Now that we have a little separation in the standings, why not play around with some numbers in order to draw conclusions from insufficient evidence? The NBA season is young and nobody has really pulled away in terms of dominating their conference. But man some teams have just been truly atrocious. Where does you favorite team lie in the power rankings? Let's find out!
#1 Los Angeles Clippers: .9985
Record: 4-0 | Last 10: 4-0 | Net Rating: +19.4 | Statsplit Ranking: 1188.85
It appears at the moment that the Clippers do not miss Chris Paul as they remain undefeated and lead the league in Net Rating. But they haven't faced the toughest competition. They'll see their first real test hosting Golden State next week.
#2 San Antonio Spurs: .9305
Record: 4-0 | Last 10: 4-0 | Net Rating: +9.7 | Statsplit Ranking: 1190.99
The Spurs are rolling along without Kawhi Leonard and share the top of the Western Conference with the Spurs. LaMarcus Aldridge is having a fantastic start to the season as the Spurs continue to develop their youth in Murray and Anderson.
#3 Orlando Magic: .7480
Record: 3-1 | Last 10: 3-1 | Net Rating: +10.8 | Statsplit Ranking: 1100.57
The Magic surprised some folks dominating the Cavs in Cleveland. But can they sustain this elite level of offense production or will it drop off? The Magic will find out tonight against the Spurs in Orlando.
#4 Memphis Grizzlies: .7437
Record: 4-1 | Last 10: 4-1 | Net Rating: +5.1 | Statsplit Ranking: 1116.52
The Grizzlies still look like a playoff team with their wins over the Warriors and the Rockets. Unfortunately, they lost to the winless Dalla Mavericks. So, we don't know how real this team is, but we'll gather more information as they have a rematch against the Rockets tomorrow.
#5 Houston Rockets: .7369
Record: 4-1 | Last 10: 4-1 | Net Rating: +2.8 | Statsplit Ranking: 1129.89
The Houston Rockets look like challengers to the Warriors and were able to steal a road win at Oracle Arena. They were also able to sneak out a close game in Philadelphia. Their next challenge is a rematch against the Memphis Grizzlies, their only loss to date.
#6 Washington Wizards: .6916
Record: 3-1 | Last 10: 3-1 | Net Rating: +4.7 | Statsplit Ranking: 1100.57
The question coming into the season was whether or not the Wizards could take the next step and compete for a Top 2 seed and a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. So far, close games and a OT loss to the Lakers. Tonight they face the Warriors in San Francisco.
#7 Portland Trailblazers: .6498
Record: 3-2 | Last 10: 3-2 | Net Rating: +10.8 | Statsplit Ranking: 1042.66
Is Portland more than a lower-tier playoff team? So far they have beaten who they should (Suns, Pacers) and have respectable close losses (Clippers, Bucks). They have a great net rating too. But keeping it up will be tough out in the West.
#8 Golden State Warriors: .6354
Record: 3-2 | Last 10: 3-2 | Net Rating: +10.6 | Statsplit Ranking: 1050.46
The Warriors appear to be having a little bit of a championship hangover. After starting 1-2, they have a two game winning streak heading into this week. They have the best offensive rating in the league but need to improve their defense to return to championship form.
#9 Boston Celtics: .5999
Record: 3-2 | Last 10: 3-2 | Net Rating: +4.9 | Statsplit Ranking: 1057.87
Losing Gordon Hayward for the rest of the regular season is tough. They once had aspirations of challenging the Cavs in the Eastern Conference but now face a major set back. The good news is that they have a promising young core and are riding a three game winning streak.
#10 Detroit Pistons: .5721
Record: 3-2 | Last 10: 3-2 | Net Rating: +3.2 | Statsplit Ranking: 1036.31
The Pistons have had a string of disappointing seasons under Stan Van Gundy. Will the Pistons finally make the Playoffs this year or will they find a way to miss out when it feels like half the East is tanking the season? We'll find out as they face the Clippers and Warriors next.
#11 Brooklyn Nets: .5628
Record: 3-2 | Last 10: 3-2 | Net Rating: +0.0 | Statsplit Ranking: 1059.30
Well, the Brooklyn Nets have no incentive to tank this season and they have played like it. They shocked the Cavs and are tied for the lead in the Atlantic Division with the Celtics. Can they make the Playoffs? They face the Knicks tonight which they should win.
#12 Milwaukee Bucks: .5531
Record: 3-2 | Last 10: 3-2 | Net Rating: -0.4 | Statsplit Ranking: 1045.67
Giannis Antetokounmpo has clearly elevated his game over the offseason and looks to be leading the MVP race. The dude is averaging 35 points and 10 rebounds per game over the first five matches. The rest of the team needs to step up, as Giannis can't do it all.
#13 Cleveland Cavaliers: .5478
Record: 3-2 | Last 10: 3-2 | Net Rating: +0.1 | Statsplit Ranking: 1033.34
The coasting Cavs pick off where they left off last regular season. Barring an injury to Lebron James, this team will have no problem getting to the playoffs. The question is whether or not the Cavaliers continue to coast or will make at least some effort to improve defensively.
#14 Toronto Raptors: .5439
Record: 2-2 | Last 10: 2-2 | Net Rating: +10.8 | Statsplit Ranking: 991.11
The Raptors have dominated weaker competition and only narrowly lost to both the Spurs and the Warriors on the road. If they continue this level of performance they will move up this list. They continue their road trip with the Lakers and Trailblazers.
#15 Charlotte Hornets: .5202
Record: 2-2 | Last 10: 2-2 | Net Rating: +5.8 | Statsplit Ranking: 1007.81
In case you forgot the Hornets, they have been rather average to this point. Dwight Howard is averaging 18 rebounds a game and the team is quietly moving along. They can make some noise if they can beat the Rockets tonight in Charlotte.
#16 Oklahoma City Thunder: .5127
Record: 2-2 | Last 10: 2-2 | Net Rating: +5.5 | Statsplit Ranking: 1000.44
With the addition of two star players in the off-season, getting the chemistry right for this team was always going to be a challenge. Westbrook is still posting triple doubles and Melo and Paul George are still putting up their numbers. The team has yet to find a quality win.
#17 Miami Heat: .4517
Record: 2-2 | Last 10: 2-2 | Net Rating: -3.4 | Statsplit Ranking: 1004.26
Would we see the 11-30 Miami or the 30-11 Miami? So far we have seen a little bit of both as the team's improved offense has allowed them to grab some leads while a lackluster defense with Hassan Whiteside out has caused them to lose those leads.
#18 Los Angeles Laker: .4387
Record: 2-2 | Last 10: 2-2 | Net Rating: -5.5 | Statsplit Ranking: 1007.03
The Lakers are just a few points away from being 0-4. They beat the Suns who weren't really trying and beat the Wizards in OT. Lonzo Ball leads the headlines, but if we take away the Phoenix game, the dude is an abysmal 6-29 from the field and has missed his last 11 3's.
#19 Indiana Pacers: .3821
Record: 2-3 | Last 10: 2-3 | Net Rating: -0.7 | Statsplit Ranking: 950.45
The Pacers have done okay in the absense of their former Star forward Paul George. Their offense production is impressive while their defense is lacking. Their best defensive performance to this date is holding the Timberwolves to only 107 points.
#20 New Orleans Pelicans: .3804
Record: 2-3 | Last 10: 2-3 | Net Rating: -1.8 | Statsplit Ranking: 958.88
Can the Davis and Cousins lead the Pelicans do something in the West? They are still in it at 2-3 and Cousins has stepped up his game averaging 40 points and 18 rebounds in his past 2 games. Unfortunately, the team lacks any real depth which hurts the two superstars.
#21 Utah Jazz: .3630
Record: 2-3 | Last 10: 2-3 | Net Rating: -2.8 | Statsplit Ranking: 944.77
Losing Hayward during the offseason really hurt the Jazz on offense. They have only breached 100 points in one of their games. Their defense is enough to keep them in games, but their lack of firepower keeps their opponents in them too.
#22 Minnesota Timberwolves: .3148
Record: 2-3 | Last 10: 2-3 | Net Rating: -9.9 | Statsplit Ranking: 948.41
The Timberwolves are one Andrew Wiggins bank shot away from 1-4. Their defense has been their downfall and they have the worst defensive efficiency in the league despite adding an elite defender in the offseason in Butler. The defensive effort simply isn't good enough.
#23 Phoenix Suns: .3106
Record: 2-3 | Last 10: 2-3 | Net Rating: -12.3 | Statsplit Ranking: 966.47
Earl Watson was fired three games into the season after starting 0-3 and getting annihilated in two of them. Since leaving, the Suns are undefeated and have cut off ties with Eric Bledsoe. They face the Trailblazers and Nets next which should be good for measuring their progress.
#24 Denver Nuggets: .2379
Record: 1-3 | Last 10: 1-3 | Net Rating: -6.0 | Statsplit Ranking: 907.22
This is not start the Nuggets were hoping for at the beginning of the season. Losses to middling playoff teams and only a single win against the Kings are not encouraging signs. They have an easy week with the Hawks, Nets, and Knicks which they need to capitalize on.
#25 Chicago Bulls: .1960
Record: 1-3 | Last 10: 1-3 | Net Rating: -12.4 | Statsplit Ranking: 912.59
Things are not looking good for the Bulls. Apart from their record, bad defense and bad offense, and sheer lack of talent and depth, Mirotic and Portis are out after a fight between each other. With Mirotic threatening an ultimatum, things look grim for the Bulls.
#26 Atlanta Hawks: .1692
Record: 1-4 | Last 10: 1-4 | Net Rating: -5.9 | Statsplit Ranking: 845.79
With Atlanta being a skeleton of the team that was once the top seed in the East, they are clearly looking to rebuild. Dennis Schroeder is their best player and their only win is over the lowly Mavericks. Paul Millsap returns to Atlanta tonight to face the shell of his old team.
#27 Philadelphia 76ers: .1692
Record: 1-4 | Last 10: 1-4 | Net Rating: -8.7 | Statsplit Ranking: 873.42
The 76ers have yet to win at home after a devastating defeat to the Houston Rockets via an Eric Gordon buzzer beater. The team looks better outside of Markelle Fultz who physically can't shoot. They face the Mavericks before their rematch with the Rockets in Houston.
#28 Sacramento Kings: .1595
Record: 1-4 | Last 10: 1-4 | Net Rating: -7.2 | Statsplit Rating: 845.13
This odd mix of veterans and young players isn't going to be very good this year. With their only win coming against the Mavericks, their lackluster offense and defense leaves a lot to be desired. They face the Wizards and Pacers next.
#29 Dallas Mavericks: .1213
Record: 1-5 | Last 10: 1-5 | Net Rating: -10.3 | Statsplit Ranking: 845.94
The Mavericks haven't looked good and their record shows it. They lead the league with 5 losses but they have a surprising win against the Grizzlies on the end of a back-to-back. Dennis Smith Jr. looks good which is a positive for the Mavs.
#30 New York Knicks: .0070
Record: 0-3 | Last 10: 0-3 | Net Rating: -15.5 | Statsplit Ranking: 854.88
The Knicks are not down here because they have yet to win a game. They have endured two blowouts and have the worst net rating in the league. They also have the worst offense in the league. Don't expect the Knicks to win that many games this season.
Thanks for reading! I'll throw out a post in the middle of the week next week explaining the ratings since this post has already taken hours to create. I'll try to make the rankings a regular thing like my college football rankings. I hope to see you then.
