NBA Power Ranking's Week 5
(Numbers in brackets notes last weeks rank and record.)
1. (1) Boston Celtics (17-2)
Still playing some incredible ball in Beantown. However, they haven't really been battle-tested yet, only playing three games so far against Western Conference teams.
2. (2) San Antonio Spurs (17-3)
They and the Celtics are the only remaining undefeated teams at home. Look for Tim Duncan to come back into action this week as well.
3. (3) Phoenix Suns (16-6)
Team had a rare bad week, including a loss to Minnesota of all teams. Team has an impressive 10-3 road record.
4. (4) Orlando Magic (16-6)
Just like the Suns, riding a 2 game losing streak. Still look like without question a top three team in the East.
5. (6) Detroit Pistons (14-6)
The Pistons have the nucleus of the championship team intact. Will be quite a battle between them and Magic to see who finishes with better record.
6. (8) New Orleans Hornets (14-7)
As long as Chris Paul remains healthy, this team will continue to be impressive. Speaking of impressive, Hornets currently have the 2nd best record in the West.
7. (9) Denver Nuggets (13-8)
This team plays to the level of their competition. They lose to Lakers at home last week, only to beat Dallas on the road the next day. The division they play in is a joke, so expect a lot of wins for them and Utah, and about 55 losses each for everyone else.
8. (5) Utah Jazz (13-8)
Jazz slumping as of late, losers of three in a row. But they have easy schedule coming up, including two games against the Blazers, and contests against Seattle and Atlanta.
9. (7) Dallas Mavericks (14-8)
Probably would have this team ahead of the Nuggets and Jazz if they weren't in such a hard division (only one where top 4 teams are all playing .500 basketball).
10. (10) LA Lakers (12-8)
Lakers roller coaster season, on a high right now. Winners of three in a row, they have a big game coming up against the champion Spurs. I don't like the fact that their assist leader (Kobe) averages only 5.1/gm.
11. (14)Golden St Warriors (11-9)
Nelly's streaky bunch, has now won 8 of 10. Don't play enough defense in my eyes to make it to the next level.
12. (11) Houston Rockets (11-11)
I expect this team to go on a nice run over the next couple weeks. The schedule is in their favor, as they have already played 14 road games.
13. (12) Toronto Raptors (11-10))
Another team I expect good things from in December. For the first time in 3 weeks, they finally will have Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh, and TJ Ford together in the lineup. Last remaining team that I think has any kind of shot in the postseason.
14. (15) Indiana Pacers (10-10)
Indy needs to improve on their home record (4-6).
15. (17) Washington Wizards (10-10)
Has a very favorable schedule forthcoming (Atlanta is their toughest opponent over the next five games).
16. (19) Atlanta Hawks (10-10)
Hawks are flying of late, winners of three in a row. Should continue winning ways, as 4 of next 5 are at home.
17. (13) Cleveland Cavaliers (9-12)
They didn't get anyone in the offseason to help Lebron out. So its of little surprise that they have lost six in a row in the King's absence. Good news for Cavs fans though, as James is due back in the lineup this week.
18. (16) New Jersey Nets (9-12)
Really don't understand how this team can be this bad. Jason Kidd is not a happy camper. Will he get dealt?
19. (23) Portland Trailblazers (8-12)
While they have won three in a row, they still don't play well enough on the road, having only won one contest.
20. (27) Philadelphia 76ers (8-13)
Look out, the Sixers have won three in a row. Upon further review, not that impressive, considering 2 of those games were against the Knicks.
21. (22) Sacramento Kings (8-12)
Team needs a point guard in the worst way. Still looking for their first road win.
22. (18) Milwaukee Bucks (8-12)
Having lost four in a row, the Buck stops here.
23. (21) Charlotte Bobcats (7-12)
The Bobcats have chance to crack the top 20 if they take care of business at home (where they play 4 of their next 5).
24. (25) Miami Heat (6-15)
How does this team have only 2 wins at home?
25. (24) Chicago Bulls (6-12)
Still most disappointing team in league.
26. (20) LA Clippers (7-12)
Tough stretch coming up for Clips, with next four games on road.
27. (26) Memphis Grizzlies (6-14)
Good news, they have the Clippers at home this week. Bad news, Memphis has lost four in a row, and their other 4 next opponents are all above .500 squads.
28. (28) NY Knicks (6-14)
Isiah Thomas must have compromising pictures of Knicks owner James Dolan, because Dolan just gave Isiah a positive endorsement.
29. (29) Seattle Sonics (5-16)
Sonics currently have a commanding 1 ½ game advantage over Minnesota.
30. (30) Minnesota Timberwolves (2-13)
The Timberwolves are rolling, having won one in a row.
