This week's Power Rankings see a return to the norm for our Conferences.
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.
