NBA Power Rankings: 1/8/14
1. Indiana Pacers (28-6) - Let's see... They have the best record in the league by two games... They have the best point differential in the league by over a full point... And they just got stronger by the return of Danny Granger.
2. Miami Heat (27-8) - Lebron is having another terrific season, Wade is playing with a lot more spirit, and Bosh is actually starring once again. They are also aided by a perfect 8-0 record within their division.
3. San Antonio Spurs (27-8) - This was my preseason top team in the West, and they've been quietly good all season long. The vets continue to get it done, and you get the sense they'll be playoff ready come June again.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (27-8) - I'd likely rank them higher if Westbrook were healthy. The story though is all about Kevin Durant, who is my choice for MVP as we speak. He is scoring at an absurd rate and has upped his game since that Westbrook injury.
5. Golden State Warriors (24-13) - The hottest team in the NBA is hitting their stride and their winning streak has hit double digits. Curry and Thompson are the best shooting teammates I've seen in a long time.
6. Portland Trailblazers (26-9) - This team started hot but could be starting to fade. Aldridge and Lillard are incredible, but I don't love the rest of the roster. They do play great team ball though.
7. Houston Rockets (22-13) - The Rockets are a good team but they have two problems... First, they still have that Asik problem hanging over their heads. Second, they are only 12-11 against the tough Western Conference.
8. Los Angeles Clippers (24-13) - The Clippers are probably better than sixth in the West (which is what they are in these rankings). But Chris Paul is out for a while so I have to place them below the others above. They'll miss him greatly.
9. Dallas Mavericks (20-15) - The Mavericks start the second tier of teams, the ones I don't think are true contenders this year. They should be proud of their season so far though, which is going better than I expected.
10. Phoenix Suns (20-13) - Speaking of better than expected, nobody saw the Suns being this good. In fact, they are ruining their chances of a Top 5 pick their fans would love to have. If the playoff started today, they'd be the 7 seed. Shocking.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (17-17) - They have some elite talent but they lack discipline on defense and execution in close games. It's the only things holding them back.
12. Denver Nuggets (17-17) - Another team in the playoff hunt, Denver also needs better defense. They only have a .4 point differential despite averaging over 102 points per game.
13. Atlanta Hawks (18-17) - This team has the inside track to the 3 seed in the East. It may be hard though with some injury issues (Horford).
14. Toronto Raptors (16-17) - The early winner of the Rudy Gay trade is clearly the Raptors at this point. Not only are they free financially now, they are playing better team basketball and are winning more consistently.
15. New Orleans Pelicans (15-18) - Now that Anthony Davis is back, I think they can go on a nice run. Their loaded backcourt is finally finding their roles, so now they just need to get Ryan Anderson healthy too.
16. Washington Wizards (15-17) - The Wizards generally can beat bad teams (hence a 13-9 conference record). They can't knock off top teams though, which will continually hold them back.
17. Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (15-21) - Charlotte has improved enough to be a playoff team, but that just shows you how sad it is in the East. MKG has been out for many of their games, but they still rely on Kemba Walker too much.
18. Memphis Grizzlies (15-19) - I think this is a team on the verge... of a rebuild. I think it needs to happen to breathe new life into them.
19. LA Lakers (14-21) - I thought they wasted a golden opportunity to trade Gasol. LA shouldn't try to get too much for him, because he isn't good anymore.
20. Detroit Pistons (14-21) - There are times I watch Detroit and I think they are really good. Then other times I marvel at how bad they are. What gives?
21. Brooklyn Nets (13-21) - They seem to be slowly turning things around (despite losing Brook Lopez) and have won three straight games. They aren't far out of the playoffs.
22. Chicago Bulls (15-18) - They have a better record than this, but they will now play the rest of the season with Rose and Deng, with no replacements.
23. New York Knicks (12-22) - Can Carmelo and company turn it around? They better or major changes are coming.
24. Boston Celtics (13-22) - Funny that they were leading their division for some time. They are 2-8 though now in their last ten games.
25. Utah Jazz (12-25) - Since Trey Burke has returned from injury, the Jazz have played decent basketball and have seriously upped the win total.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-23) - With Deng now on board, this is a team that should improve, along with this low ranking.
27. Sacramento Kings (11-22) - This team has some All-Star talent, but they don't have role players around them, nor the chemistry to play great together.
28. Philadelphia 76ers (12-23) - Worst point differential in the league thanks to a defense that gives up over 111 points per game. The hot start to the season is a distant memory.
29. Orlando Magic (10-24) - For being a team on a rebuild, the Magic play a few veterans a lot of minutes (Nelson, Afflalo, Davis).
30. Milwaukee Bucks (7-27) - Bucks fans should be loving their start so far, as they now have a three game lead for the league's worst record.
By: The Sports Guys
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