Steeze Power Rankings [Week 1]

1. [-] Miami Heat (3-1) - No change at the top, they are by far the top defense in the league, and offensively they have enough firepower to get it done. This team is a serious title contender as long as they stay healthy. Darren Collison has been one of the surprise pickups from the draft, putting up great numbers and helping the Heat keep the offensive pressure on teams.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 100-80, Magics) (W, 87-61, Knicks) (L, 96-106, Wizards) (W, 109-91, Jazz)

2. [-] Los Angeles Clippers (3-1) - The Clippers had a solid week and hold down the fort at #2. They are a strong team with a lot of depth. Overall they really had no slip-ups this week and Jeremy Lin had a huge week winning player of the day twice.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 115-99, TrailBlazers) (W, 108-101, Grizzlies) (L, 87-89, Cavaliers) (W, 134-129, Bulls)

3. [+2] Toronto Raptors (3-1) - The Raptors moved up the ranking with the help of the Hornets and Spurs struggling while they opened up the season strong just like everyone expected. Dwayne Wade had some struggles to begin the season with his FG% shooting, but Z-Bo picked up alot of slack and the Raptors hold strong as a title contender.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 93-91, 76ers) (W, 105-96, Cavaliers) (L, 98-104, TWolves) (W, 131-99, Mavericks)

4. [+8] Minnesota Timberwolves (3-0) - TWolves jumped up a few spots with a perfect week last week. They may have surprised some but they have more than enough talent on offense to score with anyone, as you can see in all their games they broke the century mark. As long as they can stay hot on offense I can see this team remaining a top 10 team for the rest of the season.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 102-101, Hawks) (W, 112-104, 76ers) (W, 104-93, Raptors)

5. [+18] Brooklyn Nets (3-0) - The Brooklyn Nets looked like a team built for the future, but obviously they are no joke in the present. They have a star in Derrick Rose who can easily get his offense going along with a young, stout defense, who have some offensive firepower about 7-8 men deep. Overall I dont see this team keeping up this pace but they could easily end up with a 7th or 8th seed.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 113-103, Wizards) (W, 85-80, Pistons) (W, 107-73, Bucks)

6. [+18] Memphis Grizzlies (3-1) - The Grizzlies had a pretty easy week, but overall they proved that they are not a bottom of the pack team as thought in the preseason rankings. There offense has looked incredible even scoring this seasons high, 137 points, up against a injured and already terrible defensively Bobcats team. They did lose in their first real test but I still see this team pulling through and establishing maybe a 4th or 5th seed in the west.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 103-93, Jazz) (W, 137-96, Bobcats) (L, 101-105, Clippers) (W, 117-99, Suns)

7. [+18] Oklahoma City Thunder (4-1) - The Oklahoma City Thunder dont yet have a true superstar on their team but proved last week that they have enough pieces to compete. Tyreke Evans and James Harden may be one of the best backcourts in the NBA right now, and Gortat has been solid down low as expected. Overall if this team runs into any injuries they may struggle with a lack of depth but right now they are proving they can compete. And they may be one of the best offenses in the NBA, outscoring most of their opponents and yet to go under the century mark.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 107-102, Lakers) (W, 114-104, Suns) (W, 109-93, Pacers) (L, 104-107, Mavericks) (W, 126-103, Knicks)

8. [-2] Los Angeles Lakers (3-2) - The Lakers may have fallen back in the rankings but they still are legitimate contenders. The Lakers have seemed to have a little bit of foul trouble and a few injuries, but overall when healthy they are still a top team in the West and the whole NBA. I see them falling no lower than a 3rd seed in the West, because not only do they offensive superstars like Kobe, but defensively they can shut a team down on any given night.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 102-107, Thunder) (W, 102-92, Suns) (W, 113-109, Warriors) (W, 81-76, Hornets) (L, 103-116, Kings)

9. [+17] Dallas Mavericks (3-1) - Overall some may have expected less of this team when they selected Nash in the first round but right now its paying off. Andrea Barngani might be an MVP candidate at this rate. He seems to be unstoppable for the Mavericks. The Mavericks first real test against the Raptors they got blown out, but they still proved they can compete. They may not keep this pace but they are easily playoff contenders. The offense will rarely have hiccups, but defensively they may have some struggles along the way.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 98-88, Bulls) (W, 106-101, Spurs) (W, 107-104, Thunder) (L, 99-131, Raptors)

10. [-] Denver Nuggets (2-1) - Denver holds strong at the number 10 slot. They came out with a poor showing in their first season game, but they picked up soon after winning two in a row but both were against middle of the pack teams. Im waiting to see how they play against their true first test. I also still see there defense playing better as they have stars defensively, im surprised they have been such a powerhouse on offense so far.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 100-117, TrailBlazers) (W, 122-100, Warriors) (W, 113-109, Cavaliers)

11. [+2] Charlotte Bobcats (2-1) - Injuries. Monta Ellis goes down with a 6-8 week injury in the first week. Monta Ellis was the first round pick and was expected to lead this offensive powerhouse to the playoffs. I saw this team on the cusp of the playoffs in the beginning of the season and now maybe having to go almost 2 months without Ellis, they will easily fall out of playoff position but for right now we'll see if they can pull it together. They will have to pick up the slack and score, because defensively they just wont win games.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 94-93, Magics) (W, 93-92, Bucks) (L, 96-137, Grizzlies)

12. [+7] Boston Celtics (2-1) - After their first GM was released from this league, they may have been looked down upon but they are proving that they could possibly be a playoff team. They have Deron Williams and Jason Terry in the backcourt, both veterans, and skilled with outside jumpers, alongside David Lee who has been a force downlow thus far. They are in a tough division in the Atlantic, and they have yet to face their true first test, but I see them competing with the top tier.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 109-116, Cavaliers) (W, 106-102, Hawks) (W, 96-86, Pacers)

13. [-6] Orlando Magics (2-1) - Through the first week things look solid for the Magic with D12 downlow. They lost to what be the best team in the NBA, and beat their 2 weaker opponents. They were expected to be a middle of the pack team, but news just came in that they moved D12 for Bynum and Lee. We will have to wait and see if this was a good or bad move for the Magic, and if it will pay off and maybe help them on the offensive side of the ball where they struggled a bit.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 80-100, Heat) (W, 120-88, Wizards) (W, 97-95, 76ers)

14. [-] Golden State Warriors (2-2) - Golden State had an average week finishing .500. They beat the two easier opponents they faced, but they lost against 2 of the tougher more elite teams in the league. They have alot of room to improve though as CP3 has not been playing up to his elite caliber so far, but obviously he can become a threat. Stephen Jackson stepped up and it looks like they will be able to score with just about any team in the league.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 94-77, Kings) (L, 100-122, Nuggets) (L, 109-113, Lakers) (W, 111-100, Spurs)

15. [+1] Utah Jazz (2-2) - This teams defense has been great, one of the best in the league. Waiters, Maggette, Varejo, and Kirlienko are some of the top defensive players in the league so as a team they play great together. I do see this team struggling on offense though because Dirk cant do it all, and they are yet to score over 100 in a game this season. In shootouts they'll struggle, and their only 2 wins are against the Rockets who are 0-4 and struggling.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 83-66, Rockets) (L, 93-103, Grizzlies) (W, 91-83, Rockets) (L, 91-109, Heat)

16. [+6] Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) - Bucks had some convincing wins against the Knicks and Spurs, and a tough 1 point loss to the Bobcats. Overall they looked like a pretty balance team, but they just recently lost one of their big time players in Marc Gasol for 6-8 weeks so there are pretty much in the same boat as the Bobcats. Will they be able to stay afloat long enough without Gasol to have a shot at the playoffs, because in their first showing without Gasol they got blown out by the Brooklyn Nets and had a terrible offensive performance. Overall I still see them as a team on the cusp of a playoff birth.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 92-93, Bobcats) (W, 115-77, Knicks) (W, 93-78, Spurs) (L, 73-107, Nets)

17. [+11] Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2) - Cavaliers have a strong defensive team. They held the Clippers one of the best teams in the NBA to 87 points, and handed them their only lost of the week, but lost a tough game to Dwayne Wade and the Raptors. One of the main problems with this team is they really dont have a superstar too look to down the stretch of games late to take over and win the game for them. Offensively they arent terrible but they have an inconsistent team, so defense will have to be their strong point. I see them fighting for the 6th-8th seeds in the east.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 116-109, Celtics) (L, 96-105, Raptors) (W, 89-87, Clippers) (L, 109-115, Nuggets)

18. [+11] Sacramento Kings (2-2) - The Kings may have surprised some people when after the preseason rankings came out they went out and traded for the scorer Danny Granger. Right now the Kings look like a team that could sneak into the playoffs if they hold strong. Danny Granger has been solid for them, and Bynum was doing great but at the end fo the week they made a trade to acquire D12 from the Magics for Bynum and Lee. We'll see how this benefits them, but I only see great things coming in the future for this team. Overall they are a balanced team but outside of Granger and now D12 they dont have much offensive firepower.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 99-98, Rockets) (L, 77-94, Warriors) (L, 97-101, Hornets) (W, 116-105, Lakers)

19. [-16] New Orleans Hornets (1-2) - The Hornets have struggled a bit on offense to come out of the blocks this season. They still have alot of talent on their team but they just have to build their chemistry. Overall I only see them getting better as DeMarcus Cousins got off to a very slow start this season, while Kyrie Irving has showed why he will be a rookie of the year nominee at the end of the season. Shawn Marion has also provided great offense for the Hornets and he always helps them on defense. The Hornets are well balanced and can easily bounce back from a weak first week.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 100-110, Bulls) (W, 101-97, Kings) (L, 76-81, Lakers)

20. [-11] Detroit Pistons (1-2) - Offense needs to be preached to this team. They came out in their first game with a great showing although it was against a weaker Pacers opponent. After that they fell off with 2 losses straight where they failed to even break 90+ points in either game. Obviously the Pistons have alot of talent and a great team defensively but they need to score better to win, but with Bosh and Rondo I dont see a team with that much talent missing the playoffs so I am sure they will pull it together.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 109-74, Pacers) (L, 80-85, Nets) (L, 85-89, Knicks)

21. [-6] Atlanta Hawks (1-2) - This is a team that can win right now. They have one of the best starting lineups in the NBA with Parker, Allen, Young, and Stoudemire. Overall they just have to build some chemistry and im sure they will get rolling. I see the Hawks ending up with a 4th or 5th seed in the playoffs and being a tough 1st or 2nd round out for any team in the east. They had a pretty tough week, but Amare really stepped up, Parker and Allen need to get their offense going and this team will be off and running.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 102-101, Timberwolves) (L, 102-106, Celtics) (W, 98-91, Bulls)

22. [-4] Washington Wizards (1-2) - The Wizards and Lebron got off to a slow start to begin the season losing their first two games. They lost a tough game to the Nets, and then got blown out by D12 and the Magics, but they started to pull it together at the end of the week with a strong win against the powerhouse Heat. Louis Williams was maybe the surprise of the week leading the league in scoring. Overall this team had alot of potential and still do after a recent trade sending Lebron to the Spurs for Kevin Durant and David West. Hopefully this will give them more offensive firepower, I still see them as a playoff team fighting for a 7th or 8th seed.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 103-113, Nets) (L, 88-120, Magics) (W, 106-96, Heat)

23. [-3] Portland TrailBlazers (1-2) - When the Blazers offense is clicking they will be a very difficult team to beat. They are young but they still have a ton of offensive firepower they just have to get rolling. They showed off their offense in the first game, but then struggled against their next 2 opponents to put up any points on the board. LaMarcus Aldrige can be a go to guy down the stretch late in games but I still dont see this team having enough this season to make a playoff push.
Last Weeks Games: (W, 117-100, Nuggets) (L, 99-115, Clippers) (L, 88-112, Suns)

24. [-15] New York Knicks (1-3) - The struggle began with a two straight blow out losses to begin their season to the Bucks and Heat. Overall this team really struggles on offense because of their youth, they can become a real threat if they stay healthy and get their offense rolling. They have no true scorer, so they will struggle at the end of games, but if they come together in a team effort and start scoring im sure they will be fine down the road. Overall I see them ending up with a lottery pick at the end of the season, and just missing the playoffs.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 77-115, Bucks) (L, 61-87, Heat) (W, 89-85, Pistons) (L, 103-126, Timberwolves)

25. [-14] Chicago Bulls (1-3) - The Bulls struggled alot more than some expected in their first week. They lost alot of close games to some of the tougher opponents on the league though so dont expect as much losing in the future. I still see the Bulls as a strong playoff team they just have to get back on track. They have a well balanced team between defense and offense so they can do it on either end of the floor. Al Jeff really played well this week and they should look to get him more attempts if they continue struggling from the field.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 92-95, Mavericks) (W, 110-100, Hornets) (L, 91-98, Hawks) (L, 129-134, Clippers)

26. [-9] Indiana Pacers (1-3) - The Pacers got blown out in a few of their games this week and they really struggled offensively. The only game they won and scored over 100 was against the Rockets who went 0-4. Overall I see this team to continue their struggles on offense, and defensively they are nothing to be feared. Kevin Martin and Eric Gordon are a great tandem but there is not much else behind them to help out offensively and they certainly are not lockdown defenders.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 74-109, Pistons) (L, 93-109, Thunder) (L, 86-96, Celtics) (W, 105-96, Rockets)

27. [-] Phoenix Suns (1-3) - Suns are an inconsistent team. Some nights they can shoot the lights out and sometimes they cant buy a bucket. Their defense is the same and is pretty much based on the effort they bring to the game to that night. They lost by double digits in all their losses, but had a flash of some great stuff against the Blazers in their only win. Overall John Wall has to be a superstar if they want to win and he certainly did not play up to his potential last week because without him their offense is below average.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 104-114, Thunder) (L, 92-102, Lakers) (W, 112-88, Blazers) (L, 99-117, Suns)

28. [-24] San Antonio Spurs (0-3) - The Spurs were projected to be a top team in the beginning of the season with Duncan, Durant, and West but they were very lackluster in their first week. They struggled offensively in all of their losses and did not play great defensively to counter that. At the end of the week the Spurs made a blockbuster deal sending away Durant and West, but acquired Lebron James so we will have to see how that turns out for them. Im not sure if made them better but when receiving Lebron you really could not have done to bad. Overall I still see them as a playoff team but maybe not a top 3 seed any longer.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 101-106, Mavericks) (L, 78-93, Bucks) (L, 100-111, Warriors)

29. [+1] Philadelphia 76ers (0-3) - The 76ers were ranked low in the preseason for a reason. Overall they are a weak team, they arent great on offense or defense. They are a subpar team on both sides of the ball. Hopefully they can pick up the slack, but overall I dont see this team being outside the top 3 worst records in the NBA. One bright spot is Javale McGee who has played above expectations and Brandon Jennings is doing most of the scoring alone with Paul Pierce which was expected but neither is a true superstar, with Pierce being older and Jennings still needing to add a bit to his game.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 91-93, Raptors) (L, 104-113. Timberwolves) (L, 95-97, Magics)

30. [-9] Houston Rockets (0-4) - The Rockets had the worst week of anyone by far going 0-4. They played the Kings tough but you know your offense is subpar when you can only put up 66 points. So far the Rockets have yet to put up over 100, but overall their defense is not that weak they are just a very young team that has alot to work on. I see them being in the lottery but with Russell Westbrook I dont see them being the bottom team at the end of the year but still in the Lottery, they are not playoff ready yet.
Last Weeks Games: (L, 66-83, Jazz) (L, 98-99, Kings) (L, 83-91, Jazz) (L, 96-105, Pacers)

Biggest Loser: San Antonio Spurs
Biggest Winners: Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder