NBA Power Rankings: Week 7
Week 7 of the NBA Power Rankings, we are about a quarter of the way through the NBA season. We are starting to see where teams could end the season, but there is still enough time where a good run can get you back into the playoffs.
1 - Cleveland Cavaliers
Yes the Cavs lost two games to the Hawks last week, but they also beat the Celtics in the battle of the best teams in the East. With that win they jump the Celtics in my rankings. Not much else to say, this team is legit.
2 - Boston Celtics
Not going to lie, this is probably the best team in the NBA. They got Kristpas Porzinigs back from a foot injury and had a seven game win streak before the loss to Cleveland. Are they just waiting for the playoffs now?
3 - Houston Rockets
After starting the season 3-3, the Rockets have won 12 out of their last 15. As I write this on Monday morning they sit just a half game back of the Thunder for 1st in the West. The Rockets are good, do we think they are a real contender yet? Not sure
4 - Oklahoma City Thunder
When Chet went down, the Thunder played small and it worked for awhile except they could not rebound. Isaiah Hartenstein has started the last 4 games and the rebounding has been so much better.
5 - Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has won eight out of their last nine and they have a brutal travel schedule right now. They have already won more games when they did not have Luka this year than they did all of last year. This Mavericks team wants to prove their trip to the Finals last year was no fluke.
6 - Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers at 13-9, have a top 10 defense and seem to just be sticking around. If and it is a big if, Kawhi comes back and is effective this team could make a run. Norman Powell is making a lowkey all star case and is really helping with the scoring output.
7 - Orlando Magic
After losing Paolo Banchero they lost the first 4 games and have since gone 12-1. Yes, they have had a soft schedule, but good teams beat the teams they are supposed to beat. KCP is finally starting to heat up from deep and Paolo will come back at some point.
8 - Golden State Warriors
Sorry Warriors fans, if you lose 4 straight games then I need to drop you down the power rankings. They are using everyone on their roster, but when Steph and Draymond aren’t on the floor they are a bad team. Huge week coming up with some strong Western Conference contenders.
9 - Memphis Grizzlies
This is the Grizzlies that we expected, they have won 6 in a row and have climbed back into the top 3 in the Western Conference. Ja Morant is back and they did play a softer schedule, but a win is a win.
10 - New York Knicks
The Knicks are somehow a bottom 10 defense this year, but rank as the most efficient offense in the league. They can’t seem to beat the Mavericks, but have won seven of their last nine. If the D plays harder (dick joke intended), they will shoot up these rankings.
11- Denver Nuggets
Just a year plus from being the reigning NBA Champs, this team does not seem as scary as they used to be. They are above .500 but haven’t won back to back games in a long time. Aaron Gordon is making his return soon and that should help a lot.
12 - Phoenix Suns
You know what is crazy, when Kevin Durant returns to your lineup your team can stop a losing streak. They got big wins over the Lakers and Warriors last week with Bradley Beal also joining the lineup.
13 - Los Angeles Lakers
Oh the Lakers, it might be time to say it, Lebron James is slowing down. He has been shooting some of the worst of his career and it was bound to happen eventually. They may have gotten the steal of the draft with Dalton Knecht who is already making a case for Rookie of the Year.
14 - San Antonio Spurs
I think we can say that the Spurs are legit, they are above .500 and seem to want to stay there. Do I think they will win the NBA championship, no. They already rank as one of the most improved teams in winning percentage and point differential.
15 - Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are back, it was looking dire there for awhile, as in could they be trading Giannis or Dame? Now they have won 6 straight and are back in the top 6 in the Eastern Conference. Giannis is also making a real case for his 3rd MVP and is carrying this team.
P.S. I am only doing the top 15 teams, if you want me to talk about you; be better, it’s that simple.