NBA Power Rankings Week 2
(Numbers in brackets notes last weeks rank.)
1. (1) Boston Celtics (8-1)
They are a 3 point basket away at still being undefeated, having only lost to the red hot Orlando Magic. If the Big 3 can stay healthy, this team will be in the Eastern Conference Finals this year.
2. (3) Phoenix Suns (8-2)
Team just went into Houston, and dominated the Rockets on their home court. Steve Nash is so fundamentally sound that he allows his team to be in just about every game they play.
3. (2) San Antonio Spurs (8-2)
Reason I have the Suns ahead of the champs is that the Spurs have played 6 home games and the Suns have the same amount of road tilts. Spurs will be a contender all season long.
4. (8) Orlando Magic (9-2)
Dwight Howard and company finally put an end to the Celtics unbeaten streak. Expect them to easily win the Southeast division crown.
5. (10) Dallas Mavericks (7-2)
Mavericks are off to a good start, and that really shouldn't surprise anyone. What is a little perplexing is that Dirk Nowitzki is almost a little too unselfish on the court this season (only the 3rd leading scorer on his team).
6. (7) Denver Nuggets (7-3)
Look down below, because the Nuggets are rolling, winners of five straight. Can we please see some more defense, besides just from Marcus Camby?
7. (9) New Orleans Hornets (9-2)
As long as Chris Paul is running the show, this team will keep improving. Two weeks ago, I would have said the Hornets don't have much of a chance to make the playoffs this season. Not anymore.
8. (6) Utah Jazz (7-4)
Team with another point guard, I absolutely love, Deron Williams. Should be quite a battle between them and the Nuggets for the Northwest Division.
9. (4) Detroit Pistons (6-4)
Reason the Pistons are struggling is that Mr. Big Shot, Chauncey Billups is nursing a knee injury. If this is a lingering issue, this will be a big problem for Detroit.
10. (15) LA Lakers (6-3)
The Lake show cracks the top 10, as they have won three in a row. They have the best player in the game, and possibly the game's best coach ever. This team is playing with a chip on their shoulder. Expect them to keep Kobe, and to be a serious threat come playoff time.
11. (5) Houston Rockets (6-5)
It's a simple equation: When T-Mac doesn't play, the Rockets struggle. Since he joined the team, they are just 11-41 when he isn't in the lineup. Elbow injuries can really present a concern for a shooter like McGrady.
12. (11) Toronto Raptors (5-5)
This team is an enigma to me. They beat New Jersey on the road by over 30 points, and then just recently they lose at home to the lowly Warriors. I like the makeup of this team, but they need a veteran presence in the locker room to get them to play hard, night in night out.
13. (17) Charlotte Bobcats (5-4)
Now we are getting to the Pretenders. Sure, Raymond Felton is a decent point guard. Who on this team really scares you? They still may make the playoffs, but only because they are in the East.
14. (14) L.A. Clippers (5-4)
This team was a home underdog to the Bulls. They end up losing that game by 19 points. Will the Clippers ever be good?
15. (12) Cleveland Cavaliers (5-5)
Not many players in the NBA are worth the price of admission, but Lebron James is. Too bad the Cavaliers management didn't do anything to help win him a title in the off season.
16. (19) Milwaukee Bucks (4-4)
Bucks need to do a couple things before I will give them a chance. 1) Get a point guard 2) Win on the road (0-4 this yr).
17. (13) New Jersey Nets (4-6)
Nothing but
NOT for Jersey, as they have lost five in a row, and with Vince Carter on the shelf, things look bleak for Net backers.
18. (24) Sacramento Kings (4-6)
If Beno Udrih keeps playing the way he does, the Kings can stay around the .500 mark. Being in the Western Conference, they have virtually no shot at making the playoffs.
19. (16) Indiana Pacers (4-6)
When the 3 pointer ain't going down, good chance the Pacers will be going down. With having to rely on such a low percentage shot, probably good reason Indy is 3-7 against the spread.
20. (23) Philadelphia 76ers (4-6)
Once Kyle Korver returns from his groin injury, look for Phily to go on a nice little winning streak. Reggie Evans (acquired in the Iverson trade), has been a nice addition to the front court for the Sixers.
21. (20) Chicago Bulls (2-7)
Has been Big Ben been a bust in Chi-Town? Gotta think so with the way he has let his team start the season. He got paid big bucks to help this young team out. Not a very good return on investment if you ask me.
22. (27) Washington Wizards (4-5)
Don't like this team one bit. Gilbert Arenas having a bad knee doesn't help the cause.
23. (21) Atlanta Hawks (3-6)
The Eastern Conference version of the Clippers. Lots of years of bad drafts, and lots of years of mediocrity. Wasn't Clinton president last time they had a sellout?
24. (25) Miami Heat (2-8)
Still haven't won a home game. At least Wade is back.
25. (28) Golden St Warriors (2-6)
Western Conference version of Wizards. Bunch of chucker's who have no concept of defense.
26. (22) Portland Trailblazers (4-6)
Blazer fans have to be encouraged by the play of LeMarcus Aldridge. Will be a serious contender once Oden returns next year.
27. (26) Memphis Grizzlies (2-7)
Memphis looks like to be a good team to bet on now, as they have covered in four straight games. May want to bet the over in the rare event the Grizzlies are favorites (17-4-1 over their last 22 games).
28. (18) NY Knicks (2-7)
Is it just me or has Isiah Thomas overstayed his welcome in the Big Apple? Now this guy is fighting with star point guard Stephon Marbury. The Knicks have lost six in a row. If 100 million people lived in New York, they still wouldn't fill Madison Square Garden for games.
29. (30) Seattle Sonics (2-9)
Kevin Durant plays hero in their exciting OT win over the Hawks. The Sonics will be lucky to win 30
30. (29) Minnesota Timberwolves (1-7)
With the first pick of the 2008 Draft the Minnesota Timberwolves select…
Tuesday, Nov 20th, 2007
Wish my team the Raptors could break out of this shooting slump they seemed to be marred in. Still early though...let's go RAPS!!!
Wednesday, Nov 21st, 2007
Raps,
I like your squad. No headcases on that team, and i think they can make a serious push come playoff time. good luck!
