The Dallas Mavericks have not claimed the top spot on ESPN’s anticipation list for the 2026-27 season as a team likely to make a significant leap. However, they have been recognized as a potential surprise contender. In ESPN’s latest voting round, Dallas tied for fourth with the Philadelphia 76ers, receiving 15 points.
While this level of support might not be overwhelming, it places the Mavericks among teams that ESPN’s panel believes could experience notable improvement. Dallas surpassed several other teams to earn this position.
Despite not being seen as the number one surprise team, the Mavericks are not being overlooked either. They are being mentioned alongside teams with higher expectations heading into the new season.
The ESPN panel awarded the most votes to the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz, both receiving 46 points. They were followed by the Washington Wizards with 20 points, while Dallas and Philadelphia each earned 15 points. The Atlanta Hawks gathered 14 points, with the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers each collecting 10.
For the Mavericks, tying for fourth implies that there is some belief they could present a different challenge this season.
The broader theme of ESPN’s forecast highlights several teams that spent the previous season near the lower end of the standings now having a chance to make substantial progress. Dallas fits into this category, even without receiving the same confidence level as Indiana or Utah. This makes the Mavericks a team to watch.
A 15-point placement in the panel vote may not suggest a future championship favorite, but the rankings focus on identifying teams that could surprise by taking a significant step forward. Dallas has secured a spot on this list, meaning they now have the opportunity to validate the panel’s expectations.