NBA Power Rankings: Week 5
This is a tough week to make rankings. Everyone seems to be missing star players or playing below their talent level, looking at you Golden State. We are almost to the 20 game mark, which is traditionally the time to really start evaluating teams.
10. (7-7) Philadelphia 76ers
Previously NR
Welcome to the top ten Joel Embiid, oh I mean Philadelphia. Joel scored over 100 points in under 24 hours, 42 points against the Hawks to avenge a loss earlier in the week and then set a career high 59 against the Jazz. Luckily for the 76ers they get 4 days off before playing a back to back, James Harden is still out with a foot injury and they will need him for a deep playoff run.
9. (9-5) Memphis Grizzlies
Previously #9
When the Grizz have their starting lineup they are 7-0, when someone misses a game, 2-5. Losses to the Celtics without Steven Adams and then an abysmal performance against Tyler’s wizards without Ja Morant and Desmond Bane showed that this week. Look forward to Zion Williamson vs Ja Morant for the 5th time, with the former coming out on top the previous 4 times.
8. (8-5) Cleveland Cavaliers
Previously #2
Big drop for the boys from Cleveland, they followed their eight game win streak with a four game losing streak, with opponents shooting 44.5% from 3 point range. To be fair they only lost the games by a combined 19 points. Bucks vs Cavs later this week, possibly without Giannis, will make for an interesting matchup.
7. (7-5) Dallas Mavericks
Previously #8
I talked about this last week, Luka Doncic can’t do everything forever, his all time usage rate is starting to catch up on him. If Luka shoots 60% or better then Mavs are 7-1, when he shoots below that they are 0-4. Luka needs some help, Spencer Dinwiddie is the best 2nd option at the moment.
6. (8-5) Phoenix Suns
Previously #3
Rough week for Phoenix, their health is starting to catch up to them. Chris Paul has missed two and a half games with heel soreness, Cam Johnson is still out, and Jae Crowder is yet to make his return. Their depth is being tested right now with Cam Payne and Torey Craig in the starting lineup, Devin Booker has been huge for them though.
5. (10-5) Utah Jazz
Previously #5
Why? The Jazz have the most wins in the western conference. Their defense showed up against the 76ers, unless your name is Joel Embiid. Then they got outshot from deep by the Wizards in another loss. Also to make things even more confusing the Jazz have six wins over .500 or better teams are the best in the NBA. Again, why?
4. (9-4) Denver Nuggets
Previously #7
Here come the Nuggets, they keep winning close games, which is a good test for the playoffs, but when they lose they get blown out. The Nuggets are 4-0 at home to start the season, and they still have a road heavy schedule for the next couple of weeks.
3. (9-4) Portland Trail Blazers
Previously #6
The Blazers shouldn’t be this good, they have trailed by double digits in 10 of their 14 games and they have gone 6-4 in those games. That isn’t really a recipe for success, the Trail Blazers will need to learn to play more evenly as they are a terrible first half team and a fantastic second half team.
2. (10-3) Boston Celtics
Previously #4
Having Jayson Tatum on your team is a good thing, the Celtics or my fantasy team. Tatum has evolved into an MVP candidate. Tatum has 30 or more in his last 4 games and has pushed the Celtics into a tie atop the East. The battle with Milwaukee will be fun all season.
1. (10-3) Milwaukee Bucks
Previously #1
Well Milwaukee finally lost a game. They are really missing Khris Middleton right now, as the Bucks aren’t shooting very well from outside the paint. A bright spot for the Bucks, Jevon Carter (36 points and 12 boards) led the way in an overtime win against OKC. Giannis and Jrue Holiday are both nursing injuries, trouble could be brewing in Milwaukee.