This week’s Power Rankings see a return to the norm for our Conferences.
At the beginning of the season, there was chatter – with legitimate reason – that the East had finally, after 20 years, caught up to their Western cousins. The last few weeks have put that early Eastern Uprising firmly back in it’s place.
The Jazz have won 7 straight, Houston have taken 7 from 9, Oklahoma City 10 of 12, whilst the Lakers have won 6 straight to assert themselves over the Western Conference. Even the previously struggling teams have found form: Memphis have roared back into playoff contention with 4 wins in 5 and the Pelicans have won 4 of their last 6.
Conversely, the East has plateaued. Brooklyn have lost 7 straight and Philadelphia lost 4 straight before righting the ship. The longest winning streak is 2 wins, shared by Orlando and Miami.
Throughout the season, Vendetta Sports Media will be bringing you our NBA Power Rankings. These are not necessarily ranking based on records. This is a purely subjective assessment of how a team is progressing, projected and playing.
All records are as of Thursday morning US time.
30. Atlanta Hawks (Steady)
(8-30 Record) Last week: 1-3
The Hawks claimed a big scalp this week, taking down the slumping Pacers behind 41 points from Trae Young. That performance and his 42 points against Houston take him to six 40 point games this season – 2nd in the league behind the bearded one. Still, there just isn’t much help for the little fella.
John Collins’ hasn’t been on top of his game since returning from a PED suspension. He needs a pep in his step. Anyone know a way we could do that?
Atlanta also seem elbow deep into negotiations for Detroit’s Andre Drummond. Whilst Drummond has lost a half step of his 2016 All NBA year athleticism, he’s still an excellent pick up, assuming the trade gets done. He’ll provide a modicum of rim protection and will of course clean the glass with aplomb – both sorely needed skills for Atlanta.
29. Golden State (Steady)
(9-30) Last week: 0-4
The Warriors surprising 4 game win streak is but a distant memory, buried by their subsequent 6 game skid. D’Angelo Russell is injured again and the offense has predictably cratered without him. There are always rumours of a Russell trade, but even taking into account GM Bob Myers very public statements about keeping the 2019 All Star, what would they realistically get for Russell right now given his stop-start season? Golden State would be wise to keep D’Lo and see if he can get some consistency, and hopefully some chemistry with Steph Curry, once he returns.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers (Down 1)
(10-26) Last week: 0-3
So….it appears that Kevin Love may want out of Cleveland.
If railing against his coach wasn’t enough, and screaming at his GM wasn’t enough (including the wonderfully pithy response of ‘I can afford it’ after Koby Altman fined him $1k for insubordination), and if accusing his teammates of lacking feel for the game wasn’t enough, then perhaps trying to pass the ball through Cedi Osman might have given it away.
Of course, what was Love expecting (aside from the ability to easily afford thousand dollar fines) when he signed his 4 year, $120 million deal with the Cavs, after LeBron James had bolted?
27. New York Knicks (Down 2)
(10-28) Last week: 0-4
So, you praise them. Pump them up. Lift them 4 spots in your Power Rankings. And how do they repay you? With a 0-4 week. The life lesson is, kids, as always: never trust the New York Knicks.
In New York’s defense (because someone on the Knicks has to do some defense) it was a tough schedule: Phoenix, Utah and the LA teams all away. Still, aside from one glorious 45 point burst in the opening stanza against the Clippers, the Knicks played like the Knicks. There was no defense, some average offense, and Bobby Portis in a bar fight.
It’s not like help is on the way, either. The one trade piece that New York has is Marcus Morris, who has openly expressed his desire to stay with the franchise. For some reason.
26. Detroit Pistons (Steady)
(13-24) Last week: 1-2
The Pistons are on a stretch of a dozen games with only 3 wins. That, alongside Blake Griffin returning to the sidelines with injury seem to have finally dashed Detroit’s hopes of building around an All Star front court.
To that end, Andre Drummond is very clearly being shopped, with reports indicating a trade to Atlanta is likely, although keep an eye on Boston. They appear to be satisfied with their centre platoon, but Danny Ainge will have something up his sleeve.
Once Drummond is eventually shipped out, Derrick Rose is logically next trade target up.
25. Washington Wizards (Up 3)
(12-25) Last week: 2-2
Roll call!
Beal? Not here. Hachimura? Not here, either. Bertans? Nope. Bryant? Absent. Miles? No. Wagner? He’s not here. Wal…..oh, that’s right.
So who is present and correct for the Washington Wizards? Well…..nobody of note, really. Garrison Matthews? Ish Smith? Gary Payton’s a name we know….oh, Gary Payton II – my bad. Jordan McRae? He was good in the NBL. Anzejs Pasecniks? The fossilised remains of Isaiah Thomas might be the only recognisable, active NBA player on the floor for Washington at the moment.
Yet they’ve still beaten both Boston and Denver this week.
24. Chicago Bulls (Down 3)
(13-25) Last week: 0-4
Paul Simon once wrote a song about the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls current 5 game losing skid has seen them tumble to a full 4 games out of the current playoff scene. Defensively they are solid – top 10 in the NBA – but they continue to struggle on offense. And perhaps with their sense of reality. After Saturday’s loss to Boston, Zach Lavine said post match “I’m upset because I think we’re just as good as them’. Uh, Zach…..you’re really not.
23. Charlotte Hornets (Steady)
(15-25) Last week: 2-2
Terry Rozier has been on fire since the turn of the year. He’s been putting up some scary (see what I did there?) numbers in January: 29 points, 5.7 assists, 46.7% shooting from beyond the arc with an astronomical 141 offensive rating.
Rozier’s signing was perceived as a panic move to compensate for losing Kemba Walker, though he’s quietly been very good for Charlotte. The key to that is playing in his natural role as a scoring guard, somewhat in the Ben Gordon mould. Devonte’ Graham’s rapid rise to a solid starting point guard has allowed Rozier to flourish as a pure scorer.
22. New Orleans Pelicans (Up 2)
(13-25) Last week: 2-2
Winners of 6 from 8, the Pellies are suddenly resembling the team that most thought they’d be – and they’re still to throw Zion Williamson into the mix.
That run has taken New Orleans to the heights of….2nd last in the conference. That’s how bad their early season form was. Still, progress is progress.
Talking of progress, Lonzo! Ball has torn it up since the Pels win against Houston, posting 21.4 points, 7.8 assists, 6.2 boards, 1.4 steals and 3.4 made 3 pointers per outing. That’s Big Ballin’.
21. Memphis Grizzlies (Up 1)
(15-22) Last week: 2-1
Memphis are, remarkably, a half game out of the playoffs thanks to their recent hot streak, which included a resounding win over the Clippers. Importantly for Memphis, the charge is being led by their 20 year old cornerstones Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson in particular has been spectacular over his past 5 games: 18.4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and three made 3’s per game. The supporting cast of Jonas Valanciunas and Dillon Brooks have been great as well.
It will be interesting to see how the young Grizzlies handle the pressure of being in the playoff picture for the first time.
20. Sacramento Kings (Steady)
(15-23) Last week: 3-1
The Kings are finally out of their tailspin, with 3 wins in the past week, although the schedule was kind: Memphis, Golden State and Phoenix.
Their bottom 10 offense is still playing at one of the slowest paces (currently 28th) in the NBA. So what’s changed? The only really noticeable change from their season numbers was hot shooting from deep – each of the wins contained 41%+ deep shooting against a season average of 35%.
Coach Luke Walton will hope that this deep shooting isn’t just flash in the pan.
19. Phoenix Suns (Down 2)
(14-23) Last week: 1-2
A relatively easy schedule this week with games against New York, Memphis and Sacramento, yet only the Knicks were beaten. Again, defense is the problem for this team. Devin Booker has scored 30+ points in 7 straight contests. Kelly Oubre’s energy is infectious. DeAndre Ayton is finding his groove, starting alongside Aron Baynes (surely this was the plan: pass on Luka to form a new Duncan/Robinson with Ayton and the Greatest Shooter in the World). There’s just no defense, though.
One player who is on the outer is Dario Saric. The Homie hasn’t played more than 25 minutes in a game since before Christmas. The Suns would be wise to cash in. How would Saric look in Houston’s front court?
18. Brooklyn Nets (Down 3)
(16-19) Last week: 0-3
The good: Caris LeVert returned this week and has looked solid, scoring 13 and 20 in his 2 games so far. That’s about it……
The bad: How’s this for a run of games: Miami, Atlanta (phew!), Utah, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Philly again, LA Lakers. Fail to knock of the Hawks and that losing streak – currently 7 games – could get exceedingly ugly.
Speaking of ugly: Kyrie Irving still hasn’t returned. It’s looking more and more likely that he’ll be shut down for the season.
17. Portland Trailblazers (Up 2)
(15-22) Last week: 0-4
Carmelo Anthony turned back the clock, breaking Toronto hearts with a game winner right out of 2010. That game also contained a huge late 3 by Damian Lillard. On most nights, that’s not enough. Portland have lost 6 of their last 8; Lillard has gone off for 30+ in 5 of those games.
The problem for the Blazers, exacerbated by their much covered injury problems, is defense.
They’re ranked 22nd in points conceded per 100 possessions and defensive rating. In addition, they just don’t control their defensive boards: they give up more offensive boards than all teams bar the Wizards, Hornets and Hawks.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (Up 2)
(14-22) Last week: 2-1
Building around Karl Anthony Towns remains a problem in the Twin Cities, with KAT apparently a touch frustrated with life as a Timberpup. That said, the Wolves eked out a pair of wins against the equally lacklustre Warriors and Cavs. Surprisingly they’ve been led by the suddenly properly paid Gorgui Dieng (22 points, 13 boards, 4 blocks and 4 three’s against Cleveland) and Shabazz Napier, who went on a 4 game streak of 21.8 points and 8.3 assists. Is Jeff Teague suddenly on the trade block?
15. San Antonio Spurs (Up 1)
(16-20) Last week: 2-2
Sunrise; sunset. The Spurs are in a playoff place.
San Antonio split a brutal schedule this week: losses to OKC and Milwaukee, before beating the Bucks and Celtics. Somehow, the Spurs are making this work.
DeMar DeRozan is a natural scorer, but his methods are 15 years too late. Despite recent stretch 5 tendencies, LaMarcus Aldridge is ageing and a borderline liability on defense. Supposed building blocks Dejounte Murray and Derrick White haven’t developed as hoped. Yet the Spurs find ways.
They can attribute a reasonable chunk of that recent spark to Lonnie Walker IV. The 2nd year guard is showing more flashes of his undoubted ability to be an NBA level scorer.
14. Orlando Magic (Steady)
(18-20) Last week: 3-1
A solid week for the Magic, performance wise. They lost to the white hot Jazz, but took down the Heat (their 1st round opponent, were the playoffs to begin today) and won comfortably against Brooklyn and Washington.
However, the Magic lost third year man Jonathon Isaac to a knee contusion. The defensive ace is expected to be out until at least early March, which puts a huge dent in Orlando’s aspirations. Although, it does mean that we should see more of Aaron Gordon playing in his more natural power forward role. Many had assumed – including this writer – that Gordon was trade bait. With Isaac out, do the Magic now keep AG around, or do they use the chance to play him in the right position – with the expected uptick in production that should go along with that – as an opportunity to put him in the shop window?
13. Indiana Pacers (Down 1)
(23-15) Last week: 1-3
If only we could get the Pacers healthy.
After an excellent start to the season without leader Victor Oladipo, the wheels are starting to come off for Indiana, losers of 5 out of their past 7 matches. After a big win against the Sixers they’ve again lost Malcolm Brogdon; this time to back spasms.
Jeremy Lamb and TJ Warren have done their best to pick up the back court scoring slack and Domantas Sabonis works manfully, but without their best two players – and this is of course true from practically every NBA club – the Pacers just aren’t good enough to compete every night.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (Up 1)
(20-16) Last week: 2-1
The Thunder are legitimately good.
After a start that could generously be described as a ‘feeling out’ period, this side is taking practically all before them, with a 14-5 record since the start of December – that’s good for 2nd in the NBA over that span.
Coach Billy Donovan has to get the lion’s share of the credit for leaning on a 3 point guard front. The trio of Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schoder are the leagues single best 3 man unit, with a +27.6 rating per 100 possessions. The difference between that unit and 2nd place, is the same as between 2nd and 33rd, which is absurd.
11. Dallas Mavericks (Steady)
(23-14) Last week: 2-2
Dallas are in a tough stretch, having lost 4 of their last 6. However, there are two very obvious mitigating circumstances: Luka Doncic was out with an ankle sprain and as soon as he returned Kristaps Porzingis sat with knee soreness. Without their two mastheads, the Mavs have struggled.
Another factor in their slump has been that the Mavs are finally playing close games. Their historically efficient offense often blows teams away. But should a team get the Mavs in a clutch situation, that engine sputters, going from the most efficient overall offense to 28th in the clutch. Much of that is due to the youthfulness of their main man. These sorts of growing pains will certainly help Luka down the road.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (Down 1)
(24-14) Last week: 1-1
The Sixers are streaky, to say the least. Before eking out a win over the Thunder, the Sixers were on a 4 game losing streak, which followed a 3 game winning streak, a further 3 straight losses and before that 4 wins on the bounce.
As they showed on Christmas Day, when their on, the Sixers are legitimate title contenders. You also see lesser teams play a version of a zone, or a pack line defense and dare Philly to beat them from the outside – more often than not, they cant.
As much as Coach Brett Brown loves his guys, a trade is surely in the offing. Although don’t expect Simmons or Embiid to be moved. Philly have to give this tandem one more shot in the playoff cauldron before making any judgements.
A tweak on our ‘Did Ben Simmons make a 3 this week?’ mini game.
Did Ben Simmons take a three this week? No matter the question, the answer remains no.
9. Toronto Raptors (Down 1)
(25-13) Last week: 2-2
When all their ducks are in a row, the Raptors remain elite, despite losing Kawhi Leonard this past off season. Unfortunately, we rarely get to see this team fully formed. Kyle Lowry and Fred Vanvleet missed time early on this season. When they returned, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol and Norm Powell all went down – those 3 are still some way off returning according to Coach Nick Nurse.
Still, the Raptors continue to get it done. They’re an extremely well drilled machine (Nick Nurse has very quickly established himself in the upper coaching echelon) and the continued stabilising hand of the 33 year old Lowry provides the on court leadership.
8. Utah Jazz (Up 2)
(25-12) Last week: 4-0
The Jazz are rollin‘ with wins in 12 of their last 13 games.
For sure, a softer schedule has helped, but if you’re holding that against them you have to give Utah leeway for it’s horrible early schedule as well. In any case, the road stays smooth for the Jazz with their next 5 games against sub .500 opposition.
Donovan Mitchell has assumed full control of the offense with Mike Conley injured. He’s scoring 26 a game with 6.3 assists and 43% shooting from 3 point range. The defense has stepped back up to it’s usual levels as well. Utah are now just inside the top 10 in points conceded per 100 possessions and in Defensive Rating for the season overall. Expect that to keep improving.
7. Houston Rockets (Steady)
(25-11) Last week: 2-0
A strong win over the Sixers was highlighted by James Harden’s 44 points, but Clint Capela was also a big factor against Joel Embiid. The Swiss put up 30 and 14 on 75% shooting, and held Embiid to 20 points on 7/17 from the floor. The most noticeable thing about this match up though, was the way Capela simply outran Embiid. Capela is fast, for sure, but it looked like he just ran harder than the Sixers star. Capela is limited skills wise on offense, though against the right match up his speed and agility can cause issues.
Before yesterday’s high scoring, but equally high inefficiency effort against the Hawks, James Harden had been on an efficiency tear. From the Christmas Day game up to the Hawks win, Harden had been shooting 57% from the floor and a scorching 59% from deep. Take THAT efficiency police.
6. Boston Celtics (Steady)
(25-10) Last week: 2-2
This should have been a relatively easy week for Boston. They took care of Atlanta – thanks to a game saving Daniel Theis block – and Chicago before falling to the bare bones that are the current Washington Wizards, and being dismantled by DeMar DeRozan, Lonnie Walker and the suddenly hot Spurs.
Boston hold the league’s 2nd best net rating, thanks to a manic, switchable defense and an egalitarian offense. Credit often goes to off season acquisition Kemba Walker or young wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, but don’t sleep on Gordon Hayward’s contributions. The 29 year old looks about as good as he has at any point since returning from his horrible leg break a few years back. He’s putting up 16 points, 6 boards and 4 assists and playing very solid defense, whilst acting as the primary facilitator for the offense.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (Down 3)
(26-12) Last week: 2-1
What should have been an easy week for the Clips, with home dates against the Knicks, Grizzlies and Pistons, was upset by an incredible 26 point loss to Memphis. The Grizzlies – the Grizzlies!!! – hung 140 on LA, in their own building. In the next game against the Knicks, the Clippers surrendered 45 1st quarter points before steadying.
As strong and deep as the talent on this roster is, it’s these unexplained lulls that must be driving Coach Doc Rivers crazy. They have as many as 6 players that can take over a game, although that may be the problem. There is perhaps a lack of hierarchy that creates some confusion as to who the team should look to when things get tough. Yet another issue for Doc Rivers to solve, although it’s not a bad problem to have!
4. Denver Nuggets (Down 1)
(26-11) Last week: 3-1
Denver continue to mix big wins (Dallas and Indiana, both away) and poor losses (to the injury ravaged Wizards). Once they find consistency, this team should be a genuine title contender.
To that end, Nikola Jokic looks all the way back. In January, the Joker has put up 29 points with a 136 Offensive Rating. An aggressive Jokic is vital to the Nuggets chances come playoff time.
Michael Porter continues his ascension. He was unconscious against the Pacers, shooting 11 of 12 for 25 points. Having a natural small forward who can play rotation minutes is the final piece of the Nuggets jigsaw.
3. Miami Heat (Up 2)
(27-10) Last week: 3-1
The Heat can struggle to score from time to time, as their recent games against Orlando (85 points in a loss) and Toronto (84 points in a win) can testify. But when you start games with the undrafted Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson and Derrick Jones Jr, you will get that from time to time. It doesn’t help that their main man Jimmy Butler is shooting 42.9% from the field and a ghastly 27% from deep.
Still, the Heat have serious depth and somebody always steps up. Goran Dragic turned back time with a 29 point, 13 assist effort against Portland. That depth, along with stifling defence, has made the Heat close to elite in the East.
2. Los Angeles Lakers (Up 2)
(30-7) Last week: 3-0
The loss to Milwaukee a couple of weeks ago heralded a 3 game losing streak. Since then, the Lakers have reeled off 6 straight W’s to wrest back control of the Western Conference.
They’ve been doing it with excellent defense, including the league’s first 20 block performance since the Raptors in 2001 against the Pistons.
Los Angeles’ depth will be tested with Anthony Davis out. He’s listed as day-to-day, but you can’t imagine the Lakers brass wanting to rush him back, given his injury history and the Lakers lead at the top of the conference. It will also allow them to put Kyle Kuzma in the shop window. Reports indicate that the Kings are keen, though Kuzma could help a lot of teams with serious aspirations. Keep an eye on the Jazz and the Sixers.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (Steady)
(33-6) Last week: 2-1
The Bucks have won 6 of 7 since Christmas Day, all against sub .500 competition. They’ve been positively Peak Spursian in their ability to put away lesser opposition, with a 24-1 record on the season so far. The irony being that their loss to San Antonio this week is their only blemish to that record.
Eric Bledsoe has looked great since his return from injury. Putting up a solid 14 points, 3.2 boards, 4.5 assists and 1.6 steals. His combination of defense, shooting and open court power compliment Giannis perfectly.
