RWB Power Rankings: Hawks and Clippers Blow Everybody Out; Wizards Move Up

Dec 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kyle Korver (26) and small forward DeMarre Carroll (5) and point guard Jeff Teague (0) and center Al Horford (15) walk on the court against the Utah Jazz in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

In case you’re new here, RWB Power Rank is a weekly feature in which I rank teams in the NBA with one thing in common: Their team colors are red, white, and blue. Those teams are Sixers, Hawks, Pistons, Wizards, and Clippers. And so, RWB Power Rankings, like normal power rankings, but, with a twist.

This week, we didn’t see any in-divisional games. Been a while since we’ve had a week like that as usually there’s a RWB battle somewhere.

Los Angeles Clippers: 1 (1)

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

RWB Record: 2-1

Clippers end the week on a 4 game winning streak, winning three of them this past week. Each week they continue to put a stranglehold on the number one spot. Beating the Spurs, Pelicans, and Nuggets is a good start. They won by big numbers too. Each win was by double digits with the average win margin at 18.7 points. Impressive.

This week is not going to be easy. You got the Timberwolves, Warriors, Blazers, and Jazz. Blazers have been a surprise. Warriors got Andre Iguodala back so they’ll be playing better. I think Clippers take T-Wolves and Jazz. I also think they beat the Blazers. So, I’m going bold with 3-1.

Atlanta Hawks: 2 (2)

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

RWB Record: 5-1

Hawks went undefeated as well this week. All of their games were at home so they took care of business. They beat the Lakers, Kings, and Jazz. But wait! Hawks won by an average of 21.3 points. Oh yeah. Hawks and Clippers ran through this week. They beat the Jazz by 33 points. Youch! This team is looking good, even in a weak East. And they don’t even have “star” power. Sure, the teams they beat this week could all end up in the lottery, but good wins.

This week will be harder. They visit the Heat and Cavaliers before coming back home to face the Bobcats. A loss to the Heat, a win over the Cavs, and a win over the Bobcats. 2-1

Washington Wizards: 3 (4)

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

RWB Record: 2-4

Wizards have moved up. But, it was hard deciding between the Pistons and Wizards. Ultimately, I took a look at their past ten games. Wizards went 5-5 while Pistons 4-6. Wizards have been playing better lately and, with this undefeated record, I had to bump them up. Like the Clippers and Hawks, Wizards didn’t lose. They didn’t dominate like the Hawks and Clippers, but, that’s okay. They beat the Knicks, Nets, and Celtics. All by a combined 14 points. All on the road too. So yeah, strong week.

This week we’ll see if they can actually hold onto the 3rd spot. And boy, this is gonna be interesting. They only have two games. One visiting the T-Wolves. And the other…against the Pistons. The battle for the 3rd spot is on! Actually, that game vs the Pistons is the first of back to back meetings between them. So, those games will play a role in my ranking of them. I’ll say they split this week, beating the Pistons and losing to the T-Wolves.

Detroit Pistons: 4 (3)

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

RWB Record: 2-2

So yeah, Pistons had a weird week. They won both of their road games and lost all three home games. This wasn’t an easy week; 5 games in seven days. I went 3-2 with them beating the Rockets. But, I also mentioned how the schedule could come back to bite them and it did as they were blown out by the Rockets. I think a more rested Pistons team puts up a better fight so I don’t regret my prediction there. They lost to the Blazers and beat the Pacers. They beat the Celtics and lost to the Bobcats. Still, with this understanding week, I had to put them down here at 4.

Can they move up? We already talked about the big meeting with the Wizards. That first game will really help me decide, especially if the Pistons only do average with their other games against the Magic and Cavaliers, both being away games. Really, all three games are away. Anyway, I already said Pistons would lose to Wizards. I think they beat the Cavs and Magic. So, 2-1. I kinda hope they don’t follow me exactly because then I’ll have more trouble next week trying to rank these two.

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 (5)

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

RWB Record: 1-4

Either I really know my team or they are wildly predictable. I’m leaning towards the latter. I figured they would take a game vs the Nets and lose to the Nets and Bucks. Sixers won their first road game of the season vs the Bulls. They have lost ever since, currently on a 12 game losing streak.

Remember last week I said I was predicting a loss on the road until they win? Sixers just had their first of six straight on the road when they lost to the Bucks. I’m not expecting a Sixers win until 2014. With that said, they visit the Suns. That’s it. As well as the Suns have been playing, I would love to hear why the Sixers win. No, really, hit the comments and let me know, buddy. 0-1.

Okay, so the key matchup for this week is the Pistons and Wizards. Something tells me for the rest of the season, those two will be fighting. Hawks could slip down in the mix as well. I would expect Clippers and Sixers to remain through April. Thanks for stopping by. Did you like the rankings? Where would you put your team? All comments are welcome!