Two teams currently in the playoffs make this week’s Powerless Rankings. Yes, it’s that bad in the East.
Previous rankings:
11/17
12/1
1. | Philadelphia 76ers | (3-23) Previous Ranking: 1 (-)
The 76ers made themselves part of the Corey Brewer to Houston Rockets trade, and were able to come out even worse through it, sending Alexey Shved to the Rockets and receiving Ronny Turiaf (who is currently out injured), and another 2nd round pick. But hey, they did manage to beat Orlando, and currently are riding a one game winning streak!
2. | Minnesota Timberwolves | (5-21) Previous Ranking: 6 (-4)
The Wolves are losers of five straight, and as just alluded to, just traded one of their key players to Houston. In return, they received Troy Daniels, who should provide them a little cover at point guard. Still, this team desperately needs Ricky Rubio to come back from injury.
3. | New York Knicks | (5-25) Previous Ranking: 4 (-1)
Also riding a five game losing streak, the Knicks are off to their worst start in franchise history, and at this rate could potentially be the first Knicks team to ever lose 60 games in a season. Knicks fans, just ride it out, let the bad contracts expire, and hope the team has picked up a first round pick by the trade deadline.
4. | Detroit Pistons | (5-23) Previous Ranking: 3 (+1)
Let’s go ahead and say Detroit’s four game losing streak is over, because waiving Josh Smith is their biggest victory of the season.
5. | Los Angeles Lakers | (8-19) Previous Ranking: 7 (-2)
The Lakers still give up more points than any team in the league, despite Kobe Bryant’s to out shoot everyone on the court and will the Lakers to a victory. However, Bryant may be taking a few games off to rest according to reports. It’s doubtful he’ll sit out their Christmas day game in Chicago, but if he does, at least we’ll still have Swaggy P.
6. | Orlando Magic | (10-20) Previous Ranking: 11 (-5)
The Magic have lost four in a row, including a home loss to the 76ers. Improvements need to be made, particularly on defense, or Jacque Vaughn’s job could be in jeopardy.
7. | Boston Celtics | (10-15) Previous Ranking: 5 (+2)
After years of trade rumors, Rajon Rondo was finally traded. With Rondo off to Dallas, the Celtics will rely on point guard Marcus Smart the rest of the way. They’ve got faith in the rookie guard, but their will be growing pains.
8. | Indiana Pacers | (9-19) Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Welcome to the Powerless Rankings Indiana! The Pacers have been among the league’s best on defense, holding teams to just 96.5 points a game. Problem is, they only score 93.6 a game. Case in point; the Pacers held the Denver Nuggets to 76 points on Saturday, but only scored 73 points themselves.
9. | Utah Jazz | (9-20) Previous Ranking: 8 (+1)
The Jazz beat up on the Heat and Magic on the road, until they were blown out by the Hornets on Saturday. Their response? A 97-91 win against Memphis on the road.
10. | Charlotte Hornets | (9-19) Previous Ranking: 2 (+8)
The Hornets are riding a three game winning streak, in which they have outscored their opponents by a combined 64 points. Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson have stepped up during the winning streak, but most telling might be that these wins have come in Lance Stephenson’s absence. If the Hornets continue winning without Stephenson in the lineup, where does he fit when he ultimately returns?
11. | Denver Nuggets | (12-16) Previous Ranking: 13 (-2)
The Nuggets have been one of the streakiest teams in the league this season. After starting 2-7, they won eight of their next ten, and then lost seven of nine. Injuries are once again causing problems.
12. | Brooklyn Nets | (11-15) Previous Ranking: 10 (+3)
The Nets are the eight seed in the playoffs because the bottom half of the East has played so poorly. They are hanging on to that spot, but don’t look threatening enough to hold the spot.
13. | Sacramento Kings | (12-16) Previous Ranking: 14 (-1)
The Kings fired Mike Malone, and simply don’t look like the dominant team they were at the start of the season, having lost now five of six. George Karl is being linked with the job, but is it too late to save the Kings playoff chances with Oklahoma City rising the standings?
14. | Miami Heat | (13-15) Previous Ranking: NR
Yes, the seventh seed in the East makes this edition of the Powerless Rankings. They may have lost Josh McRoberts for the season, and are linked with claiming Josh Smith off waivers. This will surely end well, right?
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