Given any normal state of affairs, the Mavericks would have more than a few expectations in this early part of this season. Their schedule for the first month calls for, by their own account, a quick start.

"It puts more pressure on us to win these," Mavericks coach Don Nelson said. "I won't argue with that."

Of course, given the current length of the Mavericks' injured list, there might be some need to re-evaluate. Because Dirk Nowitzki still was hobbling Saturday with his sprained left ankle, Adrian Griffin said back spasms still bother him and both will be game-time decisions Sunday at Memphis.

Consider that in November, the Mavericks face opponents from the widely acknowledged weaker Eastern Conference eight times. They also face six Western Conference opponents that did not qualify for last season's playoffs.