RWB Power Rankings: Wizards move up

Jan 18, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) fights for a loose ball with Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-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. Looking at my predictions for this past week, I got three out of five right. As the season goes and I watch more and more of each team as well as learning about their play, it gets easier to follow. Super.

Los Angeles Clippers: 1 (1)

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

RWB record:  2-1

Clippers did what I thought they would. They beat the Mavericks and Knicks while losing to the Pacers. They seem to be doing well with no Chris Paul, of course, you want Paul back on the team as soon as possible. The signing of Hedo Turkoglu was interesting. Have to wait and see if he contributes.

This week they have a battle with the Pistons. Should be fun. They also face the Bobcats, Bulls, and Raptors. All on the road. In fact, the previous two games were on the road too. Long trip for the Clippers. Not sure how they will handle it. Right now, they are 10-11 on the road. If you’re gonna be a contender, you have to win on the road. I didn’t think they were at the beginning of the season. Anyway, I see a win over the Pistons and Bobcats while losing to the Raptors and Bulls. 2-2

Washington Wizards: 2 (3)

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

RWB record: 4-5

Yes, I gave the Wizards the 2 spot. Why? They went 3-1, beating a tough Bulls team twice as well as blowing out the Heat. I almost didn’t move them up because of their loss to the Pistons. As you know, the rankings are affected by RWB battles as well. Still, the Hawks didn’t help themselves so I had to give the Wizards the nod.

Can they stick around? I learned that the Wizards haven’t actually been over .500 in four seasons. Yikes. If they want to keep the 2-spot, they’ll have to play well enough to end that streak. They have an epic RWB showdown with the Sixers. They also face the Celtics, Jazz, and Suns. I say they beat the Sixers, and Jazz. I see a loss to the Suns. I’m struggling with the Celtics. I say…er…win. Rondo may be back but, he’s still limited in minutes. They meet on the 22nd so I would imagine that he’ll still be monitored. I actually don’t even believe in my prediction. 3-1

Atlanta Hawks: 3 (2)

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

RWB Record: 5-1

Hawks struggled this week in two games. I hate putting them this low because they have the best RWB record (and that really does mean something), but, I had to knock them down this week. It’s possible they comeback, but not sure how likely. They lost to the Grizzlies and Nets, both solid teams.

Getting back into 2nd place won’t be easy. Heat, Magic, Spurs, and Bucks on radar. I’ll keep it simple and say lose to the Heat and Spurs while beating the Bucks and Magic. But, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Magic win. 2-2

Detroit Pistons: 4 (4)

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

RWB Record: 4-4

Pistons improved their RWB record. That’s good. They beat the Wizards while losing to the Jazz. They got blown out, really. Quite sad. Their week’s results really wasn’t going to help or hurt their standings. They most likely would’ve stayed in 4th.

Can they move up this week? They have the Clippers as earlier mentioned. They also have the Bucks and Pelicans. Lose to the Clippers. Beat the Bucks. Lose to the Pelicans. 1-2

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 (5)

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

RWB Record: 1-5

The Sixers went like I figured they would. They barely beat the Bobcats while getting blown out by the Heat and Bulls.

This week appears to have more of the same. Wizards, Knicks, Raptors, and Thunder. I can’t see a win in here. If it had to come, it would be on the Raptors. But, again, not feeling it. I hate to do this, especially since this team is unpredictable, but I’m going 0-4.