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Late December NBA Power Rankings

The talent in the NBA is as evenly spread as I can remember (aside from the whole Warriors thing once they get healthy). As Golden State has struggled lately, we’ve asked a particular question for the first time in years: “who will make the NBA Finals?” It’s way too early to tell, but we can tell which teams look most powerful right now.

With four or five contenders in the East and four in the West, this regular season figures to be the most competitive in years, unless Golden State go all ‘28-game win streak’ on us again. Nearing Christmas, here’s what we know.

The Raptors earn the top spot in this edition of Power Rankings, sporting the best record in the NBA (25–10). Toronto boasts a top-three offense, along with a top-ten defense and the star power to pursue the first Finals appearance in franchise history. Kawhi Leonard has received help from a deep roster, including most-improved-player candidate Pascal Siakam, who’s returning from a minor hand injury. Kyle Lowry climbed out of his 15-points-in-4-games slump in time for a twenty point win in Golden State…without Kawhi…on the second night of a back-to-back. The Raptors beat the Pacers the other night on a blatant foul, missed by the officials, but the standings still say 25–10.

2. Milwaukee Bucks (22–10)

New coach Mike Budenholzer has transformed the Bucks into an excellent team with the highest scoring and three-point shooting offense in the NBA. Milwaukee have more blow-outs than any other team, including one in Golden State. A 4–1 combined record against the Raptors, Pacers and 76ers bodes well for the playoffs. Giannis Antetokounmpo is on everyone’s MVP ladder (check back later in the week for mine), putting up a monstrous 27/13/6 statline on 59% from the field. When I started writing this article, I wrote that the three-game stretch against the Pistons, Pelicans and Celtics would be a test. The Bucks finished it 3–0 in Boston last night.

3. Golden State Warriors (22–11)

Despite all the (valid) chatter about Kevin Durant’s ability to carry this franchise in Stephen Curry’s absence, the Warriors sit at 22–11. However, the 2018 Warriors are a mediocre defensive team, forcing their dominant offense to out-shoot opponents. They lost four straight without Steph and several of their wins required massive numbers from KD. This is an evaluation of the Warriors thus far, but as Golden State get healthy and DeMarcus Cousins returns, they will almost certainly shoot to the top spot on the Power Rankings. Steph, Klay Thompson, Durant, Draymond Green and Cousins. Four guys with the potential to completely take over a game.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder (21–10)

Let’s set aside the peculiar loss to the Bulls, who have actually been competitive in the majority of their games (not against the Celtics. Yikes.), and look at OKC’s season otherwise. Since starting 0–4 and re-acclimating Russell Westbrook in the lineup, the Thunder have only lost tough games and play the best defense in the NBA, despite Andre Roberson’s knee surgery. The additions of Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel have been huge. Russ is again averaging a triple-double, along with 2.7 steals. Combine him and PG with great team defense and the Thunder are scary.

5. Denver Nuggets (21–10)

Despite significant injuries, the Nuggets have remained atop the Western Conference. Currently on a four-game win streak against the Grizzlies, Thunder, Raptors and Mavericks, the Nuggets have been impressive against top competition, although they’ve lost a few head-scratchers. Nikola Jokic is a unicorn, providing everything for the Nuggets with a 17.5/10/7.5 line. The roster getting healthy will only help, although Isaiah Thomas is unlikely to make a difference. Lack of star power could catch up to Denver in the playoffs and is the reason they’re this low in the rankings.

6. Boston Celtics (18–13)

This roster is loaded with talent. But so far they’ve been far too streaky to make the top five. Following an eight-game win streak with losses to Detroit and the Suns, the latter of which came as Boston were out-rebounded 56–37, is a reflection of the season so far, as Boston have severely under performed at times. Even this win streak has come against poor competition. However, they still have the star power, the depth and the coaching to go on a run now or late in the season and will be a headache to battle in April. When Horford returns, Boston’s lineup will be as ridiculous as any outside of Golden State: Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, Al Horford

7. Indiana Pacers (21–12)

The Pacers miraculously went 7–4 without Victor Oladipo and in his first game back he hit one of four decisive free throws. The referees cost the Pacers in Toronto and suddenly they’ve dropped behind the 76ers to fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers are an alarmingly one-dimensional team. Offensively, they’re average at best. But a solid argument can be made for the Pacers as the best defensive team in the game. They’re top 2 on defense in points, FG%, efficiency and fourth quarter points. If Oladipo’s return boosts the offense significantly, they could go on a tear.

8. Philadelphia 76ers (22–12)

The 76ers’ viability as a contender will depend on how Simmons, Butler and Embiid gel and play with each other. Philadelphia are no longer a top defensive team and have struggled with turnovers. This ‘big three’ is only producing a +6.8 net rating when playing together, which is nothing special. On the other hand, the 6ers have stuck around the top 3–4 in the East all season and sit in a position where almost any seed is possible. A win streak like the end of last season could mean contention for the first seed. A meltdown or chemistry issues could push them below the Celtics, who should be expected to improve throughout the year. Philly have struggled against top teams, so the upcoming five-game stretch against the Raptors, Celtics, Jazz, Clippers and Blazers will test them as playoff contenders.

9. Los Angeles Lakers (19–13)

LeBron James is unlike any other player we’ve ever seen. This Lakers roster has no business ranking fourth in the West. Ranking around 10th in most offensive and defensive stats, the Lakers aren’t dominating anyone. But their pace and energy have been huge and LeBron provides a stabilising presence late in games. The newly formed, young roster should continue to gel and improve. One guy will play Robin to LeBron’s batman most nights, even if it’s unclear whether someone will do it consistently all year. Of course, the whole team will be reevaluated if a blockbuster trade is made (*cough* get Anthony Davis), but we’ll cross that bridge if/when we come to it. For now, the Lakers will continue to play a lot of tight games and rely on The King to provide a bit of everything, as he has throughout his career.

10. Houston Rockets (17–15)

There’s a 50% chance I’m completely wrong about the following statement: the Rockets are back. It certainly seems that way. An NBA record 26 threes made against the Wizards capped off a five-game win streak, in which James Harden reasserted his MVP candidature with two triple doubles and 39 points per game. At some point, the Rockets were going to get back on track; there’s too much talent on this team to remain at .500 and Chris Paul getting healthy could be a turning point on the year. Houston again leads the NBA in points off three-pointers with 44 per night. The defense is showing improvement over the last few games and the offense is sure to return to a top unit by the end of the year, given the pure firepower and shooting that Houston has. A two point loss to Miami on the second night of a back-to-back isn’t a concern.

11. San Antonio Spurs (18–16)

Speaking of teams who won’t stay at .500, the Spurs have made the playoffs in 27 of 28 seasons and have an All-Star guard and a really good big. DeMar DeRozan has been as good as advertised or better. The difference between this roster and the Spurs of old: this defense is no longer elite. But if any coach can adjust to a new squad and toughen this team up for the playoffs, it’s Popovich.

12. Portland Trail Blazers (18–14)

A 3–0 week in tough games against the Raptors, Clippers and Grizzlies has the Blazers finally looking dangerous again. Dame Lillard putting up 27/5/6 doesn’t hurt, nor does C.J. McCollum dropping 22 a night.

13. Los Angeles Clippers (19–13)

The Clippers have, as we expected, cooled off from their hot start. However, most of the losses have come against solid teams and they have about ten great wins on record.

14. Charlotte Hornets (16–15)

This is where every team becomes far less convincing. The top remaining offensive teams play awful defense and vice versa. Charlotte are the last balanced team, ranking near the top defensively and in the middle offensively. They have a top 10 net rating and have won impressive games against the Bucks, Nuggets, Pacers and Celtics. Fun fact: the Hornets have lost three times to Philadelphia, twice in overtime, by a combined six points.

15. Dallas Mavericks (15–16)

This five-game losing streak would be easier to stomach if it hadn’t started with a loss to Pheonix. Dallas will likely continue to struggle, as they play Western Conference teams for the rest of 2018. Luka Doncic is making a very strong case for rookie of the year (check out my new instagram account @eksports3 for a comparison of LeBron’s first 29 games and Luka’s) and Dirk Nowitzki’s return could provide a spark for the Mavs.

16. Utah Jazz (16–17)

Utah’s defense is finally back. In December, they’ve been a top 3 defense. Finding their identity will help in overcoming Donovan Mitchell’s recent struggles until he gets out of this shooting slump.

17. Sacramento Kings (17–15)

Injuries, youth and lack of star power have kept the Kings from crawling up the ladder, but Sacramento impressively sits in the eighth seed. The next few years will be exciting for the Kings, as De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Marvin Bagley III and Willie Cauley-Stein develop.

18. Detroit Pistons (15–15)

The Pistons have been as streaky as any team, with streaks of four wins, then five losses, then five wins, then six losses. Blake Griffin has been better than ever and he forms an intimidating duo with Andre Drummond, but consistency will be the key in Detroit.

19. Brooklyn Nets (15–19)

Indiana snapped Brooklyn’s 7-game win streak yesterday thanks to an awful shooting night from D’Angelo Russell, but the Nets have proven that (for better or worse) they’re not tanking, beating the Lakers, 76ers and Raptors in that span.

20. New Orleans Pelicans (15–18)

If Anthony Davis sticks around, the Pelicans will barely compete for a playoff spot in the loaded West. If The Brow is traded to L.A. or anywhere else, this franchise will continue to suffer. A top five offense and bottom five defense means the Pelicans’ games will at least be entertaining (if you like shootouts).

21. Memphis Grizzlies (16–16)

When Memphis were a playoff team in 2016–17, they won with ugly, defensive basketball and slow pace. When Memphis aren’t a playoff team, they’re tough to watch. They play low-scoring games and win half of them, with no true star, although Jaren Jackson Jr. has flashed solid potential.

22. Miami Heat (15–16)

The Heat are somehow staying afloat despite Goran Dragic’s injury and a handful of bad contracts, winning three straight against Milwaukee, Houston and New Orleans. Miami’s offense will likely continue to struggle, but they’ve been able to stay around .500 regardless.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (14–18)

The Wolves have dropped six of seven, including an ugly loss to the Suns. They’ve been awful defensively and allow a ton of offensive rebounds. However, the roster is still loaded, so anything could happen.

24. Orlando Magic (14–17)

The Magic scored 80 points in a loss yesterday…to the bulls. Orlando doesn’t compete against solid teams and have the 28th scoring offense. The young duo of Aaron Gordon and Mo Bamba is promising. Nikola Vucevic remains one of the most underrated players in the NBA, averaging 20/12/4.

25. Washington Wizards (13–20)

The Wizards have fallen a long way from last year’s playoff appearance. Hence, the trade rumours involving Bradley Beal and John Wall. Wall still puts up 21/3.5/9 a night to go with Beal’s 24/5/5. However, it hasn’t translated to wins, as Washington have lost six of their last eight.

26. Phoenix Suns (8–25)

The Suns are…well…winning. Their unexpected four-game streak came to an end in overtime today, but fans in Phoenix can be optimistic knowing the Suns feature a promising young core, led by Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton.

I’ve always been told, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything. Sorry fans of these four franchises. Seriously, sorry.

27. Cleveland Cavaliers (8–25)

28. New York Knicks (9–25)

29. Atlanta Hawks (8–23)

30. Chicago Bulls (8–25)

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