NBA Power Rankings: Week 9
It is week 9 folks, and things are shuffling around in the Top Ten. After taking last week off in the rankings we say goodbye to Utah, play a sad Jazz song. The unofficial trade season starts on Dec 15th, that is the first day free agents from the previous year can be traded. We will be talking about trades on the Pod this week, so make sure to listen!
10. (14-12) Portland Trail Blazers
Previously #9
The Blazers are an infuriating team, they could be so much better, but can’t seem to hold onto late leads. They are one of three teams to lose multiple games after leading by double digits in the 4th quarter. Portland will play all three of its next games in Texas, the last team to go 3-0 in 3 games in the Texas triangle was the 07-08 Champs Boston Celtics.
9. (14-12) Philadelphia 76ers
Previously #6
Good news for my pick to win the East, James Harden returned after missing 14 games, bad news he played like poo. A loss to Houston and barely beating the Lakers and Hornets won't install too much confidence. Two top ten offenses come to town in the Nor-Cal Warriors and Kings this week.
8. (14-11) Sacramento Kings
Previously #NR
I don’t think I ever thought I would say this, but the Kings are good. The Kings have been the surprise of the season so far, and with their offense still clicking on all cylinders they might be able to hold on. The Kings turn the ball over too often and their defense is eh at best, but if they can lock down on D, they may finally break their playoff drought.
7. (16-11) Phoenix Suns
Previously #3
Chris Paul is back, and getting booed and elbowing people in the face. Phoenix lost back to back games to Pelicans and Paul has been turning the ball over at an alarming rate. The Suns have plummeted to 4th in the West, and have a tough road heavy schedule coming up.
6. (16-10) Denver Nuggets
Previously #5
I am tired of saying this, someone help your back to back MVP! The top candidate Jamal Murray has been okay to start the season, and recently has played poorly. But a buzzer beater three to beat the Blazers and a 30 piece against the Jazz has things turning around. Should be an easy week with Wizards, Lakers, and Hornets
5. (17-10) Cleveland Cavaliers
Previously #4
The Cavs have been about as inconsistent as they come, you could say they are consistent at being inconsistent. When they are playing well, they can pull away from you like the 21-6 run they had to finish off the Lakers, or they can not score for 10 straight possessions and lose to the Kings. If they want to compete for the Eastern Championship they will need to figure out how to be a more level team.
4. (17-9) Memphis Grizzlies
Previously #7
Memphis makes a big leap in the rankings this week and how are they doing it? The Grizzlies are playing much better defense and now are one of three teams in the top ten on both offense and defense (hint the other two are above them somewhere in the power rankings). A bit of a soft schedule recently but the matchup with the Bucks this week will be a good test.
3. (19-7) Milwaukee Bucks
Previously #2
Milwaukee has fallen out of the 2nd spot this week. Part of the reason is they are playing poorly on the road. Specifically they can’t seem to shoot on the road, and too add to issues Khris Middleton turned his ankle and could miss time. That matchup with the Grizzlies is in Memphis so we shall see if the Bucks can show us they can play well on the road against a quality opponent.
2. (18-8) New Orleans Pelicans
Previously #10
It’s a Zion party down in NOLA. Zion finished the 2nd win over the Suns with a 360 dunk that annoyed the Suns. Cam Payne had words for Zion which feels like a mistake for Payne, who looks like that kid that clapped at Zion in the viral video from high school compared to Williamson. A must see third match-up with the Suns goes down in Phoenix on Saturday.
1. (21-6) Boston Celtics
Previously #1
The Celtics have been far and away the best team in the association this year. They definitely took their foot off the gas during a loss to Golden State, and trailed by 20 points for just the third time all season. Jayson Tatum, while shooting poorly in two loses last week, is looking like an MVP candidate while Robert Williams could make his season debut this week with back to backs against the LA teams and two home games with the Magic.