We are now 10 days in to this hectic shortened NBA season. The Heat and Bulls, as expected are off to hot starts in the East, while its the Thunder and the Blazers off to good starts in the West. There have however been surprises, including the Mavericks being last in the West. Here's week 1 of the Power Rankings
1. Miami Heat (5-1)- Miami have flown out of the blocks, as expected, having only dropped one game to an inspired Hawks team. The chemistry has gotten even better in Miami and they will remain in the top 3 all season.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (5-2)- The Thunder are also off the a quick start, led by MVP favorite Kevin Durant. They should also remain high on the power rankings, with an expected number 1 seed in the west.
3. Chicago Bulls (5-1)- The Bulls are enjoying a good start and have the be happy with the improvement of Omer Asik.
4. Portland Trailblazers (4-1)- The Blazers good start was a little unexpected. L.Aldridge filling up the stat sheet however was not.
5. San Antonio Spurs (3-2)- The start is indicating another playoff birth for the veteran spurs. However the loss to the wolves, along with Manu Ginobli with a fractured hand, will be extremely costly.
6. Indiana Pacers (4-1)- No one would have expected this good of a start from a well balanced Pacers team. They are improving on both ends and should be a solid threat in the playoffs.
7. Orlando Magic (4-2)- Despite all the Howard rumors and controversy surrounding the team the have gotten off to a solid start.
8. New York Knicks (2-3)- The Knicks have been slow out of the gate but there next few games are against week opponents. Look for their record to improve, especially as they regain players from injuries.
9. L.A Lakers (4-3)- The Lakers started slow but are regaining momentum with the return of big man Bynum.
10. Boston Celtics (3-3)- This veteran team could be as big of a threat as any in this shortened season, especially with the return of Paul 'the truth' Pierce.
11. Atlanta Hawks (4-2)-
12. Denver Nuggets (4-2)- The Nuggets balanced roster has again started out well. The record would have been even better if Galinari could finish his lay ups.
13. L.A Clippers (2-2)- Lob city is incredibly entertaining offensively, but are currently the worst defensive team in the league. Deandre Jordan must improve that.
14. Houston Rockets (2-3)- The Rockets will have another consistent season that should see them in the hunt for a low playoff seed out West.
15. Dallas Mavericks (2-4)- The biggest shock in the league is seeing the Mavericks at the bottom of the West after winning the championship last season. The Mavs new roster just hasn't clicked yet, however don't expect to see them this low in the rankings for too long.
16. Golden State Warriors (2-3)- The Warriors are finally seeing an end to their fast-paced, no defense game. They are still entertaining to watch and Mark Jackson promised fans playoffs at the beginning of the season. If the defense continues to improve, that is possible.
17. Memphis Grizzles (2-3)- Other than Dallas, the Grizzles have been the most surprising of the teams with bad records. They looked so good in the playoffs, but have started slowly this season.
18. Utah Jazz (3-3)- There not going to be as good as past Jazz teams, but with young names including Haywood, Favours and Kanter along with Jefferson, Milsap and Harris, you won't have to pay me to tune in and watch them on league pass.
19. Philadelphia 76ers (2-2)- The 76ers were impressive last season with their improvement and they should again improve their defense and make the playoffs this season.
20. Phoenix Suns (2-3)- Probably should have traded Nash a season or two ago when his value was higher as they need to rebuild through their young players.
21. New Orleans Hornets (2-3)- Got some nice assets for Paul and have been competitive early. The sooner Eric Gordon gets back on the court the better.
22. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2)- The Cavs and their young roster has been impressive early, led by future all-star Kyrie Irving. He's a stud.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-3)- Another league pass favourite. Rubio and Williams have started their young career's well. Oh and Kevin Loves numbers have been ok too.
24. Milwaukee Bucks (2-3)- This team, with Bogut, should be a lot better than what they have been showing early.
25. Toronto Raptors (2-3)- The Raptors are in the rebuilding phase, however if Derozen and Bargnani can continue to light up the stats sheet like they did against the Knicks, they might actually win a few games.
26. Detroit Pistons (2-3)- We should continue to see an improved Pistons team with Frank as their coach. This is still an experienced roster and if they can begin to click they may even push for a low playoff spot. No joke.
27. Sacramento Kings (2-4)- If Demarcus Cousins had a good mindset and commitment to the Kings, they could have huge potential with evans and freddete in the frame.
28. New Jersey Nets (1-5)- The longer Lopez is out and the longer that no help is brought in to New Jersey, the less time Deron Williams may spend suiting up for the Nets.
29. Charlotte Bobcats (1-4)- The Bobcats have been competitive early, especially in a shattering loss to the Heat. They are a young team that will have to scrap to pick up wins throughout the season.
30. Washington Wizards (0-5)- The only team without a win through 10 days. John Wall is the future but he needs some help.
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