The Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 4)
A new No. 1
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Intro
According to the owners, one of their primary motivations in locking out the players this past summer was to correct perceived "competitive imbalances" between the league's teams. So how's that working out? In the Eastern Conference, 7* of the 8 teams that made the playoffs last year are in the top 8 so far this year; in the west, 6 of the 8 teams that made the playoffs last year are in position to do so this season. So what point are we trying to make with this totally specious, small sample size argument? Eh, not much, except that, a few major personnel moves aside, the NBA this year looks a lot like the NBA last year. Which is fine with us. We'll wait a couple years for the revenge of Dan Gilbert to take effect.
*Wait, what's that you say? If the playoffs ended today (which would be really silly since it's only the middle of January, but bear with us), the Cavaliers would be the 8th seed in the East? Just goes to show: DAN GILBERT WILL NOT BE STOPPED!
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Washington Wizards
30. Washington Wizards
Record: 1 - 11
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: W vs. Toronto, 93-78 (Tue); L @ Chicago, 78-64 (Wed); L @ Philadelphia, 120-89 (Fri); L vs. Philadelphia, 103-90 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Houston, Monday (1/16); vs. Oklahoma City, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Denver, Friday (1/20); vs. Boston, Sunday (1/22)
Guess the Wizards won't be going winless this season after all. After starting the year off at a dismal 0-8, Washington played surprisingly well against Toronto and finally won their first game, 93-78. But if you thought that victory could possibly springboard some more wins, think again. Since that W, they have lost 3 straight games. Old habits die hard. —Jose Martinez
Charlotte Bobcats
29. Charlotte Bobcats
Record: 3 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: L @ New York, 91-87 (Mon); L vs. Houston, 82-70 (Tue); L @ Atlanta, 111-81 (Thu); L vs. Detroit, 98-81 (Fri); W @ Golden State, 112-100 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Cleveland, Monday (1/16); @ Orlando, Tuesday (1/17); @ Chicago, Saturday (1/21); @ New Jersey, Sunday (1/22)
The Charlotte Bobcats are in need of a lot of help. More than anything, Charlotte needs a player to step up and assume the role of the go-to guy. Over the last two games, Kemba Walker has shown glimpses of some star potential. Sorry, Gerald Henderson fans. During Saturday's game against Golden State, Walker got his first start of the season and scored a career-high 23 points. Let's face reality here: the Bobcats aren't going anywhere this year, so they need to use this shortened season to evaluate the talent they have on their current roster and go from there. —Jose Martinez
Sacramento Kings
28. Sacramento Kings
Record: 4 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: L @ Philadelphia, 85-112 (Tue); W @ Toronto, 98-91 (Wed); L @ Houston, 89-103 (Fri); L @ Dallas, 60-99 (Sat)
This Week: @ Minnesota, Monday (1/16); vs. Indiana, Wednesday (1/18); @ San Antonio, Friday (1/20); @ Memphis, Saturday (1/21)
There's losing and then there's getting your ass handed to you. The latter happened to the Kings a few times this week. Losses by 25 or more points to the Sixers and Mavs is when things went from bad to ugly for Sacramento this week. The 60-99 loss to Dallas saw the Kings shoot a dismal 25.6% from the field in a game where they set a franchise record for fewest points scored at halftime (23). Sacramento needs Jimmer to start becoming the Mormon version of Tebow or something. At least that dude made it till midway through the playoffs before his squad started getting annihilated. —Ralph Warner
New Jersey Nets
27. New Jersey Nets
Record: 3 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: L vs. Atlanta, 106-101 (Mon); L @ Denver, 115-123 (Wed); W @ Phoenix 110-103 (Fri); L @ Utah 94-107 (Sat)
This Week: @ Clippers, Monday (1/16), vs. Golden State, Wednesday (1/18), vs. Oklahoma City, Saturday (1/21)
The Nets are really missing Brook Lopez. Jersey went 1-4 this week and Deron Williams is sick of it. A couple days after Williams admitted he hated losing to reporters he stunk it up in his return to Utah going 3-15 from the floor to go along with 5 turnovers amidst some boos. Nets have some positives they can point to so far. They're scoring a lot of points and they're still in the mix for Dwight Howard, if and when the Magic pull the trigger. But, it doesn't get any easier this week; they have a hot Clippers team today, a tough Warriors squad and OKC coming up. —Angel Diaz
Detroit Pistons
26. Detroit Pistons
Record: 3 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: L @ Chicago, 68-92 (Mon); L vs. Dallas, 86-100 (Tue); @ Milwaukee, 93-102 (Thu); @ Charlotte, 98-81 (Fri); L vs. Golden State, 91-99 (Sun)
This Week: @ Houston, Tuesday (1/17); @ Minnesota, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Memphis, Friday (1/20); vs. Portland, Saturday (1/21)
Good news, Pistons fans: Your team won a game last week! The bad news: They lost four others. And the only reason they made any headlines at all this week was because a couple of boozed-up guys showed up on the Dallas Mavericks bench next to Delonte West during their game against the Mavs on Tuesday night. Which was funny because, well, from the looks of things, we thought that NO ONE was showing up to the Palace to see the Pistons these days. Maybe if they run a promo that let fans suit up and play in a few games that'd draw some positive attention to the team. But short of that, we don't see folks in the D showing up to watch too many more Pistons basketball this season. And, can you really blame them?—Chris Yuscavage
New Orleans Hornets
25. New Orleans Hornets
Record: 3 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: W @ Denver, 94-81 (Mon); L vs. Oklahoma City, 85-95 (Wed); L vs. Minnesota, 80-87 (Fri); L @ Memphis, 99-108 (Sat)
This Week: W @ Denver, 94-81 (Mon); L vs. Oklahoma City, 85-95 (Wed); L vs. Minnesota, 80-87 (Fri); L @ Memphis, 99-108 (Sat)
The Hornets followed an impressive road win over the Nuggets to start the week with three straight losses. It's not that New Orleans is embarrassing themselves (although if Jarrett Jack continues to miss four out of every five 3-pointers he takes he should probably calm down a little), but if you trade Chris Paul for Eric Gordon, and then Eric Gordon doesn't play... Well, you're just not gonna do so hot. —Jack Erwin
Toronto Raptors
24. Toronto Raptors
Record: 4 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: W vs. Minnesota 97-87 (Mon); L @ Washington 78-93 (Tue); L vs. Sacramento 98-91 (Wed); L vs. Pacers 95-90 (Fri); L @ Chicago 64-77 (Sat)
This Week: @ Atlanta, Monday (1/16); @ Boston, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Portland, Friday (1/20)
The Raptors gave the Wizards their first win and went 1-4 this week. That's sure to get you in the bottom of anybody's power rankings. Toronto's European-style offense is 28th in the league and their fourth quarter woes continue; faltering against the Bulls late and blowing 16-point lead vs. the Pacers. Seems like they're lacking leadership and/or late game execution. The Raps have a talented bunch, but are missing some size and toughness. They're by far the softest team in the NBA let alone the Atlantic. They look to end their four game skid vs. Atlanta today. —Angel Diaz
Golden State Warriors
23. Golden State Warriors
Record: 4 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: W vs. Miami, 111-106 (Tue); L vs. Orlando, 109-117 (Thu); L @ Charlotte, 100-112 (Sat); W @ Detroit, 99-91 (Sun)
This Week: @ Cleveland, Tuesday (1/17); @ New Jersey, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Indiana, Friday (1/20)
If beating the Miami Heat in an overtime thriller counted for two wins instead of one, then the Warriors would've had a pretty good week. Unfortunately it doesn't, so they were left with a record of .500 this week. It's definitely an improvement from the four-game losing streak they had going into Monday, but that victory over Miami was quickly forgotten when the team's defense self-destructed against the Magic two nights later. Golden State hacked Dwight Howard several times, sending the All-Star center to the line for a record 39 free throw attempts (he made 21 of them). Well, that plan failed and had many questioning Mark Jackson's bizarre coaching strategy. Another low point of the week came when Kwame Brown suffered a tear to his chest muscle in the victory over the Heat. He's expected to miss at least three months. You know things are bad when losing Kwame Brown could potentially have a big impact on your squad. —Ralph Warner
Milwaukee Bucks
22. Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 4 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: W vs. San Antonio, 106-103 (Tue); W vs. Detroit, 102-93 (Thu); L @ Dallas, 76-102 (Fri)
This Week: @ Philadelphia, Monday (1/16); vs. Denver, Tuesday (1/17); @ New York, Friday (1/20); @ Miami, Sunday (1/22)
Bogut back! Er, sort of. After missing more than a week due to "personal issues," Bucks center Andrew Bogut returned to the lineup on Tuesday and immediately helped the team to a victory over the Spurs. But then he got knocked out of the game against the Pistons two days later with "concussion-like symptoms," which doesn't bode well for his immediate future. That's also very, VERY bad news for the Bucks, who are 0-5 on the season without Bogut in the lineup. We hate to say it, but if he can't return and has to continue to be replaced in the starting lineup by Drew Gooden, more tough times are ahead for Milwaukee. So, they better hope their man gets healthy soon. Or else...—Chris Yuscavage
Minnesota Timberwolves
21. Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 4 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: L @ Toronto, 87-97 (Mon); L vs. Chicago, 100-111 (Wed); W @ New Orleans, 87-80 (Fri), L @ Atlanta, 91-93 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Sacramento, Monday (1/16); vs. Detroit, Wednesday (1/18); @ L.A. Clippers, Friday (1/20); @ Utah, Saturday (1/21)
The Timberwolves are all over the place. They dropped three of five last week — two of those by double digits. They were only saved from a miserable five-game losing skid by the hapless Wizards, who rolled over dead (at home, no less) and lost by 21. It's possible that the Wolves are just a young team finding their way, despite the presence of transcendent rookie Ricky Rubio. But at 4-8 overall (and just 2-5 at home), they best find their way quick before it turns into yet another lost season. Sacramento tonight and Detroit on Wednesday may be just what the doctor ordered. —Russ Bengtson
Phoenix Suns
20. Phoenix Suns
Record: 4 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: L @ L.A. Lakers, 83-99 (Tue); L vs. Cleveland, 90-101 (Thu); L vs. New Jersey, 103-110 (Fri); L @ San Antonio, 91-102 (Sun)
This Week: @ Chicago, Tuesday (1/17); @ New York, Wednesday (1/18); @ Boston, Friday (1/20)
It was rough week for a few old men in Arizona this week. And no, I'm not talking about your grandpa who's pissed that he can't hit the greens five times a week now that it's January. I'm referring to Steve Nash and Grant Hill who missed a couple games this week with a sore back (Nash) and sore quadriceps (Hill). Young'ns like Shannon Brown and Ronnie Price weren't able to do enough either as the Suns lost to the lower-tier East teams like the Cavs and Nets. The Suns may want to refer Grant and Nash to Kobe's stem cell doctor in Germany if they want to have any chance of remaining relevant this season. #desperatetimes —Ralph Warner
Houston Rockets
19. Houston Rockets
Record: 5 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: W @ Charlotte, (Tue); L @ San Antonio, 95-101 (Wed); W vs. Sacramento, 103-89 (Fri); W vs. Portland, (Sat)
This Week: @ Washington, Monday (1/16); vs. Detroit, Tuesday (1/17); vs. New Orleans, Thursday (1/19); vs. San Antonio, Saturday (1/21)
The Rockets had a very solid week, and if you're looking for a reason why (and a sleeper player to watch for this season) look no further than Kyle Lowry. Now in his 7th season, the former first round pick is having a breakout year, averaging 17 points a 9 assists per game. —Jack Erwin
Boston Celtics
18. Boston Celtics
Record: 4 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: L vs. Dallas, 90-85 (Wed); L vs. Chicago, 79-88 (Fri); L @ Pacers, 83-97 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Oklahoma City, Monday (1/16); vs. Toronto, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Phoenix, Friday (1/20)
That Perkins deal sure did come back to bite them in the ass. The Boston Celtics have been looking old, like really, really old. They've lost four straight and have the honor hosting the Thunder today to try and make five in a row. Although, Brandon Bass has been playing good, the move that sent Big Baby to Orlando hasn't showed up on the floor. Old KG makes us watch young KG highlights on Youtube. It's amazing how tweaking his knee on an alley-oop two years ago really slowed him done. After OKC, it gets pretty easy for Boston (or at least they hope); Raptors and Suns on deck. —Angel Diaz
Memphis Grizzlies
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 5 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: vs. Chicago, Monday (1/16); @ New Orleans, Wednesday (1/18); @ Detroit, Friday (1/20); vs. Sacramento, Saturday (1/21)
This Week: L vs. Oklahoma City, 95-100 (Tue); W vs. New York, 94-83 (Thu); W vs. New Orleans, 108-99 (Sat)
The Grizzlies first full week without Zach Randolph was a success, and they might even get above .500 this week with a soft schedule after today's game against the Bulls. But a long West Coast road trip looms next week, and Randolph's absence is already having an affect: Marc Gasol is logging more than 38 minutes a game. —Jack Erwin
Cleveland Cavaliers
16. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 5 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: L v @ Utah, 105-113 (Tue); W @ Phoenix, 101-90 (Thu); L @ L.A. Lakers, 92-97 (Fri)
This Week: @ Charlotte, Monday (1/16); vs. Golden State, Tuesday (1/17); vs. Chicago, Friday (1/20); @ Atlanta, Saturday (1/21)
No one has ever been more excited to go to Cleveland than the Cavaliers right now. After a game against the Bobcats on Monday night, they'll head back to Ohio to play a home game for the first time in two weeks. And it couldn't come soon enough, as the Cavs lost four of the six games they've played on the road during that span. They've shown some toughness during that streak, though, and all but one of their games were competitive. They're also getting a lot of production from rookie Kyrie Irving so far this season, who has more or less lived up to his top billing by averaging 17 points and five assists per game. That may not sound like much for the Cavs fans to get excited about. But, after last season, it's at least something for them to hang their hats on.—Chris Yuscavage
New York Knicks
15. New York Knicks
Record: 6 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: W vs. Bobcats, 91-87 (Mon); W vs. Philadelphia, 85-79 (Wed); L @ Memphis, 83-94 (Thu); L @ Oklahoma City, 92-104 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Orlando, Monday (1/16); vs. Phoenix, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Milwaukee, Friday (1/20); vs. Denver, Saturday (1/21)
Who would've thought the Knicks offense would be the problem? Amar'e can't seem to get into a groove with Chandler and Melo flanking him; he has no room to operate and no point guard. Rookie, Iman Shumpert got out of pocket against Memphis and went 5-20 while STAT only took seven shots. To add injury to injury, Melo sprained his ankle during the third quarter vs. the Grizzlies and sat out the Thunder game; he'll be a game-time decision today against Orlando. To be fair, with the horrible offense they've been playing and the need for a floor general, the Knicks are .500, playing decent D and are trying to keep it together until B. Diddy is ready to go. —Angel Diaz
Portland Trail Blazers
14. Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 7 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: W vs. L.A. Clippers, 105-97 (Tue); L vs. Orlando, 104-107 (Wed); L @ San Antonio, 83-99 (Fri); L @ Houston, 105-107 (Sat)
This Week: @ New Orleans, Monday (1/16); @ Atlanta, Wednesday (1/18); @ Toronto, Friday (1/20); @ Detroit, Saturday (1/21)
And to think, the week was off to such a promising start. The Blazers's five-game week started with solid wins over the Cavaliers and the Clippers at home before it all came crashing down. Only their loss at San Antonio was truly bad, but it came sandwiched between two single-digit Ls to Orlando and Houston, dropping their record to 7-5. And with a four-game road trip looming, things can go from bad to evil in a hurry. —Russ Bengtson
Utah Jazz
13. Utah Jazz
Record: 8 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: W vs. Cleveland, 113-105 (Tue); L vs. L.A. Lakers, 87-90 (Wed); W vs. New Jersey, 107-94 (Sat); W @ Denver, 106-96 (Sun)
This Week: vs. L.A. Clippers, Tuesday (1/17); vs. Dallas, Thursday (1/19); vs. Minnesota, Saturday (1/21)
Maybe it's best to forget everything we've written about the Jazz up to this point. They went 3-1 last week, meaning they've won seven of their last eight (including a big road win over conference rival Denver). Josh Howard has settled into his sixth-man role, averaging just over 10 ppg, and their sole loss in the past two weeks was a three-point loss to the Lakers where Kobe Bryant scored 40 of the Lakers 90 points, and the Jazz starting backcourt scored 10 points total (Paul Millsap led the way with 29). The Jazz are home all week this week, but with the Clippers, Mavs and Wolves coming to town, it won't be easy. But when has it ever been? —Russ Bengtson
Orlando Magic
12. Orlando Magic
Record: 8 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: W @ Portland, 107-104 (Wed); W @ Golden State, 117-109 (Thu)
This Week: @ New York, Monday (1/16); vs. Charlotte, Tuesday (1/17); vs. San Antonio, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Friday (1/20)
The Magic had a light schedule last week with only back-to-back games against Portland and Golden State, respectively. Both matchups resulted in victories but let's talk about that 45-point, 23 rebound game by Dwight Howard. If the front office had any qualms about dealing Howard in the near future, that stat line should've convinced them just how valuable he is. If Orlando wants to remain competitive, they need to hold onto D12. —Jose Martinez
Dallas Mavericks
11. Dallas Mavericks
Record: 8 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: W @ Detroit, 100-86 (Tue); W @ Boston, 90-85 (Wed); W vs. Milwaukee, 102-76 (Fri); W vs. Sacramento, 99-60 (Sat)
This Week: @ L.A. Lakers, Monday (1/16); @ L.A. Clippers, Wednesday (1/18); @ Utah, Thursday (1/19); @ New Orleans, Saturday (1/21)
Now these look like defending world champs. A sweep of the week puts the Mavs at 7-1 in their last 8 games. Sure, they didn't exactly beat up on the cream of the crop, but you play the games on the schedule. Coach Rick Carlisle is managing his big guns extraordinarily well, with no player averaging over 30 minutes a game. If they sweep this week, with road games versus the Lakers, Clippers, and Jazz, Dallas will be looking at a top 5 ranking for next week. —Jack Erwin
Denver Nuggets
10. Denver Nuggets
Record: 8 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: L vs. New Orleans, 81-94 (Mon); W vs. New Jersey, 123-115 (Wed); W vs. Miami, 117-104 (Fri); L vs. Utah, 96-106 (Sun)
This Week: @ Milwaukee, Tuesday (1/17); @ Philadelphia, Wednesday (1/18); @ Washington, Friday (1/20); @ New York, Saturday (1/21)
Rough week at home for the Nuggets. Yes, they beat the Heat — handily, even. But they split the four-game slate, losing to the struggling Hornets and their conference rival Jazz. And things don't get any easier in this condensed season — it's another four-game week, this time on an East Coast swing as they take on the Bucks, Sixers, Wizards and Knicks. And while all of those teams with the exception of the surging Sixers are eminently beatable, so were the Hornets. If nothing else, leading scorer Danilo Gallinari's return to the Garden should be entertaining. —Russ Bengtson
Indiana Pacers
9. Indiana Pacers
Record: 9 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: L @ Philadelphia, 86-96 (Monday); W vs. Atlanta, 96-84 (Wednesday); W @ Toronto, 95-90 (Friday); W vs. Boston, 97-83 (Saturday)
This Week: @ Sacramento, Wednesday (1/18); @ Golden State, Friday (1/20); @ L.A. Lakers, Sunday (1/22)
You can almost feel the confidence that's building in the Pacers locker room, can't you? Even after their sole star Danny Granger got ejected from the game against the Raptors on Friday night—and Indy subsequently struggled to put up points—they fought back and got a W. And then they completely thrashed the Celtics, who suddenly can't seem to keep up with anyone. We're interested to see how the Pacers will play on their West Coast trip, though—specifically, their game against the Lakers on Sunday. That marks the beginning of a tough stretch of games for the team and, if they can handle it, we'll be just as confident as they are about them being serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.—Chris Yuscavage
Atlanta Hawks
8. Atlanta Hawks
Record: 9 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: W @ New Jersey, 106-101 (Mon); L @ Indiana, 96-84 (Wed); W vs. Charlotte, 111-81 (Thu); W vs. Minnesota, 93-91 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Toronto, Monday (1/16); vs. Portland, Wednesday (1/18); @ Philadelphia, Friday (1/20); vs. Cleveland, Saturday (1/21)
Have the Hawks looked good this season or what? After handing the Heat their first loss last week, Atlanta showed a ton of heart when they came back from down 18 to defeat Minnesota. With some weak competition on the horizon, this team should be able to easily rack up the W's and improve on their already impressive record. —Jose Martinez
Los Angeles Lakers
7. Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 9 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: W vs. Phoenix, 99-83 (Tue); W @ Utah, 90-87 (Wed); W vs. Cleveland, 97-92 (Fri); L @ L.A. Clippers, 94-102 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Dallas, Monday (1/16); @ Miami, Thursday (1/19); @ Orlando, Friday (1/20); vs. Indiana, Sunday (1/22)
How much can one man do? Well, if that man is Kobe Bean Bryant, apparently a lot. In a tear reminiscent of to the one he went on in January 2006, Bryant scored 40-plus points in each game this week. The result was a 3-1 record for the Lake Show. But it wasn't like the Lakers just tore through teams, they had a close game against the mediocre Cavs and weren't able to keep up with the younger, more explosive Clippers on Saturday. So, will the 33-year-old star be able to carry this team the entire season or will he need some assistance from another NBA superstar? Jerry Buss, where you at? —Ralph Warner
Los Angeles Clippers
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 6 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: L @ Portland, 97-105 (Tue); W vs. Miami, 95-89 (Wed); W vs. L.A. Lakers, 102-94 (Sat)
This Week: vs. New Jersey, Monday (1/16); @ Utah, Tuesday (1/17); vs. Dallas, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Minnesota, Friday (1/20)
The Clippers have won five of their last six games but the two most significant Ws so far came this week. First there was the overtime win against Miami who couldn't make their free throws (20-34) as Chris Paul went off for 27 points and 11 assists. Then just to prove that win wasn't a fluke, the Clips beat the Lake Show in the first battle for L.A. this season. Blake Griffin had 22 points and 14 boards, while CP3 had a season-high 33 points. Those stats are cool and all but if there is such a thing as Lob City, then David "I'mma Boss" Stern is most definitely the mayor. #justsayin' —Ralph Warner
Philadelphia 76ers
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 9 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: W vs. Pacers, 96-86 (Mon); W vs. Sacramento, 112-85 (Tue); L @ Knicks, 79-85 (Wed); W vs. Washington, 120-89 (Fri); W @ Washington, 103-90 (Sat)
This Week: vs Milwaukee, Monday (1/16); vs. Denver, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Atlanta, Friday (1/20); @ Miami, Saturday (1/21)
Philly is definitely this year's surprise team so far. They're 7-1 in their last eight, with that one loss going to the Knicks, their division rival. Doug Collins has himself a deep squad that gets after it on the defensive end. We know it's too early to call it, but the Sixers are looking for real. Iggy and Jrue Holiday are playing at an all-star level. The Sixers are in the top five in both defense and offense. That'll usually get the job done. —Angel Diaz
Miami Heat
4. Miami Heat
Record: 8 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: L @ Golden State, 111-106 OT (Tues); L @ Los Angeles Clippers, 95-89 OT (Wed); L @ Denver, 117-104 (Fri)
This Week: vs. San Antonio, Tuesday (1/17); vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Thursday (1/19); vs. Philadelphia, Saturday (1/21); vs. Milwaukee, Sunday (1/22)
What. A. Rough. Week. Three straight losses after I came out last Monday and said that Miami could possibly match or even better the winning percentage of the 1995-96 Bulls. That'll show me not to be so brazen with my predictions. While there's no need to assume that the Heat season will take a dramatic decline, it was definitely a shock to the team's collective season. C'mon guys, get it together. You're better than this! —Jose Martinez
San Antonio Spurs
3. San Antonio Spurs
Record: 9 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: L @ Milwaukee, 103-106 (Tue); W vs. Houston, 101-95 OT (Wed); W vs. Portland, 99-83 (Fri); W vs. Phoenix, 102-91 (Sun)
This Week: @ Miami, Tuesday (1/17); @ Orlando, Wednesday (1/18); vs. Sacramento, Friday (1/20); @ Houston, Saturday (1/21)
The Spurs seem to be doing just fine without Manu Ginobili, thank you very much. They're 9-0 at home, 4th in the league in scoring, and, perhaps most importantly given the rigorous schedule this year and their playoff flameout last, they're getting contributions across the board, with a bench that is truly 10-deep. At this rate maybe they give Tim Duncan and Tony Parker a couple months off too to have them ready for May and June. —Jack Erwin
Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 8 - 2
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: W @ Memphis, 100-95 (Tue); W @ New Orleans, 95-85 (Wed); W vs. New York, 104-92 (Sat)
This Week: @ Boston, Monday (1/16); @ Washington, Wednesday (1/18); @ New Jersey, Saturday (1/21)
The Thunder are, to put it mildly, on a roll. They've won six in a row, have the second-best record in the League, and haven't been slowed by Eric Maynor's season-ending injury. If anything, they've picked up the pace. By all means the string should continue, too — they play three games on the road this week, but at Boston, Washington and New Jersey. Light work. Kevin Durant is in a distant third amongst the League leaders in scoring, but we're guessing he'd be willing to trade that title for one with a little more significance.—Russ Bengtson
Chicago Bulls
1. Chicago Bulls
Record: 12 - 2
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: W vs. Detroit, 92-68 (Mon); W @ Minnesota, 111-100 (Tue); W vs. Washington, 78-64 (Wed); W @ Boston, 88-79 (Fri); W vs. Toronto, 77-64 (Sat)
This Week: @ Memphis, Monday (1/16); vs. Phoenix, Tuesday (1/17); @ Cleveland, Friday (1/20); vs. Charlotte, Saturday (1/12)
Even with a slew of injuries affecting their lineup—Derrick Rose, Rip Hamilton, and C.J. Watson all missed time last week—the Bulls continued to handle their business. And they looked impressive doing it. They held three of their five opponents to under 70 points. They gave up a 20-point second-half lead to the Celtics before rallying to win at Boston easily. And despite having to play on back-to-back-to-back nights, they went undefeated this week and maintain a perfect home record. And things should only get better for the Bulls, who are set to face four teams with sub-.500 records this week. Clearly, they're the cream of the crop. And, if their entire team gets healthy, watch out. Don't expect them to slide out of the top-5 anytime soon.—Chris Yuscavage