Week 4 of the NBA power rankings! Its funny I think coming into this year we expected the East to be overall better than the West. So far that is not the case, the West has been fantastic and holds 9 out of the 15 spots in my power rankings.
1 - San Antonio Spurs (Last #3)
We all agree that we hate Tyler for being gifted the #1 overall pick in fantasy basketball and obviously choosing Victor Wembyanama. Got it, glad we are all on the same page. Wemby had an absolutely absurd game, with 52 points, 24 rebounds and 8 blocks against the Mavs. The Spurs have won 8 in a row.
2 - Oklahoma City Thunder (Last #7)
I am so impressed with this Thunder team. They have been hit with the worst of the injury bug, but are still figuring out and sit at 8-2. The defense has gotten back on track and now ranks 3rd overall. While they are taking fewer three points shots than ever, they are still an effective offensive team. A weird back to back in Portland to start their week.
3 - Philadelphia 76ers (Last #3)
The new look 76ers have the best record in the East and man it does feel like it's coming together for Philly, unlike the Eagles, right Tyler and James? James loves the Eagles just so you all know. They are winning a lot of close games, while they have the best record in the East the point differential is ranked 15th.
4 - Los Angeles Lakers (Last #8)
Luka for MVP? The Lakers star is scoring at an absurd rate and when he doesn’t play, Austin Reaves drops 43 points and talks shit to a Pistons fan sitting courtside. If you are Rob Pelinka, JJ Reddick and company you have to be very very pleased about how the season has started for the Lakers. There are definitely still issues defensively, but man can they score the rock.
5 - Houston Rockets (Last #1)
Houston was the top team in my rankings last week, but after back to back losses I had to drop them down my. They are the 2nd rated offense and the 10th rated defensive team, but weirdly the usage rate for Kevin Durant is going down. He is the most efficient scorer in NBA History, but is taking less shots this year.
6 - Minnesota Timberwolves (Last #12)
We were worried about the Wolves without Anthony Edwards right? Well after losing two out of three without him, they have rattled off four wins in a row. Ayo Dosunmu has taken over the starting role and while he is scoring well, averaging around 21 points, the fit still needs some work.
7 - Boston Celtics (Last #6)
A great 76ers vs Celtics matchup is coming this week and the Celtics are playing well. To put it into perspective, they are the 3rd ranked offense, the 4th ranked defense and have the best point differential in the sport to start the season. We need to stop questioning the Celtics, they just know how to win in the regular season.
8 - New York Knicks (Last #11)
The Knicks are back on the right track after starting the season 0-3. Anunoby and Bridges are still shooting poorly from behind the arc and Jalen Brunson has not quite turned into Brunson yet, but the Knicks have cut down on the turnovers which obviously helps.
9 - Detroit Pistons (Last #2)
The Pistons are beating teams they are supposed to beat, like the Hornets and the Nets. But they have been falling flat against teams like the Lakers and 76ers. That Laker loss was without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves scored 40+ on them. As long as the offense gets some more consistency I think they team will be just fine.
10 - Golden State Warriors (Last #15)
Man this team really goes as Steph goes. After ranking as one of the worst defensive teams during their 0-3 start, they are back to roughly the middle of the pack after a seven game winning streak. Steph Curry is still amazing and Yaxel is the rookie of the year candidate so far. Matchups with Houston and San Antonio will be fun this week.
11 - Portland Trail Blazers(Last #10)
The Blazers were off to a hot start at the beginning of the season but faltered a bit this week when they ran into the Lakers and the Spurs. The Spurs defense really slowed down Portland as they were scoring less than a point per possession. They are overall an improved team and I think should be contending for a top 6 spot.
12 - Cleveland Cavaliers (Last #9)
This team is really struggling with consistency to start the season. A great win over the 76ers to start the week but their overall offensive efficiency has dropped from last year's team. The Cavaliers have played one of the tougher schedules to start the season, but for a team that has championship aspirations it's been a rocky start.
13 - Denver Nuggets (Last #13)
A loss where they lead by 19 to the Blazers leaves a bit of bad taste in the mouth of Nuggets fans. The “Big Three” of Jokic, Murray and Gordon have been playing well but the shooting is down from last year. Paired with the 22nd ranked bench has the Nuggets feeling more like a play-in team than a top 6 team.
14 - Dallas Mavericks (Last #14)
A loss to the pitiful Sacramento Kings is never a good look, but overall the early season report card for the Mavericks is a solid B. And when Kyrie plays they are 6-2 with those two losses coming to their in-state rivals Spurs and Rockets.
15 - Toronto Raptors (Last Unranked)
Kawhi being out sucks, but the Raptors must have known that it was a possibility. RJ Barrett is having a great year in Toronto and the Raptors are 5-4 to start the season. They are still a top ranked offense and a good defense. Once healthy I think this Raptors team has the chance to compete.