RWB Power Rankings: Clippers and Hawks sweep

Mar 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) reacts during the 4th period against the Denver Nuggets at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 97-92. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re new to this, RWB power rankings are a special version of your typical power rankings where I rank teams that one thing in common: Team colors are red, white, and blue. These teams are the 76ers, Clippers, Wizards, Hawks, and Pistons.

The Hawks and Clippers were undefeated. You probably know about the Sixers. Let’s get to it:

Los Angeles Clippers: 1 (1)

Week Record: 3-0 (I predicted 2-1)

RWB Record: 6-1

The Clippers continue to solidify their place in these rankings. They’ve currently won ten straight, and are making things clock as we approach the playoffs. The Jazz and Suns lost. The Clippers beat the Warriors, which was a big one.

Are they ready for contender status? Well, this week they have the Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Pistons. Easy sweep. A contender would sweep these guys. 3-0.

Washington Wizards: 2 (2)

Week Record: 2-2 (I predicted 2-2)

RWB Record: 7-6

The Wizards were able to hang onto second place. I have to be honest, while I predicted 2-2, my results were off. The Wizards beat the Magic and Nets while losing to the Bobcats and Heat. I thought they would beat the Magic and Bobcats while losing to the Heat and Nets. Still, this Wizards team seems poised to make the playoffs as they continue their solid play.

They are on the road this week. Kings, Blazers, and Lakers. They have a slightly better road record than home, so I see them getting at least one. Not against the Blazers. So, I think they can beat the Kings. Not sure on the Lakers. I might regret this but 1-2.

Atlanta Hawks: 3 (4)

Week Record: 3-0 (I predicted 2-1)

RWB Record: 6-4

The Hawks decided they didn’t like being in 4th place. They swept the week after going winless last week. Interesting. The Hawks had been in second place for most of the season. Will they get back there? This past week, they beat the Jazz, Bucks, and Nuggets. None of these teams are great, or even good. Maybe Nuggets. Still, good week.

But, this week could see a setback. Bobcats, Raptors, and Pelicans. Collectively, these three teams are better than what the Hawks faced last week. So, a loss to the Raptors, a win over the Pelicans, and a loss to the Bobcats. 1-2.

Detroit Pistons: 4 (3)

Week Record: 1-3 (I predicted 1-3)

RWB Record: 6-5

I nailed it! I got the prediction right on the nose. I said they would lose to the Celtics, Raptors, and Pacers while beating the Kings. I feel a little cocky. Sorry. Anyway, that’s what happened. Things were looking up for this team. They made it to 3rd place, and maybe they could move up. But, no. They did manage to take the Pacers to OT. Then again, the Pacers nearly lost to the Sixers.

This week, the Pistons will battle for 3rd place. I have the Hawks losing, so, if the Pistons can get right, they could jump back up. Let’s look at their opponents…Nuggets, Suns, and Clippers. All on the road. Ouch. Um…1-2 with the win over the Nuggets.

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 (5)

Week Record: 0-4 (I, and everybody else, predicted 0-4)

RWB Record: 1-10

I’m all for the TANK. But, to lose 20 straight games is terrible. I actually stopped cheering for loses once they got to double digits in the streak. Franchise record for longest losing streak at home was 13; they’re at 15. They also tied their record for most losses in a row at 20. The NBA record is 26. I have a feeling the Sixers will get there. One week at a time. Anyway, the Sixers lost this to the Knicks, Kings, Pacers, and Grizzlies. The Sixers actually was in each of these games until the second half. Still, they continue to lose, and by double digits, although they nearly beat the Pacers.

This week starts off with the Pacers. Then they host the Bulls and Knicks. Then they visit the Bulls. I honestly can’t see a win in there. Maybe the Knicks? 0-4.

Another week closer to the playoffs. West seeding is exciting. East is not very good, but still close. I wish these rankings were a little more dramatic.