Week 3 Power Rankings

30. Kings (1-9, =)

There are arguments whether or not Darius Acuff’s early numbers are empty calories or not. I don’t think so, he has star written all over him and we should not overthink it… yet.

29. Bulls (1-8, =)

The Bulls have the worst net rating in the league, according to Cleaning the Glass. Josh Giddey’s play is very concerning, they need more from him.

28. Bucks (1-9, =)

Myles Turner has been the worst player on a team that has Kyle Kuzma on it and he needs to play better for that reason alone. It is bleak for Milwaukee.

27. Jazz (1-9, =)

The Jazz are easily the biggest disappointment in the league. Lauri Markkanen feels like a surprise trade candidate because I don’t see his fit in Utah long term.

26. Hornets (3-7, -5)

Our first faller is a big one. The Hornets have a lot of injuries and that is why they are this bad. However, for a team that was so fun at the end of last season, this is a huge disappointment.

25. Nets (2-8, =)

I think the Nets have something here, but the -7.5 net rating shows that they probably don’t. I am interested at the idea of a Paolo Banchero for Micheal Porter Jr. plus more trade.

24. Clippers (2-7, =)

A win Sunday night prevented a Clippers fall. I’d like to see more from Keaton Wagler, who played well in their win on Sunday over the Pelicans but hasn’t broken out in a real way yet.

23. Magic (2-7, -5)

Orlando has issues. Injuries have hurt but this is proving to be a bad team, 25th in net rating below the Nets is a sign of just that. Change will be coming if they don’t turn it around.

22. Suns (3-5, +4)

The Suns went 2-2 this week with a win over the Rockets in a very surprising game. I still think this is a bad team right now but, as I said last week, I believe they can turn it around.

21. Wizards (4-6, -1)

Washington had a good first 2 weeks but it never felt all that real. Their beating bad teams and losing to good ones continued this week as the Wizards went 1-3.

20. Pacers (3-7, +2)

It’s been a bad start for the Pacers who need to turn it around quickly. They were 10-15 the year they went to the Finals so it isn’t over for Indiana but this is a concerning start.

19. Pelicans (4-6, +4)

Last week I told you I don’t believe in the Pelicans and I still don’t, a loss to the Clippers last night is another reason for that. However, they’ve been average to start the year, which is better than bad.

18. Heat (4-6, +1)

Miami has been just bad to start the season and the Giannis-Bam fit has been what we feared it could be. A win against the Kings on Sunday doesn’t change the fact that this team stinks.

17. Grizzlies (6-3, -10)

This fall may be a bit dramatic but losses to the Pelicans, Pacers and a blowout loss to the Thunder have Memphis as the biggest movers this week. This team can still make the playoffs but this week was probably more real than the 6-0 start.

16. Hawks (7-4, +1)

The Hawks have won 4 games in a row but they haven’t played anyone good in the stretch. I still don’t know what to make of this team right now.

15. Nuggets (6-5, =)

The Nuggets hold at 15. This team has been average for the first 3 weeks of the season, ranking 16th in net rating. With Nikola Jokic’s free agency looming that could be something to keep an eye on, though he has already committed to re-signing.

14. Raptors (5-4, -1)

Toronto needs to get Kawhi Leonard back and they need him soon. They have been stuck in the middle while he has been out, even with the Scottie Barnes hot start.

13. Mavericks (6-4, +1)

The duo of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving is as dynamic as any in the league and the Mavericks are really good. A bad loss to the Kings doesn’t change that, the way they’ve bounced back has been impressive.

12. Trail Blazers (6-3, -1)

Portland has held up well in the absence of Ja Morant. That is encouraging for a team that has started better than I thought they would. Damian Lillard’s play has been a been a big part of their start, he has been great.

11. Warriors (7-3, +5)

Two weeks ago, Golden State was 28th in the rankings. Now, they’ve won 7 straight games and look like a team that is going to be one to watch the rest of the way. Hopefully Stephen Curry gets to play in meaningful games down the stretch of the season.

10. Cavaliers (5-5, =)

Cleveland’s net rating is better than their record indicates, +4.2 is 11th in the league and better than the .500 start suggests they are. They got a big win on Friday against the 76ers as they look to stay in the top 6 of the Eastern Conference.

9. Pistons (6-3, -6)

Back to back losses for the Pistons drop them from 3rd to 9th. This is a good team and one that will be in the east’s top 6. I just don’t think they have enough playoff guys to be taken as a real threat in the Eastern Conference.

8. Lakers (9-2, +4)

I wrote about the Lakers last week. Their 9-2 record says they are really good and their 5th best net rating says they are really good. Yet, I remain a skeptic, this team is so Luka heavy, despite the win without Doncic Sunday night against the Pistons, I am unsure of how serious a threat they are.

7. Knicks (5-4, +2)

A 3-0 week finally sees the Knicks rise above .500. They are still the defending champions and their improved play is encouraging including a win in Cleveland. I still would pick this team to win the Eastern Conference.

6. 76ers (9-2, -2)

The 9-2 record with the schedule Philly has played says they are awesome. The 15th ranked +2.7 net rating does not. I don’t think we know who this team is yet, how real is the defense and can they figure out the offense are big questions for this team.

5. Thunder (8-2, +1)

Without their 2nd and 3rd best players Oklahoma City has survived to be 8-2 and 6th in net rating, wildly impressive stuff. I like the Nique Clifford addition, he has had moments of playing well with the Kings and the Thunder could get even more from him.

4. Celtics (8-2, +1)

Boston’s schedule has been pretty easy but they have beaten up on it. Jayson Tatum looks like he is headed for another All-NBA first team selection and they are getting better play from their bigs. Tuesday’s Celtics-Sixers game is a big one for obvious reasons, outside of both being really good.

3. Rockets (7-3, -2)

The Rockets lost to the Wolves and Suns this week, leading to the slight fall. They are still really good but I would like to see them bounce back against Denver on Monday night.

2. Timberwolves (8-3, +6)

The Wolves not just staying a float but thriving without Anthony Edwards is impressive. You need to view the Timberwolves as a real threat to win the championship, that is how good this team is.

1. Spurs (8-2, +1)

Despite the 0-2 start, the Spurs are 8-2 and are still the Spurs. Wemby’s unbelievable 52 point, 24 rebound and 8 block game on Wednesday was the story of the week as San Antonio claims the top spot in the rankings.