RWB Power Rankings: 76ers, Wizards, Hawks, and Pistons go 2-12; Clippers Stay Solid

Dec 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Louis Williams (3) drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

You know the drill. Clippers had a solid week. The rest of the teams all had losing records with a combined 2-12. Yeah, 2-12.

Los Angeles Clippers: 1 (1)

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

RWB Record: 2-1

Clippers had a really good week. For one, they improved to a winning record against division rivals by beating the Sixers and Wizards. They also beat the Celtics. They lost to an improving Nets team. Not bad at all. All in all, Clippers really took steps to solidifying their place in first, for now.

This week they come home to face the Spurs, Pelicans, and Nuggets. Quick thought says loss to Spurs while beating Pelicans and Nuggets. So, 2-1.

Atlanta Hawks: 2 (2)

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

RWB Record: 5-1

Hawks just last week looked like perhaps they could take the number one spot. Instead, they had a setback. They still have the best RWB record so that’s cool. They lost to the Thunder and Knicks while beating the Wizards in OT. This wasn’t a very good week. However, considering how the rest of the division did, I would take this week and run.

This week, they’ll hope to get on track against the Lakers, Kings, and Jazz. This is a tough one to consider. Lakers just got Kobe back and I don’t know this new look Lakers enough. Kings just made a big deal and I’m still figuring them out. Jazz are the Jazz. I have to take into consideration that the Hawks are home for all three games. They beat the Jazz and Kings. Lose to the Lakers. 2-1

Detroit Pistons: 3 (3)

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

RWB Record: 2-2

As you can see, Pistons took a step back themselves as I had them poised to take on the Hawks. I also had them winning big time. They got blown out by the Heat and T-Wolves. They then lost to the Pelicans in OT before finally beating the Nets.

Can they bounce back this week? Welp, they got the Blazers, Pacers, Celtics, Bobcats, and Rockets. Five games in seven days isn’t easy. Especially if you’re alternating going home and being on the road, although it’s not too bad. They are home vs the Blazers Bobcats and Rockets. I think they beat the Celtics and Bobcats. They lose to the Blazers and Pacers. Rockets? Eeeehhhhhh…win. 3-2. Thing is, we have to see if they have their legs by the end of the week. Pacers and Blazers are back-back and Bobcats and Rockets are back-back with Celtics in the middle.

Washington Wizards: 4 (4)

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

RWB Record: 2-4

Just by the beginning statement about how the teams went this week, you already know there’s no more winning for the rest of these rankings. Anyway, Wizards lost key divisional games vs the Clippers and Hawks. They also lost tot he only team I thought they would beat, the Nuggets. Nuggets won by one point and Hawks won by two. I guess Clippers keep the counting cycle alive by winning by three, right? Wrong. Wizards lost by 16.

Wizards look to break their winning streak against probably the worst performing division in the NBA record-wise: Atlantic division. They visit the Knicks, Nets, and Celtics this week. Knicks have been kinda floating around. So have the Nets. Celtics are up for a fight. Wizards could lose all or win all really. But, I’m going to go with beating the Knicks and losing to the Celtics and Nets. 1-2

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 (5)

Week Record: 0-4 (I predicted 0-4)

RWB Record: 1-4

I know my team. I knew they would lose each game. TANK. Lost to the Clippers, T-Wolves, Raptors, and Blazers. Mercy. Up until the Blazers, they lost by a combined 26 points. Not too bad. After facing the Blazers? Combined 60 points. Um…yeah. 34 point loss to the Blazers. Sixers continue to struggle on the road. They’re almost a different team on the road.

Can they bounce back this week? Nets twice and then they start their annual road trip vs the Bucks. Thanks, Disney On Ice. Anyway, Sixers take one from the Nets (the one at home of course) while losing to the Bucks. Until the Sixers win on the road, I am going to predict that they lose on the road. Plain and simple. But going 0-3 is a very real possibility. Still, as I’ve said before, I be splitting close back to back meetings. So Sixers take one. 1-2

I hope this division has a better week. Clippers’ record brings things up to 5-13. Not good at all. Overall record for the teams is 55-65, with the Clippers having the only winning record. Hawks are at .500.