RWB Power Rankings: 11/10/13

Hold on…look at Trevor Ariza’s hand. Wrong ball there, buddy. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Another week of RWB action on the court. Who was the best team of the week? This was actually a little tough to rank the teams this week. I focus on the week that just happened but I also take the whole season to account too.

Los Angeles Clippers 1 (2)

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

RWB Record: 0-0

The Clippers didn’t really impress; but they move to number one because the Sixers simply took steps back. The Clippers beat the Rockets both times this week while losing to the Magic and Heat. I can see losing to the Heat but the Magic game caught me off guard a bit. Still, in the losses, they were in position so it was a good week. They have some work to do to be a true contender though.

This week has three home games against formidable teams. Timberwolves, Thunder, and Nets. I think they can take the T-Wolves. With Russell Westbrook’s early return, things are looking better for the Thunder. I’m thinking the Thunder win that one. The Nets…I’m torn. If the Clippers are legit, they will win. So, I’m going 2-1 this week.

Philadelphia 76ers 2 (1)

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

RWB Record: 1-1

So, the Sixers finally lost in blowout fashion against the Warriors. They then got blown out by the Wizards as the Wizards…well, we’ll talk about them soon enough. Sixers bounced back to beat the Cavs and then lost a tough double OT game against them the next night. I just had to put them at the second slot though. Still, another week of this and they are definitely going down.

This week isn’t any easier. Spurs, Rockets, Hawks, and Pelicans. Yeesh. You’re going to lose to the Spurs…although…Spurs have actually struggled in Philly. Rockets have been soaring this season and I think Dwight Howard, combined with the Sixers very recent showing of defensive rebounding challenges, equals a lot of pain and suffering in the paint on both ends. I’ll go Rockets. I say beat the Hawks. And then, they face the Pelicans. Man, I wanna say they win, but I can’t. I’m excited to see MCW go against one of the best PG’s Sixers have had in a while in Jrue Holiday. Anyway, I’m going to have to say Sixers lose that one. So, 1-3. Man, I really hope I’m wrong. I kinda still want the tank though so I’m simply waiting for the inevitable.

Atlanta Hawks 3 (4)

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

RWB Record: 0-0

Hawks had a really solid week of basketball. They matched my prediction perfectly as they beat the Magic and Kings while losing to the Nuggets and Lakers. In the losses to the Nuggets and Lakers, they lost by two points in each game. My boy Kyle Korver is still on the streak of at least one made 3FG per game. It’s at 78. Impressive. He’s tied for third place in this streak in history. I miss Kyle.

This week, as you already know, they face the Sixers. They also have the Knicks twice and Bobcats. Bobcats have been interesting this season. I just have that obsession of splitting close meetings between teams so I’ll say they beat the Knicks once. With Tyson Chandler going down, it wouldn’t surprise me if Hawks pulled off both wins. I think they beat Bobcats and lose to Sixers. So, 2-2 again. Will I get it right again?

Detroit Pistons 4 (3)

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

RWB Record: 1-0

So, my prediction was a little off because I wasn’t expecting Westbrook back on the court. I had just read he was out for two more weeks. I guess he laughed when Derrick Rose reached out to him. Pistons did match my other part of the prediction by beating the Celtics and losing to the Pacers. I’d say, not a bad week. Still, I actually expect more from this team. Mo Cheeks is a good coach from what I saw in Philly so he’ll work it out…I hope.

This past week was all home games. This week? All road. Blazers, Nuggets, and Kings. Blazers have been blazing. I think Pistons lose there. I think they beat the Nuggets and Kings. So, 2-1. Don’t let me down.

Washington Wizards 5 (5)

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

RWB Record: 1-2

Wizards beat the Sixers, which, looking back at my original prediction, isn’t a shock. They beat the Nets as expected and lost to the Heat. This team lost its first three games of the season before taking down the Sixers. Let’s see if Nene can stay healthy as he’s an important part of the playoff hopes this team now seriously and legitimately has. Also, the backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal seems to be special.

Wizards may be down here for a while unless the Sixers completely go into tank mode. Wizards face Thunder, Mavericks, Spurs and Cavaliers. The only home game is vs the Cavs. Oh dear. I’ll take a number lose to the Thunder, with a small loss to the Mavericks and some hot greasy loss to the Spurs to go please. And then beat the Cavs. Ya know what? Change that order. I want a win on those Mavericks. I’m gonna give the Wizards the benefit here. 2-2. They want the playoffs? Beat playoff caliber teams.

That’s another week, y’all! As usual, hit the comments to let me know how you would rank the teams.