NBA Power Rankings: Week 6
Happy Thanksgiving y’all. We are getting close to that 20 game played mark, it's similar to the Thanksgiving timeline Tradon won’t shut up about in hockey. Typically after 20 games we know if you are a playoff contender or a pretender. Not a ton of different teams in my top 10 this week, just some jostling around. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and no one’s drunk uncle asks you what a NFT is.
10. (9-7) New Orleans Pelicans
Previously NR
The Pelicans are back in the top 10 this week. New Orleans are one of the most paint heavy scoring teams in the NBA, with 54% of their shots coming in the paint. Without Zion Williamson they have had to rely more on the jump shot, with wins over the Grizzlies and Bulls showcasing that with CJ McCollum getting out of his shooting slump. Warriors come to town and the Pels are an average at best defense against the three ball, this will be a good test.
9. (8-8) Philadelphia 76ers
Previously #10
Defense wins championships, and this idiot (imagine I am pointing to myself as I write this, because that is definitely what I am doing) picked the 76ers to win the NBA championship this year. Well over the last 2 and half weeks they have been the best defensive team in the NBA. Potential problem arising, Joel Embiid will miss the next two games with a foot injury.
8. (10-6) Cleveland Cavaliers
Previously #8
No movement for the Cavaliers this week as they remain at number 8 in my power rankings. They had big wins over the Hornets and Heat to stop the bleeding after a 5 game losing streak, Caris Lavert did go down with an ankle injury though. Cleveland is still finding their footing and the best rotation so expect more highs and lows from the Cavs.
7. (10-6) Denver Nuggets
Previously #4
When you lose the back to back MVP for three games, your team typically suffers, and that’s what happened last week for the Nuggets. Loses to the Knicks and Mavericks before squeaking out a one point win over the Mavs to end the week. Denver ranks 26th in the league in defensive metrics, not a great sign if you want to consider them real contenders.
6. (9-7) Dallas Mavericks
Previously #7
Maybe this is too high of a ranking for Dallas, but right now Luka Doncic is a top 3 MVP candidate. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been the 2nd best player on the Mavericks for the last couple of seasons, but right now he is the 4th worst effective field goal percentage player in the NBA, if Dallas wants to remain a real contender they need Tim Hardaway Jr to step up.
5. (12-6) Portland Trail Blazers
Previously #3
Portland is really looking for some consistency in their play, they are an awful first half team and until a last minute tip-in by Royce O’neal were 7-0 in the second half of games where they led by double digits. Damian Lillard re-injured his calf again, and will miss the next four games. They get Milwaukee next where they have lost 10 out of the last 12.
4. (12-6) Utah Jazz
Previously #5
It might be time to accept this Jazz team is better than we thought? Every week I think they must start dropping off soon right? Maybe Gobert really was a problem, Minnesota isn’t doing so hot with him and Utah seems to be thriving. Think this changes their trade plans, remember they still have a lot of first round picks coming up.
3. (10-6) Phoenix Suns
Previously #6
Phoenix rebounds nicely after a tough week, the team is still missing Chris Paul, without him their scoring efficiency has dropped dramatically. Then they have a decently efficient game in a loss to the Jazz after Devin Booker drops 49 points. They did follow that up with their second win over Golden State, Phoenix feels like the class of the West.
2. (11-4) Milwaukee Bucks
Previously #1
The Bucks have fallen off a bit after their red hot start to the season. Their meetup with the new look Cavaliers was a good test, but their offense has really yet to click this season. Getting Jrue Holiday shooting well from deep after going (0-4) from deep in the loss to the 76ers is going to be huge. On the positive side Brook Lopez is shooting crazy from deep, a career high 39% adding to his potential defensive player of the year campaign.
1. (13-3) Boston Celtics
Previously #2
We have a new numero uno in my rankings this week. The C’s have been without either Marcus Smart and/or Malcom Brogdon over the last 5 games, but have won 9 in a row. Part of the 9 game win streak is the defense has elevated their play from 22nd to 14th overall, while the offense is humming along. Chicago and the upstart Sacramento Kings this week should be a fun test to see if they can get double digits wins in a row.