NBA Power Rankings: Week 7
Week 7 and for the first time all season we have no movement in the top three, those three do seem to be distancing themselves at the top. We are also somehow already at 25% percent of the season complete, 91% of teams that win 12 out of their first 20 make the playoffs, so at this point you have a really good chance. We will see if that holds for the remainder of the season.
10. (11-8) New Orleans Pelicans
Previously #10
The Pelicans are one of three teams, the other two are ahead of them in my rankings, that rank in the top 10 in both offense and defense. The Pels are playing well against teams below .500 (7-1) and eh against teams over (4-7). This ranking feels like a last stand for the Pels, like that 300 movie, “This is Sparta”. We will have to see if they keep their top 10 ranking.
9. (11-9) Portland Trail Blazers
Previously #15
Similar to the Pelicans, the Trail Blazers are holding onto their top ten ranking by a thread. They mostly get the benefit of the doubt after their hot start, but have gone 1-5 over their last six with Dame Lillard missing the last four. Their offense will get a test this week, with both So Cal teams on the schedule, both are top 10 defensive teams.
8. (12-10) Utah Jazz
Previously #4
Guys, it might finally be happening. Utah has lost four in a row and has dropped from first to eight in the very tight western conference. The Utah offense has been okay during the streak, but their defense has really struggled. They do get some relief with their longest homestand of the year coming up. Will they be in the Top Ten next week?
7. (12-8) Memphis Grizzlies
Previously #NR
Welcome back Memphis! Jaren Jackson Jr (JJJ), has been stepping it up with Desmond Bane out, he’s averaging 22 points while shooting decently from deep. This is huge for the Grizz as it helps spread out the offense that obviously centers around Ja Morant. JJJ will need to keep it up with Bane out for at least a while longer with a toe injury.
6. (11-9) Philadelphia 76ers
Previously #9
Their record might not reflect how high they are in my rankings, but just remember who they are missing right now, Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey. This just shows how deep this team is when they are healthy. Tough week ahead with Joel and James Harden most likely not returning, Hawks, Cavaliers, and Grizzlies.
5. (12-7) Denver Nuggets
Previously #7
Denver is back on the rise, even with a disappointing loss to the Pistons last week. This was Nikola Jokic’s return after missing three games and was one rebound off from a triple double. As always the issue for the Nuggets, they were outscored by 15 points with Jokic off the court for only 11 minutes. Denver has played a very road heavy schedule so far, so look for them to keep the good run going at home.
4. (13-7) Cleveland Cavaliers
Previously #8
Cleveland makes a big jump from 8th to 4th this week. After losing five in a row, they have won 5 of their last 6. As I mentioned last week, we were to expect some ups and downs with a team that changed so much over the offseason. They have one last road game, before playing 11 out of their next 14 at home until Christmas, they are 8-1 at home to start the season.
3. (13-6) Phoenix Suns
Previously #3
The Suns remain in the top 3 this week, and have risen back into the top spot in the West, even though the Sun sets in the west….. DeAndre Ayton has been playing like the former number one overall pick he is, 57 points and 33 rebounds over the last two games. Good news for the Suns as well, Chris Paul has started practicing and could return this week.
2. (14-5) Milwaukee Bucks
Previously #2
After their hot start to the season, where they won 9 in a row, the Bucks have gone 3-5. They did pick up their first back to back wins after the streak ended with quality wins over the Mavericks and Cavaliers. The defensive play has been sloppy for Milwaukee of late and they will need to step it up, as they play 11 out of their next 15 on the road.
1. (16-4) Boston Celtics
Previously #1
This is the best offensive team in the league and it doesn’t really seem close. To put it into perspective, Tyler’s Washington Wizards came into town ranked the 9th best defense, they left ranked 15th… ooof. Charlotte, Miami twice and a matchup with Brooklyn this week will be fun for that 1st ranked offense to flex their muscles.