NBA Power Rankings: Week 23

I had to do the Power Rankings today, due to scheduling conflicts. This past week saw the Heat finally lose a game, and the Nuggets also finally lose. The Heat continue at #1, and the Bobcats at #30. Not much change this week, as no team took a huge gain or fall (+/- at least 3 spots).

 

Power Rankings Week 23:

(W-L Season) followed by (W-L From previous week)

Ranking from previous week in parentheses. 

1 (1). Miami Heat (57-15) (2-1) – Finally ended the streak, with close loss against the Bulls.

2 (2). San Antonio Spurs (55-17) (2-0) – Big showdown against the Heat today.

3 (3). Oklahoma City Thunder (54-20) (2-1) – Pretty much locked into the #2 seed, and it looks like we could get the Harden/Durant matchup in the 1st round.

4 (4).  Denver Nuggets (50-24) (1-2) – After a 15 game winning streak, they are in a mini slump.

5 (6). Memphis Grizzlies (49-24) (2-2) – Gasol surprisingly came back, and they are in the race to not get the dreaded #5 seed.

6 (5). Los Angeles Clippers (49-25) (1-3) – Struggling as of late, losing to Houston without Harden.

7 (7). Indiana Pacers (47-27) (4-0) – Playing at a high level at a great time.

8 (10). New York Knicks (45-26) (3-0) – Two straight undefeated weeks. Playing great basketball  at the right time.

9 (8). Houston Rockets (40-33) (1-2) – Tough stretch in the schedule, but got a huge win against the Clippers without Harden

10 (9). Golden State Warriors (42-32) (2-1) – If Curry can stay 100% the Warriors can be a real sneaky six seed.

11 (11). Brooklyn Nets (42-31) (1-2) – Joe Johnson didn’t play at all this week, and the Nets are kinda just…well the Nets.

12 (12). Chicago Bulls (39-32) (1-1) – Even without Rose, they have found many ways to win games this year.

13 (13). Atlanta Hawks (41-33) (2-2) – If Hawks steal a series in the playoffs, does Smith decide to stay in Atlanta?

14 (14). Los Angeles Lakers (38-36) (2-2) – World Peace out for the year, Nash hurting, Lakers in deep trouble.

15 (15). Boston Celtics (38-34) (2-1) – Rondo out, KG out, still finding ways to win games.

16 (17). Utah Jazz (38-36) (4-0) – Huge week for the Jazz as they are now tied for the #8 seed.

17 (16). Dallas Mavericks  (36-37) (2-1) – With a chance to finally shave their beards, they blew it. Will have another chance in their next game. 

18 (18). Milwaukee Bucks (35-37) (1-2) – They can look real good some games, and look totally ehh the next.

19 (19). Portland Trail Blazers  (33-40) (0-3) – Terrible time to go 0-3. Just 4.5 games back. Pretty much need to win out for any shot.

20 (21). Philadelphia 76′ers (30-43) (3-1)  – If Bynum leaves Philly…

21 (20). Washington Wizards (26-46) (1-2) – Had they been healthy from the get go, I wonder if they could have been the #8 seed.

22 (22). Toronto Raptors (27-45) (1-1) – It’s BLUE JAYS TIME!!!

23 (23). Minnesota Timberwolves (26-46) (2-2) – Rubio had a career high 23 points the other night. Best news of the year in Minnesota.

24 (26). Sacramento Kings (27-47) (2-1) – You got to love Demarcus Cousins attempting two 3’s late in the game with your team only down 3.

25 (26). New Orleans Hornets (25-48) (1-2) – I wonder what pick Stern will give the Pelicans?

26 (24). Detroit Pistons (24-49) (0-2) – I still have that image of Brandon Knight being posterized.

27 (27). Cleveland Cavaliers (22-49) (0-2) –  I just want to see some Kyrie!

28 (28). Phoenix Suns (23-51) (0-3) – In clear tank mode now, as they are benching Goran Dragic.

29 (29). Orlando Magic (19-55) (1-3) – Their starters are hurt and gone for the year. They should tank in hopes of possibly stealing the #30 spot from the Bobcats.

30 (30). Charlotte Bobcats (17-56) (1-2) – Do we really think they could possibly help out the Magic by winning a game or two?

 

What do you guys think of these rankings? Someone too high? Too low? Leave a comment or tweet me @YoniPollak.