Week 6 Rankings:
*Record up to date as of posting
Due to time restraints, I am not going to have the opportunity to give comments to every team. Instead, I will give brief comments to the top 4 tiers only. Apologies.
Tier 1
1. San Antonio Spurs (2) 14-2: The new #1. Owners of the best record in the league, won 9 of 10.
2. Boston Celtics (4) 12-4: Steady.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (1) 13-4: Drop from #1 with 1-2 week. Play 9 of next 11 on the road.
4. Dallas Mavericks (5) 12-4: 5 game winning streak. Last three wins over OKC, San Antonio, and Miami.
5. Utah Jazz (6) 13-5: Also won 5 straight.
6. New Orleans Hornets (3) 12-4: Lost 3 of 4 facing teams in top half of Western Conference.
7. Chicago Bulls (9) 9-6: Tough. Finished Circus Trip with winning record.
Tier 3
8. Oklahoma City Thunder (7) 11-6: Injury having big effect on Durant? Only shooting 43% from field, 23% from 3 pt. line.
9. Orlando Magic (8) 12-4: Very unimpressive 12-4 record. Not buying them as true contender yet.
10. Denver Nuggets (13) 10-6: Came back strong after disappointing week. Won 4 straight.
Tier 4
11. Portland Trail Blazers (12) 8-8: Injuries, injuries, injuries.
12. Atlanta Hawks (11) 11-7: Streaky? 6 wins, 4 losses, 2 wins, 3 losses, 3 wins so far this season.
13. Indiana Pacers (17) 8-7: Sleeper team waking up. Looked great against the Lakers on the road, especially defensively.
14. Miami Heat (10) 9-8: Where do you start? Players (read: LeBron (and maybe Bosh) not getting along with coach. Big problem on offense is that both the players and the ball are not moving.
Tier 5
15. Phoenix Suns (16) 8-9:
16. Memphis Grizzlies (15) 7-10:
17. Golden State Warriors (14) 8-9:
Tier 6
18. Houston Rockets (22) 5-11:
19. New York Knicks (18) 9-9:
20. Cleveland Cavaliers (20) 7-9:
21. Milwaukee Bucks (19) 6-10:
22. Charlotte Bobcats (23) 6-11:
23. Detroit Pistons (27) 6-11:
Tier 7
24. Toronto Raptors (25) 6-11:
25. New Jersey Nets (24) 6-11:
26. Philadelphia 76ers (28) 4-13:
27. Los Angeles Clippers (30) 3-15:
28. Sacramento Kings (21) 4-11:
29. Washington Wizards (29) 5-10:
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (26) 4-13:
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
NBA Power Rankings - Week 5
Apologies for the one week hiatus. Now back with NBA power rankings for week 5:
*Record as of all games completed through 11/21.
**Last week ranking refers to week 3.
Tier 1
1. Los Angeles Lakers (1) 12-2: Would have dropped to 3 if there were rankings last week. This week L.A. bounced back by going 4-0 and winning all its games by double digits. Get a couple of legit tests in Chicago and @Utah this week.
2. San Antonio Spurs (7) 11-1: Have to give San Antonio a boost after 10 straight wins. 2nd in points for. 3rd in the NBA in point differential.
3. New Orleans Hornets (3) 11-1: 4 of next 5 on the road including Utah, Portland, and Oklahoma City. One home game during stretch against San Antonio. We'll be getting some answers in these next five. Recently acquired Jarrett Jack will give New Orleans steady backup to Paul.
4. Boston Celtics (2) 9-4: Have to drop Boston after home loss to Durant-less Thunder and loss to Toronto. Record and results not surprising for this type of veteran team.
Tier 2
5. Dallas Mavericks (10) 8-4: Handed New Orleans its only loss. Went 2-2 during the week. Have two back-to-backs this week including second nights on the road against Oklahoma City and Miami.
6. Utah Jazz (12) 9-5: After ridiculous road trip Utah came back to earth by going 2-2 for the week. Wouldn't expect Jazz to only have a 0.9 point differential.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (11) 9-4: Impressed by the way Oklahoma City won two games on the road (Boston and Milwaukee) without Durant. Went down to the wire and let Russell Westbrook control things.
Tier 3:
8. Orlando Magic (5) 9-3: Have played three good teams (Miami, Atlanta, Utah) and have lost two (Miami, Utah). Let's see what Magic look like this week against San Antonio and Miami (for a second time).
9. Chicago Bulls (14) 7-4: 2-1 on "Circus Trip". Trip ends this week with games against the Lakers, Phoenix, Denver, and Sacramento. Team playing balanced.
10. Miami Heat (4) 8-5: Only two of Miami's eight wins were decided by single digits (9 against Toronto, 8 against Charlotte). The Heat's five losses were by 8, 3, 2, 5, 2. Simple translation: Miami is having trouble pulling out close games. What does it tell you about a team when you think its in deep trouble without Udonis Haslem?
11. Atlanta Hawks (6) 8-5: Lost five of last seven. Clearly look like a team that will win in the regular season, but is not equipped to win in the postseason.
Tier 4
12. Portland Trail Blazers (8) 8-6: A lot of bad news since the last rankings. Greg Oden will be out for the entire year. Brandon Roy's knee a serious concern as he's sat out three straight. Still, we've learned not to count Portland out.
13. Denver Nuggets (9) 7-6: Playing the waiting game with Carmelo. It's just a matter of time before something happens. While he's in Denver, they'll be dangerous and competitive.
Tier 5
14. Golden State Warriors (15) 7-6: In its last two games Golden State gave up 125 to New York and 117 to the Lakers (both losses). Lost four of five and finish month with a relatively difficult stretch.
15. Memphis Grizzlies (16) 5-9: Lost five straight in tough stretch before Rudy Gay's buzzer beater over Miami on Saturday. Gay's shooting the ball well (49 FG%, 40 3PT%, 85 FT%) while averaging almost 22 points per game.
16. Phoenix Suns (13) 6-7: Rough stretch for the Suns as Nash has missed last two and team has lost last three. Phoenix is giving up an average of 117 points and is losing by an average of 20.3 during stretch.
17. Indiana Pacers (21) 5-6: How sad is the East after the top five right now? Indiana, at 5-6, has the sixth best record in the conference. Hibbert watch: 16.7 PPG, 10 REB, 2.6 BLK.
Tier 6
18. New York Knicks (18) 6-8: Lost six straight before winning last three on West coast road trip, though those games were against Golden State, Sacramento, and the Clippers. Amare stepped up his defense when he came to L.A. and "only" allowed Blake Griffin to get off for 44 points and 15 rebounds.
19. Milwaukee Bucks (23) 5-8: Sometimes look great, particularly on defense. Right when you think Milwaukee a good team they look bad again.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers (19) 5-7: Not many thought Cleveland was capable of playing this well. However, the Cavs have lost four of five and have the second worst point differential in the East.
Tier 7
21. Sacramento Kings (17) 4-8: Have lost 7 of 8. Likely to make it 8 of 9 after going to Utah Monday night. For some reason Sacramento gets a national game on Thanksgiving against the Clippers.
22. Houston Rockets (20) 3-9: Worst case scenario being realized. Yao out again for extended period of time. Aaron Brooks also out. With what the Rockets have left, there's no reason it should lose to Toronto by double digits.
23. Charlotte Bobcats (27) 5-8: Going through a decent stretch going 4-2 in last six. At the same time those wins were against Toronto, Washington, Minnesota, and Phoenix while the losses were against Utah and Miami. Not buying what Charlotte is selling.
24. New Jersey Nets (25) 4-9: Despite going 1-3 on Western Conference road trip, New Jersey was competitive. Only lost to Utah by 10, Sacramento by five, and Denver by four.
25. Toronto Raptors (28) 5-9: Somehow Toronto has won three straight including a game against Boston after losing 9 of first 11. Still believe this is the single worst roster in the league, but have to give them credit for winning some games.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (30) 4-10: After embarrassing stretch have rebounded by going 3-3. For as much attention Kevin Love's rebounding prowess has received, Michael Beasley is averaging 31.3 points per game during this six game stretch.
27. Detroit Pistons (26) 5-8: 5-3 in last eight, but like Charlotte, not buying it.
28. Philadelphia 76ers (24) 3-10: Lost five straight before beating Milwaukee. After hot start, Brand's numbers have regressed some. Have talented players, but it's not coming together on the court.
29. Washington Wizards (29) 4-8: One of three teams with a point differential worse than -5.0. With John Wall out the past week, was there much reason to watch?
30. Los Angeles Clippers (22) 1-13: As exciting and talented Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon are, your team still has to win every so often to stay out of the bottom spot. The Clippers own the worst point differential in the league at -9.7. The disconcerting thing is that with Griffin and Gordon alone the Clippers have enough talent to beat some East teams yet the Clips have lost to Detroit, New Jersey, and New York at home.
*Record as of all games completed through 11/21.
**Last week ranking refers to week 3.
Tier 1
1. Los Angeles Lakers (1) 12-2: Would have dropped to 3 if there were rankings last week. This week L.A. bounced back by going 4-0 and winning all its games by double digits. Get a couple of legit tests in Chicago and @Utah this week.
2. San Antonio Spurs (7) 11-1: Have to give San Antonio a boost after 10 straight wins. 2nd in points for. 3rd in the NBA in point differential.
3. New Orleans Hornets (3) 11-1: 4 of next 5 on the road including Utah, Portland, and Oklahoma City. One home game during stretch against San Antonio. We'll be getting some answers in these next five. Recently acquired Jarrett Jack will give New Orleans steady backup to Paul.
4. Boston Celtics (2) 9-4: Have to drop Boston after home loss to Durant-less Thunder and loss to Toronto. Record and results not surprising for this type of veteran team.
Tier 2
5. Dallas Mavericks (10) 8-4: Handed New Orleans its only loss. Went 2-2 during the week. Have two back-to-backs this week including second nights on the road against Oklahoma City and Miami.
6. Utah Jazz (12) 9-5: After ridiculous road trip Utah came back to earth by going 2-2 for the week. Wouldn't expect Jazz to only have a 0.9 point differential.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (11) 9-4: Impressed by the way Oklahoma City won two games on the road (Boston and Milwaukee) without Durant. Went down to the wire and let Russell Westbrook control things.
Tier 3:
8. Orlando Magic (5) 9-3: Have played three good teams (Miami, Atlanta, Utah) and have lost two (Miami, Utah). Let's see what Magic look like this week against San Antonio and Miami (for a second time).
9. Chicago Bulls (14) 7-4: 2-1 on "Circus Trip". Trip ends this week with games against the Lakers, Phoenix, Denver, and Sacramento. Team playing balanced.
10. Miami Heat (4) 8-5: Only two of Miami's eight wins were decided by single digits (9 against Toronto, 8 against Charlotte). The Heat's five losses were by 8, 3, 2, 5, 2. Simple translation: Miami is having trouble pulling out close games. What does it tell you about a team when you think its in deep trouble without Udonis Haslem?
11. Atlanta Hawks (6) 8-5: Lost five of last seven. Clearly look like a team that will win in the regular season, but is not equipped to win in the postseason.
Tier 4
12. Portland Trail Blazers (8) 8-6: A lot of bad news since the last rankings. Greg Oden will be out for the entire year. Brandon Roy's knee a serious concern as he's sat out three straight. Still, we've learned not to count Portland out.
13. Denver Nuggets (9) 7-6: Playing the waiting game with Carmelo. It's just a matter of time before something happens. While he's in Denver, they'll be dangerous and competitive.
Tier 5
14. Golden State Warriors (15) 7-6: In its last two games Golden State gave up 125 to New York and 117 to the Lakers (both losses). Lost four of five and finish month with a relatively difficult stretch.
15. Memphis Grizzlies (16) 5-9: Lost five straight in tough stretch before Rudy Gay's buzzer beater over Miami on Saturday. Gay's shooting the ball well (49 FG%, 40 3PT%, 85 FT%) while averaging almost 22 points per game.
16. Phoenix Suns (13) 6-7: Rough stretch for the Suns as Nash has missed last two and team has lost last three. Phoenix is giving up an average of 117 points and is losing by an average of 20.3 during stretch.
17. Indiana Pacers (21) 5-6: How sad is the East after the top five right now? Indiana, at 5-6, has the sixth best record in the conference. Hibbert watch: 16.7 PPG, 10 REB, 2.6 BLK.
Tier 6
18. New York Knicks (18) 6-8: Lost six straight before winning last three on West coast road trip, though those games were against Golden State, Sacramento, and the Clippers. Amare stepped up his defense when he came to L.A. and "only" allowed Blake Griffin to get off for 44 points and 15 rebounds.
19. Milwaukee Bucks (23) 5-8: Sometimes look great, particularly on defense. Right when you think Milwaukee a good team they look bad again.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers (19) 5-7: Not many thought Cleveland was capable of playing this well. However, the Cavs have lost four of five and have the second worst point differential in the East.
Tier 7
21. Sacramento Kings (17) 4-8: Have lost 7 of 8. Likely to make it 8 of 9 after going to Utah Monday night. For some reason Sacramento gets a national game on Thanksgiving against the Clippers.
22. Houston Rockets (20) 3-9: Worst case scenario being realized. Yao out again for extended period of time. Aaron Brooks also out. With what the Rockets have left, there's no reason it should lose to Toronto by double digits.
23. Charlotte Bobcats (27) 5-8: Going through a decent stretch going 4-2 in last six. At the same time those wins were against Toronto, Washington, Minnesota, and Phoenix while the losses were against Utah and Miami. Not buying what Charlotte is selling.
24. New Jersey Nets (25) 4-9: Despite going 1-3 on Western Conference road trip, New Jersey was competitive. Only lost to Utah by 10, Sacramento by five, and Denver by four.
25. Toronto Raptors (28) 5-9: Somehow Toronto has won three straight including a game against Boston after losing 9 of first 11. Still believe this is the single worst roster in the league, but have to give them credit for winning some games.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (30) 4-10: After embarrassing stretch have rebounded by going 3-3. For as much attention Kevin Love's rebounding prowess has received, Michael Beasley is averaging 31.3 points per game during this six game stretch.
27. Detroit Pistons (26) 5-8: 5-3 in last eight, but like Charlotte, not buying it.
28. Philadelphia 76ers (24) 3-10: Lost five straight before beating Milwaukee. After hot start, Brand's numbers have regressed some. Have talented players, but it's not coming together on the court.
29. Washington Wizards (29) 4-8: One of three teams with a point differential worse than -5.0. With John Wall out the past week, was there much reason to watch?
30. Los Angeles Clippers (22) 1-13: As exciting and talented Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon are, your team still has to win every so often to stay out of the bottom spot. The Clippers own the worst point differential in the league at -9.7. The disconcerting thing is that with Griffin and Gordon alone the Clippers have enough talent to beat some East teams yet the Clips have lost to Detroit, New Jersey, and New York at home.
Monday, November 8, 2010
NBA Power Rankings - Week 3
Your NBA power rankings for week 3:
*Team records up to date as of posting time.
Tier 1
1. Los Angeles Lakers (1) 7-0: Look unbelievable. Undefeated, best in point differential and points per game. Faced a relatively soft schedule to this point. Need to see what they look like in Denver this Thursday.
2. Boston Celtics (2) 6-1: Rondo averaging a ridiculous 14.7 assists per game. "Big Baby" is getting significant minutes off the bench and is playing well. Not blowing teams out, but you wouldn't expect them to.
Tier 2
3. New Orleans Hornets (9) 6-0: Deserve another big jump in the rankings. Undefeated with impressive collection of wins over Milwaukee (twice), Denver, @San Antonio, @Houston, and Miami. Will it continue?
4. Miami Heat (3) 5-2: All five wins by double digits. Allowing a league best 86.4 points against. Shouldn't Chris Bosh be pulling down more than 5.3 rebounds per game?
5. Orlando Magic (5) 4-1: Got blown out in their only true test this season (@Miami). Need a lot more out of Rashard Lewis ($19.6 million this year) who is averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds on 38% shooting.
6. Atlanta Hawks (6) 6-1: Impressive record, but their opponents are a combined 15-30. Interested to see how much, if anything, has changed when they go to Orlando on Monday.
Tier 3
7. San Antonio Spurs (11) 4-1: Winning with offense (4th in points per game) rather than defense (24th in points allowed). Could Richard Jefferson be finding his way in this system (averaging 20 PPG shooting 65 FG%, 60 3P%)?
8. Portland Trail Blazers (4) 5-3: Schedule makers didn't do them any favors as three of their eight games have been on the road as the second game of a back-to-back. Still high on this team.
9. Denver Nuggets (10) 4-2: Nice start to season, especially when factoring in relatively tough schedule. Arron Afflalo is averaging 12.8 points per game on 57% from the field and 47% from three. Karl needs to find him minutes.
Tier 4
10. Dallas Mavericks (7) 3-2: Sluggish start. 1-2 home record. Alarming that they have faded in 4th quarter in both (home) losses being outscored 22-15 (Memphis) and 24-13 (Denver). Opponents a combined 9-17.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (8) 3-3: Something is amiss. 20th in points per game, 23rd in points against, -5.3 differential. Durant off to a slow shooting start 39 FG%, 32% beyond the arc.
12. Utah Jazz (12) 3-3: Still trying to figure out exactly what this team is. We may get some answers this week when they go on the road to play Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Difficult enough? Games against Orlando and Charlotte are on second night of back-to-back. Brutal.
13. Phoenix Suns (17) 3-3: Only choice is to outscore opponents. Turkoglu largely M.I.A. so far (10.5 PPG, 7.8 FGA per game, 7 total FT attempts). Nash's scoring up, assists down.
14. Chicago Bulls (13) 2-3: Won't know what to make of this team until Boozer gets healthy. Still look like they'll need another outside shooter and size to consistently compete with East's best.
Tier 5
15. Golden State Warriors (23) 4-2: Nice start, but schedule hasn't been too challenging. Ellis is leading the league in scoring. David Lee's offensive output has to be a concern as he's only averaging 12 points per game while shooting 14% worse from the field and 11% worse from the line compared to last season.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (14) 3-4: Went 1-3 on Pacific Division road trip (didn't play Clippers). Don't understand the logic behind Mike Conley's extension (5 yrs./$45 million). Even with his impressive start, would he have been able to get that deal in the off-season? Even if he could, Memphis could have matched any offer (under current CBA rules).
17. Sacramento Kings (21) 3-3: Just about meeting expectations thus far. Will be interesting to see how Dalembert plays as starter and how Cousins responds coming off the bench. Cousins needs to address foul problems.
18. New York Knicks (19) 3-3: Like Sacramento, they're meeting expectations thus far. Toney Douglas (16.5 PPG) and Wilson Chandler (16.3 PPG) off to hot starts coming off the bench.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (22) 3-3: Who's ready for the Mo-Hickson-Varejao show? With as bad as the bottom half of the East looks, don't count them out of the 7 or 8 playoff spot.
20. Houston Rockets (16) 1-5: Finally got in the win column against Minnesota. Discounting the T-Wolves, their opponents are a combined 25-5. Tough blow: Aaron Brooks is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks with a sprained ankle.
Tier 6
21. Indiana Pacers (15) 2-3: Went 0-2 last week. Darren Collison is off to a brutal start (29.4 mins., 37 FG%, 30 3P%, 14.2 PPG). Hibbert watch: Averaging 15.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game.
22. Los Angeles Clippers (25) 1-6: Have faced most of the best in the West and have a 1-6 record to show for it. Baron Davis may want to get healed and in shape before Eric Bledsoe takes his job (not that Davis' contract would ever allow that to happen).
23. Milwaukee Bucks (18) 2-5: Only team to lose to hapless Minnesota. Dead last in points per game. The five players averaging at least 10 shots per game Jennings, Bogut, Delfino, Salmons, and Maggette are shooting 39%, 51%, 42%, 32%, and 36% respectively.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (27) 2-5: Have been more effective than their record would seem to indicate. Could Elton Brand be back? A tough week ahead as they hit the road for Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Tier 7
25. New Jersey Nets (20) 2-4: Three of the four losses are against Miami and Orlando. Brook Lopez had a rough week shooting 28% from the field while only averaging 13 PPG/4.7 RPG. Someone needs to step up the scoring.
26. Detroit Pistons (30) 2-5: Starting a four game West coast road trip (Portland, Clippers, Sacramento, and Golden State). Hard to figure out who to rely on for scoring game to game.
27. Charlotte Bobcats (28) 1-5: Haven't faced too tough of a schedule. Putting up second worst point total per game in the league. Augustin, Jackson, and Diaw are all hovering around 43% from the field.
28. Toronto Raptors (29) 1-5: Just went 0-4 on tough Western Conference road trip (Sacramento, Utah, Lakers, Portland). Have tough road back-to-back this week against Orlando and Miami.
29. Washington Wizards (26) 1-4: Rank 29th in point differential, 22nd in points per game, 30th in rebounds per game, 22nd in assists per game, and 27th in points allowed. John Wall has been fun to watch (19.4 PPG, 9.6 APG), but he's also averaging almost six turnovers per game.
Tier 8
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (24) 1-6: My goodness this team is playing horrendously. Minnesota, at -17.1 point differential, is 5.5 points worse than Washington for dead last in the league. Granted, their last five games, all losses, have been against stiff competition, but they're not even competitive: Memphis 109-89, Miami 129-97, Orlando 128-86, Atlanta 113-103, and Houston 120-94. In this five game stretch they're giving up 119.8 points a game and scoring 93.8 for a -26 point differential. That has to be historical, right? Up next? @Lakers Tuesday.
*Team records up to date as of posting time.
Tier 1
1. Los Angeles Lakers (1) 7-0: Look unbelievable. Undefeated, best in point differential and points per game. Faced a relatively soft schedule to this point. Need to see what they look like in Denver this Thursday.
2. Boston Celtics (2) 6-1: Rondo averaging a ridiculous 14.7 assists per game. "Big Baby" is getting significant minutes off the bench and is playing well. Not blowing teams out, but you wouldn't expect them to.
Tier 2
3. New Orleans Hornets (9) 6-0: Deserve another big jump in the rankings. Undefeated with impressive collection of wins over Milwaukee (twice), Denver, @San Antonio, @Houston, and Miami. Will it continue?
4. Miami Heat (3) 5-2: All five wins by double digits. Allowing a league best 86.4 points against. Shouldn't Chris Bosh be pulling down more than 5.3 rebounds per game?
5. Orlando Magic (5) 4-1: Got blown out in their only true test this season (@Miami). Need a lot more out of Rashard Lewis ($19.6 million this year) who is averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds on 38% shooting.
6. Atlanta Hawks (6) 6-1: Impressive record, but their opponents are a combined 15-30. Interested to see how much, if anything, has changed when they go to Orlando on Monday.
Tier 3
7. San Antonio Spurs (11) 4-1: Winning with offense (4th in points per game) rather than defense (24th in points allowed). Could Richard Jefferson be finding his way in this system (averaging 20 PPG shooting 65 FG%, 60 3P%)?
8. Portland Trail Blazers (4) 5-3: Schedule makers didn't do them any favors as three of their eight games have been on the road as the second game of a back-to-back. Still high on this team.
9. Denver Nuggets (10) 4-2: Nice start to season, especially when factoring in relatively tough schedule. Arron Afflalo is averaging 12.8 points per game on 57% from the field and 47% from three. Karl needs to find him minutes.
Tier 4
10. Dallas Mavericks (7) 3-2: Sluggish start. 1-2 home record. Alarming that they have faded in 4th quarter in both (home) losses being outscored 22-15 (Memphis) and 24-13 (Denver). Opponents a combined 9-17.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (8) 3-3: Something is amiss. 20th in points per game, 23rd in points against, -5.3 differential. Durant off to a slow shooting start 39 FG%, 32% beyond the arc.
12. Utah Jazz (12) 3-3: Still trying to figure out exactly what this team is. We may get some answers this week when they go on the road to play Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Difficult enough? Games against Orlando and Charlotte are on second night of back-to-back. Brutal.
13. Phoenix Suns (17) 3-3: Only choice is to outscore opponents. Turkoglu largely M.I.A. so far (10.5 PPG, 7.8 FGA per game, 7 total FT attempts). Nash's scoring up, assists down.
14. Chicago Bulls (13) 2-3: Won't know what to make of this team until Boozer gets healthy. Still look like they'll need another outside shooter and size to consistently compete with East's best.
Tier 5
15. Golden State Warriors (23) 4-2: Nice start, but schedule hasn't been too challenging. Ellis is leading the league in scoring. David Lee's offensive output has to be a concern as he's only averaging 12 points per game while shooting 14% worse from the field and 11% worse from the line compared to last season.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (14) 3-4: Went 1-3 on Pacific Division road trip (didn't play Clippers). Don't understand the logic behind Mike Conley's extension (5 yrs./$45 million). Even with his impressive start, would he have been able to get that deal in the off-season? Even if he could, Memphis could have matched any offer (under current CBA rules).
17. Sacramento Kings (21) 3-3: Just about meeting expectations thus far. Will be interesting to see how Dalembert plays as starter and how Cousins responds coming off the bench. Cousins needs to address foul problems.
18. New York Knicks (19) 3-3: Like Sacramento, they're meeting expectations thus far. Toney Douglas (16.5 PPG) and Wilson Chandler (16.3 PPG) off to hot starts coming off the bench.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (22) 3-3: Who's ready for the Mo-Hickson-Varejao show? With as bad as the bottom half of the East looks, don't count them out of the 7 or 8 playoff spot.
20. Houston Rockets (16) 1-5: Finally got in the win column against Minnesota. Discounting the T-Wolves, their opponents are a combined 25-5. Tough blow: Aaron Brooks is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks with a sprained ankle.
Tier 6
21. Indiana Pacers (15) 2-3: Went 0-2 last week. Darren Collison is off to a brutal start (29.4 mins., 37 FG%, 30 3P%, 14.2 PPG). Hibbert watch: Averaging 15.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game.
22. Los Angeles Clippers (25) 1-6: Have faced most of the best in the West and have a 1-6 record to show for it. Baron Davis may want to get healed and in shape before Eric Bledsoe takes his job (not that Davis' contract would ever allow that to happen).
23. Milwaukee Bucks (18) 2-5: Only team to lose to hapless Minnesota. Dead last in points per game. The five players averaging at least 10 shots per game Jennings, Bogut, Delfino, Salmons, and Maggette are shooting 39%, 51%, 42%, 32%, and 36% respectively.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (27) 2-5: Have been more effective than their record would seem to indicate. Could Elton Brand be back? A tough week ahead as they hit the road for Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Tier 7
25. New Jersey Nets (20) 2-4: Three of the four losses are against Miami and Orlando. Brook Lopez had a rough week shooting 28% from the field while only averaging 13 PPG/4.7 RPG. Someone needs to step up the scoring.
26. Detroit Pistons (30) 2-5: Starting a four game West coast road trip (Portland, Clippers, Sacramento, and Golden State). Hard to figure out who to rely on for scoring game to game.
27. Charlotte Bobcats (28) 1-5: Haven't faced too tough of a schedule. Putting up second worst point total per game in the league. Augustin, Jackson, and Diaw are all hovering around 43% from the field.
28. Toronto Raptors (29) 1-5: Just went 0-4 on tough Western Conference road trip (Sacramento, Utah, Lakers, Portland). Have tough road back-to-back this week against Orlando and Miami.
29. Washington Wizards (26) 1-4: Rank 29th in point differential, 22nd in points per game, 30th in rebounds per game, 22nd in assists per game, and 27th in points allowed. John Wall has been fun to watch (19.4 PPG, 9.6 APG), but he's also averaging almost six turnovers per game.
Tier 8
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (24) 1-6: My goodness this team is playing horrendously. Minnesota, at -17.1 point differential, is 5.5 points worse than Washington for dead last in the league. Granted, their last five games, all losses, have been against stiff competition, but they're not even competitive: Memphis 109-89, Miami 129-97, Orlando 128-86, Atlanta 113-103, and Houston 120-94. In this five game stretch they're giving up 119.8 points a game and scoring 93.8 for a -26 point differential. That has to be historical, right? Up next? @Lakers Tuesday.
Monday, November 1, 2010
NBA Power Rankings - Week 2
This week's Power Rankings:
*Key
Team, last week's ranking, record (as of Monday 11/1):
Tier 1
1. Los Angeles Lakers (1) 3-0: Starting strong. Bench allowing starters to rest. Bryant has played 37, 34, and 27 minutes in first three games as he rests knee. How good could they be with a healthy Bynum?
2. Boston Celtics (2) 2-1: First two games (home win vs. Miami, road loss vs. Cleveland) a bit of a headscratcher, though on a back-to-back. Rondo averaging 16.7 assists through three games.
Tier 2
3. Miami Heat (3) 3-1: Looked terrible for most of the game vs. Celtics. Showed a glimpse of what they are capable of against Magic. It's going to take some time for them to figure each other out.
4. Portland Trailblazers (9) 3-0: Deserve big jump after two decent road wins against Clippers and Knicks. Have a serious attitude.
5. Orlando Magic (4) 1-1: What exactly was that against Miami? Defensively, need to help Howard stay out of foul trouble. Offensively, need to find him more shots.
6. Atlanta Hawks (11) 3-0: Good start out of the gate. High scoring. Whenever possible, should try to get bench more involved.
Tier 3
7. Dallas Mavericks (5) 2-1: Holding teams scoring down a good sign. Home loss to Memphis without Randolph not so much.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder (6) 2-1: Narrow(ish) wins vs. Chicago and Detroit before getting blown out at home against the Jazz. Late 4th quarter surge vs. Chicago showed what they are capable of.
9. New Orleans Hornets (18) 3-0: Most impressive start to the season with wins against Milwaukee, Denver, and San Antonio on the road.
10. Denver Nuggets (13) 2-1: They'll be good as long as Carmelo is there and not creating distractions.
11. San Antonio Spurs (8) 1-1: Likely to move a few spots up and down in these rankings throughout the season.
Tier 4
12. Utah Jazz (7) 1-2: Looked flat against Denver and Phoenix, but blew out Oklahoma City on the road.
13. Chicago Bulls (12) 1-1: Need to find more offense while Boozer is out.
14. Memphis Grizzlies (16) 2-1: Playing well enough without Randolph. Good road win against Dallas.
Tier 5
15. Indiana Pacers (21) 2-1: Gave up a whopping 122 points in San Antonio, but bounced back with wins against Charlotte and Philadelphia. Hibbert watch: 18 & 10 through three games.
16. Houston Rockets (10) 0-3: Disappointing start. Nearly took out Lakers on the road, but followed up with losses to Golden State and Denver. Giving up 117 points per game. Danger zone.
17. Phoenix Suns (15) 1-2: Looked solid in Utah, but game against Lakers showed their weaknesses
18. Milwaukee Bucks (14) 1-2: Not as high on this team as most others, but East is only five deep.
Tier 6
19. New York Knicks (17) 1-2: Not sure what to make yet. Landry Fields a surprise at the outset.
20. New Jersey Nets (26) 2-1: Showing much more energy than last year. Lopez will put up big numbers.
21. Sacramento Kings (24) 2-1: Have gone 2-1 on the road against three weaker opponents.
22. Cleveland Cavaliers (27) 1-2: Happy to see them get up for game against Boston. Losses to Toronto (blowout) and Sacramento, not encouraging.
23. Golden State Warriors (25) 2-1: As usual they score a ton, but give up more. Stephen Curry day-to-day (ankle)
Tier 7
24. Minnesota Timberwolves (28) 1-2: They're trying to figure out who they want to play. Not a great sign.
25. Los Angeles Clippers (19) 0-3: Maybe they will be an exciting team that can't pull out wins. Problem not so much that they lost first three, but that they were blown out (-14.7 differential). At least Blake Griffin is good.
26. Washington Wizards (22) 0-2: Looked horrendous against Orlando.Tough to start on the road against Magic and Hawks though.
27. Philadelphia 76ers (20) 0-3: Seem to be uninspired by Doug Collins thus far.
28. Charlotte Bobcats (23) 0-3: Rough start. Team will divide if it continues.
29. Toronto Raptors (30) 1-1: Didn't expect a blowout win (against Cleveland) this early in the season. Reggie Evans is putting up odd stat lines gamely (averaging 1 point, 15 rebounds).
30. Detroit Pistons (29) 0-3: Tough to see what they can rely on.
*Key
Team, last week's ranking, record (as of Monday 11/1):
Tier 1
1. Los Angeles Lakers (1) 3-0: Starting strong. Bench allowing starters to rest. Bryant has played 37, 34, and 27 minutes in first three games as he rests knee. How good could they be with a healthy Bynum?
2. Boston Celtics (2) 2-1: First two games (home win vs. Miami, road loss vs. Cleveland) a bit of a headscratcher, though on a back-to-back. Rondo averaging 16.7 assists through three games.
Tier 2
3. Miami Heat (3) 3-1: Looked terrible for most of the game vs. Celtics. Showed a glimpse of what they are capable of against Magic. It's going to take some time for them to figure each other out.
4. Portland Trailblazers (9) 3-0: Deserve big jump after two decent road wins against Clippers and Knicks. Have a serious attitude.
5. Orlando Magic (4) 1-1: What exactly was that against Miami? Defensively, need to help Howard stay out of foul trouble. Offensively, need to find him more shots.
6. Atlanta Hawks (11) 3-0: Good start out of the gate. High scoring. Whenever possible, should try to get bench more involved.
Tier 3
7. Dallas Mavericks (5) 2-1: Holding teams scoring down a good sign. Home loss to Memphis without Randolph not so much.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder (6) 2-1: Narrow(ish) wins vs. Chicago and Detroit before getting blown out at home against the Jazz. Late 4th quarter surge vs. Chicago showed what they are capable of.
9. New Orleans Hornets (18) 3-0: Most impressive start to the season with wins against Milwaukee, Denver, and San Antonio on the road.
10. Denver Nuggets (13) 2-1: They'll be good as long as Carmelo is there and not creating distractions.
11. San Antonio Spurs (8) 1-1: Likely to move a few spots up and down in these rankings throughout the season.
Tier 4
12. Utah Jazz (7) 1-2: Looked flat against Denver and Phoenix, but blew out Oklahoma City on the road.
13. Chicago Bulls (12) 1-1: Need to find more offense while Boozer is out.
14. Memphis Grizzlies (16) 2-1: Playing well enough without Randolph. Good road win against Dallas.
Tier 5
15. Indiana Pacers (21) 2-1: Gave up a whopping 122 points in San Antonio, but bounced back with wins against Charlotte and Philadelphia. Hibbert watch: 18 & 10 through three games.
16. Houston Rockets (10) 0-3: Disappointing start. Nearly took out Lakers on the road, but followed up with losses to Golden State and Denver. Giving up 117 points per game. Danger zone.
17. Phoenix Suns (15) 1-2: Looked solid in Utah, but game against Lakers showed their weaknesses
18. Milwaukee Bucks (14) 1-2: Not as high on this team as most others, but East is only five deep.
Tier 6
19. New York Knicks (17) 1-2: Not sure what to make yet. Landry Fields a surprise at the outset.
20. New Jersey Nets (26) 2-1: Showing much more energy than last year. Lopez will put up big numbers.
21. Sacramento Kings (24) 2-1: Have gone 2-1 on the road against three weaker opponents.
22. Cleveland Cavaliers (27) 1-2: Happy to see them get up for game against Boston. Losses to Toronto (blowout) and Sacramento, not encouraging.
23. Golden State Warriors (25) 2-1: As usual they score a ton, but give up more. Stephen Curry day-to-day (ankle)
Tier 7
24. Minnesota Timberwolves (28) 1-2: They're trying to figure out who they want to play. Not a great sign.
25. Los Angeles Clippers (19) 0-3: Maybe they will be an exciting team that can't pull out wins. Problem not so much that they lost first three, but that they were blown out (-14.7 differential). At least Blake Griffin is good.
26. Washington Wizards (22) 0-2: Looked horrendous against Orlando.Tough to start on the road against Magic and Hawks though.
27. Philadelphia 76ers (20) 0-3: Seem to be uninspired by Doug Collins thus far.
28. Charlotte Bobcats (23) 0-3: Rough start. Team will divide if it continues.
29. Toronto Raptors (30) 1-1: Didn't expect a blowout win (against Cleveland) this early in the season. Reggie Evans is putting up odd stat lines gamely (averaging 1 point, 15 rebounds).
30. Detroit Pistons (29) 0-3: Tough to see what they can rely on.
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