RWB Power Rankings: Hawks and Clippers stay solid

Jan 20, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles as Philadelphia 76ers small forward Evan Turner (12) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Another week of ranking.

Los Angeles Clippers: 1 (1)

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

RWB Record: 3-1

The Clippers started the week out beating rival Pistons to improve their RWB record. They also beat the Bulls and Raptors. They lost to the Bobcats. Al of these games were on the road so it’s a good sign that they were able to beat some formidable teams on the road. One of the things I noticed is that in their wins this week they scored over 110 points while in their loss they didn’t even hit 100. They do average 106.0 points per game so this adds up. Still, they’re 4-10 when they score less than 100 points. Another thing: they’ve played well enough on this road trip that they finally have a winning record on the road. They currently sit at 13-12.

This week, they’ll visit the Bucks, come home to face RWB rival Wizards, head on up to meet the Warriors, and then, come back home to face the music…well, the Jazz. I say they beat the Bucks and Wizards. Lose tot he Warriors and beat the Jazz. 3-1

Washington Wizards: 2 (2)

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

RWB Record: 5-5

The Wizards stay in 2nd for now. They started the week off beating the Sixers to even up their RWB record. After getting blown out by the Celtics, they actually stormed back to force OT before falling. They then beat the Suns in Phoenix before losing to the Jazz. It’s been frustrating for the Wizards and their fans. The Wizards have been trying to get over the .500 mark since 2009. Yeah, it’s been a while. And they’ve been dancing with it so far.

This week isn’t promising to finally hold a winning record. They face the Warriors and Clippers on the road before coming home to face the Thunder. I hate predicting sweeps. I say they go 1-2. And I don’t think that’s crazy. The Wizards seem to play on their opponent’s level. They’ve already had some big wins over good teams so it could happen. They are also 11-11 on the road so that’s also something.

Atlanta Hawks: 3 (3)

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

RWB Record: 5-1

The Hawks went a solid 3-1 but I just couldn’t bring myself to bumping them back to 2nd place…yet. They had a nice win over the Heat, Magic, and Bucks while losing to the Spurs in blowout fashion. Similar to the Clippers, the Hawks scored less than 100 points in one game; the loss. They scored over 110 in their three wins.

The Hawks have only lost one game against the RWB division. Could that change this week? They have the Sixers and Pistons. They also have the Thunder and Timberwolves. Honestly, I see wins over the Pistons and Sixers while losing to the Thunder. As for the T-Wolves…I’m not sure. The T-Wolves seem to be under performing terribly. On paper they are capable. But, I gotta give it to the Hawks if only because they will be home. I should mention that they face the Sixers in Philly the night before so fatiuge could be a factor. Still, 3-1. If they go 3-1 and the Wizards go 1-2 or worse, Hawks will probably move up. The only two games the Hawks need to win are over the Sixers and Pistons. It’s the RWB rankings after all.

Detroit Pistons: 4 (4)

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

RWB Record: 4-5

The Pistons are officially a disappointment. There’s already Josh Smith trade rumors and he’s not even a full season on his new team. It’s a mess. They just got themselves freed of Charlie-V and Ben Gordon just to bust on another pair of Brandon Jennings and Smith. Let’s hope the second half of the season goes better. They lost to the Clippers, Bucks, and Pelicans. It wasn’t THAT bad as they lost by single digits in each of them; two of them by at least three points. Still, the Pistons need to turn this thing around. They are 9th in a weak East; just a half game behind the 8th place Bobcats. They still have hope for playoffs.

This next week should be tons of fun or something. They have the Mavericks and Magic. You already know about the Hawks. They also face the Sixers. So, it’s a triangle of RWB games. Sixers face the Pistons and Hawks, Hawks face the Pistons and Sixers, and Pistons face the Hawks and Sixers. Yeesh! Anyway, they lose to the Mavs while beating the Magic. They already lose to the Hawks and they continue beating the Sixers (2-0 against them already; both blowouts). 2-2

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 (5)

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

RWB Record: 1-6

The Sixers lost another RWB battle to the Wizards. As I already mentioned, they have a couple more battles ahead. Anyway, this past week they beat the Knicks. They lost to the Wizards, Raptors, and Thunder. What can I say? They are the 3rd worst in the league but, because the East is so bad, they are only four games from making the playoffs. Okay.

This week, besides the Hawks and Pistons, they face the Suns and Celtics. I can see easy loss to the Suns. Already know about the Hawks and Pistons. The Celtics? This is the first time they’ll face each other. Slightly odd since they face the Celtics four times a year. So, they’ll be seeing a lot of green in the next couple of months. Anyway, I think they…lose…no. I have to give them a win. Somewhere. 1-3