Kevin Lyons of the Dallas Star-Telegram writes that, while one of the better teams in the league in many respects, the Mavericks are one of the worst rebounding teams, and it is hurting them in the playoff chase.  After 10 games, the Mavs rank 27th in total rebounds.  Coach Don Nelson blames poor individual defense and a lack of effort for the rebounding problems.  In practice, they are working on not relying on help defense in penetration that will take a rebounder out of position.  

But, George Karl, whose Milwaukee team trails the league in rebounding but has the best record in the East, thinks rebounding is simply not important in the regular season.  "I don't think it's an important stat until the playoffs. That's the way I've always looked at it. I got to the Finals [in Seattle] with the second-worst rebounding team in basketball. Houston won a championship with the worst rebounding team."