a defense second only to the Rockets in efficiency (103.2). What is intriguing about Memphis is its offense — and its future.

The Grizzlies averaged 115.8 points every 100 possessions during their win streak, the fifth-best rating in the league and just edging the Rockets in that category. And we know Memphis will get better. Justise Winslow has yet to play a second in a Grizzlies uniform, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is on the way back from an offseason knee procedure. If Dallas does not clean up its act soon, we could see the Grizzlies at the top of the Southwest.