Mar 8, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) posts up on Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a while. But, the rankings are back. If you’re new to this, RWB power rankings are a special version of your typical power rankings where I rank teams that one thing in common: Team colors are red, white, and blue. These teams are the 76ers, Clippers, Wizards, Hawks, and Pistons. So, let’s get to it!
1. Los Angeles Clippers
Week Record: 3-0
RWB Record: 6-1
The Clippers have won six in a row and look really good. They destroyed the Lakers. I had just made a post about how teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Sixers, and more from the original NBA were experiencing a low point. The Lakers ended up with their worst loss in franchise history, at the hands of what used to be the laughing stock on the NBA and LA. Deep. The Clippers also took down fellow RWB rivals the Hawks. I mean, is there any way this team falls out of first place?
This week coming should be fun. They are home for the Suns and Warriors and then go to face the Jazz. I can see the win over the Jazz. The other game they won this past week was at Phoenix. I anticipate another win. And a loss to the warriors. So, 2-1.
2. Washington Wizards
Week Record: 2-1
RWB Record: 7-6
The Wizards have made it. Second place. They rose from the ashes and are here. They have a winning record as well as RWB record. This past week, they lost to the Grizzlies while beating the Jazz and Bucks. That was easy to predict. The Wizards seem poised to make the playoffs for the first time with John Wall.
This week they visit the Heat, come back home to face the Bobcats, go to Orlando, and then back home for the Nets. Do they win against the Heat? My gut says no. What about the other teams? I think they take the Cats and Magic. Not feeling the Nets. So, 2-2.
3. Detroit Pistons
Week Record: 1-2
RWB Record: 6-5
The Pistons take the 3rd spot. Here’s another team that has a winning record vs RWB teams. In fact, the Pistons, Wizards, and Clippers have all taken down the Hawks since the last time I did a traditional ranking. I say this because the Hawks had the best record all season. They’ve dropped three straight. Ouch. Anyway, the Pistons beat the Knicks and then lost to the Bulls and T-Wolves. Playoff picture is looking bad for a team that is 2-8 in their past ten games.
This week won’t be easy. Celtics, Kings, Raptors, and Pacers. Yeah. I think they beat the Kings and lose the rest. 1-3. I’m done thinking this team is better than their record.
4. Atlanta Hawks
Week Record: 0-4
RWB Record: 6-4
Despite the losing streak I mentioned, the Hawks still have a winning record against RWB teams. With four teams out of five with winning records, you can imagine what the fifth team’s record is. Anyway, the Hawks are losers of five straight and things aren’t looking too good. They started the week losing to the Suns. Then, they were blown away against the Blazers and Warriors. They tried to bounce back against the Clippers, but fell short by one point. Tough break.
This week, they should be able to end the streak. They visit the Jazz, come home to take the Bucks, and then face the Nuggets. I say win over the Bucks. I don’t like their chances on the road so loss to the Jazz. As for the Nuggets, I say win. 2-1.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Week Record: 0-3
RWB Record: 1-10
The Sixers have lost 16 straight. They have 15 wins on the season. K. They have lost by an average of a little over 11 points per game for the season. They have tied an NBA record of losing two games in a row by at least 40 points. The other time done? The Sixers did it. Their franchise losing streak is 20 games. Pretty sure that falls this season. Can the NBA record 26 in a row fall? Quite possibly. I could go on about my team, but I’ll chill. They lost to the Magic, Thunder, and Jazz. All double digits.
This week, they could run into that franchise record. They have the Knicks, Kings, Pacers, and Grizzlies. At this point, nobody wants to be that team that lost to the Sixers. So, another win gets even tougher for this already bad team. If they didn’t have that super start for the season, they would seriously be ready to break their own record for worst record in a 82 game season. 0-4. I will add that the most winnable game in my eyes is vs the Kings.