NBA Power Rankings: Week 10
We are into week 10 of the NBA season, that is two and a half months of the regular season done. Teams have played roughly 30 games, and we are starting to see some tiers come into effect. Trade season is also here, these rankings could change as teams bolster or deplete their rosters. Lets get it.
10. (19-12) Brooklyn Nets
Previously #NR
Welcome to the top 10 Brooklyn, they honestly have a better record than a few of the teams in front of them in the rankings. But they have had a really soft schedule of late, and these are my rankings and I don’t really like the Nets, so I don’t want to hear it. Home games against the shorthanded Warriors and the Bucks this week.
9. (16-12) Sacramento Kings
Previously #8
A rough 6 game road trip which saw the Kings go 3-3 with an impressive win over the Cavs has kept them in the top 10 this week. Somehow going 3-3 is actually a good thing because they didn't have the lead at half in any of these games. The Kings offense is still great, but they need to shore up the defense.
8. (16-12) Philadelphia 76ers
Previously #9
Good news 6ers fans, when Joel Embiid and James Harden are both playing you now have a winning record (6-5). They are winning at home as well, winners of their last 4 and still have 3 more home games to go before hitting the road again. Embiid has been a monster of late, scoring at least 30 in each of his December games.
7. (18-12) Phoenix Suns
Previously #7
Huge win for the Suns in their 24 point comeback against the Pelicans after losing the last 2 against New Orleans. Devin Booker went off for 58 points, and luckily he did. The Suns lost in Houston to the Rockets who are atrocious. Phoenix still has a lot of things to figure out before they can move up in my rankings.
6. (18-11) Denver Nuggets
Previously #6
If Jokic keeps playing like this, he will be the MVP winner again. Look at this stat line from their win over Charlotte (yes the Hornets are bad) 40 points, 27 rebounds, and 10 assists. While Denver plays a lot better with Jokic on the floor, no big surprise there, their defense needs to figure it out. Huge next 5 games for the Nuggets, Memphis, Portland, Phoenix and two in Sacramento, which yours truly will be attending.
5. (18-11) New Orleans Pelicans
Previously #2
Well it was a fun week in the 2nd spot for the Pelicans, but after 3 straight road losses, after winning 7 straight, they have to dip back down in my rankings. Two losses to the Jazz, including one in OT and then blowing the 24 point lead to the Suns isn’t a great look. NOLA’s defense has suffered of late and it won’t get any easier with the next matchup, Giannis and the Bucks, who do struggle on the road.
4. (20-11) Cleveland Cavaliers
Previously #5
It keeps coming up, but the Cavs need to start playing more consistent basketball. A win over Luka and the Mavericks is always nice, but then a loss in San Antonio is not as nice. Evan Mobley has been struggling offensively this year, and luckily for the Cavs Donovan Mitchell has been a revelation. Utah, Milwaukee, and Toronto this week.
3. (21-8) Milwaukee Bucks
Previously #3
I don’t know what is going on with the Bucks, but their offense really struggles when they leave Wisconsin. They lost by 41, FORTY ONE, to Memphis this week and only had 8 points after the first 7 minutes. On the flip side they are 14-3 at home and handled the road Warriors and Utah. Better try to be the 1 seed if you want to go all the way since you can’t win on the road.
2. (22-9) Boston Celtics
Previously #1
Well the Celtics have fallen out of 1st place for me this week for the first time in a while. They are 1-4 in their last 5, and could have easily been 0-5 if AD and Lebron James had any energy left in their OT win over the Lakers. Two losses to the Magic means you have to drop in the rankings, that is a rule. A Christmas day matchup in Boston with the Bucks will be the game to watch.
1. (19-10) Memphis Grizzlies
Previously #4
Welcome to the top spot Memphis! A seven game winning streak including that 41 point thrashing of the Bucks earns the Grizzlies the top spot this week. The streak did come to an end in a loss to OKC, where Ja Morant was ejected for, well who really knows. Memphis gets their first ever Christmas Day game in San Francisco against the defending Champs. A win, cements them as one of the favorites in the West.