RWB Power Rankings: Clippers sweep, Pistons take down Sixers

Jan 10, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Reddick (4) celebrates in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Los Angeles Clippers: 1 (1)

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

RWB Record: 2-1

Last week I mentioned how my gut said 3-0 for this week but I settled for 2-1. Sigh. They went 3-0 blowing out the Magic and Lakers and beating the Celtics. It’s no surprise. It’s not like the Clippers faced good teams. And, especially without their top star, they need to be able to win games that they have the advantage in on paper.

This week they face the Mavericks, Knicks, and Pacers. Clippers have faced each of these teams earlier this season and won against the Mavs and Knicks while losing to the Pacers. This time, I think I’ll let history repeat. Clippers go 2-1 beating the Mavs and Knicks while losing to the Pacers.

Atlanta Hawks: 2 (2)

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

RWB Record: 5-1

Hawks hold off the Wizards for now. They had a really solid week, beating the Pacers and Rockets while losing to the Nets in a close finish. Like the Clippers, they’re going on without their star, although for the Hawks, Al probably isn’t their best guy. Hawks have a balanced effort so I actually think they’ll be able to perform around the same level as before. Don’t get me wrong, Al is a key player. I’m just saying the Hawks’ season is still alive and well.

This week they’ll obviously look for continued success. They face the Grizzlies and a rematch with the Nets. They visit the Grizzlies while being at home vs the Nets. I say they lose to the Grizz while beating the Nets. 1-1

Washington Wizards: 3 (3)

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

RWB Record: 4-4

I hit it on the head perfectly. Wizards indeed lost to the Warriors, Pacers, and Rockets. They beat the Pelicans and Bobcats. They got blown out by the Rockets but mounted a comeback that fell short. Still, I’m glad I got it right. Ha!

This week they need to take on Bulls twice, Heat, and Pistons. I normally go with the split thing when facing opponents twice in a very close time span. So, we’ll split with the Bulls. Lose to the Heat and beat Pistons. 2-2

Detroit Pistons: 4 (5)

Week Record: 2-3 (I predicted 1-4)

RWB Record: 3-4

Pistons beat the Sixers and simply had a better week than the Sixers and that’s why they retook the 4th spot. Besides beating the Sixers, they beat the Suns while losing to the Grizzlies, Knicks, and Raptors. Got blown out by the Raptors and Grizzlies. I thought they can beat the Knicks and they lost by only 4 so I guess I was on to something.

Pistons have the Jazz and Wizards. I said Wizards would win. I think Pistons beat Jazz. 1-1

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 (4)

Week Record: 0-4 (I predicted 3-1)

RWB Record: 1-5

Sixers made me look like a fool again. Whatever. They got blown out all week after a solid four game winning streak. Go figure. Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Knicks all beat the Sixers easily.

This upcoming week looks to be grim. Bobcats, Heat, and Bulls. I think they can beat the Cats. Lose tot he Heat and Bulls. 1-2