NBA Power Rankings: December 26th, 2022

20-Win Club

1. Brooklyn Nets (+6) – Record: 21-12 (2-0)

2. Philadelphia 76ers (+9) – Record: 20-12 (4-0)

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (-) – Record: 22-12 (2-1)

4. Boston Celtics (-) – Record: 24-10 (2-1)

5. Denver Nuggets (-) – Record: 21-11 (3-0)

6. New Orleans Pelicans (+2) – Record: 20-12 (2-0)

7. Milwaukee Bucks (-6) – Record: 22-11 (1-3)

8. Memphis Grizzlies (-6) – Record: 20-12 (1-2)

.500 Club

9. Phoenix Suns (-3) – Record: 19-15 (1-3)

10. Los Angeles Clippers (-) – Record: 19-15 (1-1)

11. Dallas Mavericks (+4) – Record: 18-16 (3-1)

12. Utah Jazz (+4) – Record: 19-16 (2-1)

13. Portland Trailblazers (-4) – Record: 17-13 (0-3)

14. Indiana Pacers (+5) – Record: 17-16 (2-0)

15. Atlanta Hawks (+5) – Record: 17-16 (2-1)

16. New York Knicks (-4) – Record: 18-16 (1-3)

17. Sacramento Kings (-4) – Record: 17-14 (1-2)

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (-1) – Record: 16-17 (1-2)

19. Miami Heat (-5) – Record: 16-17 (0-2)

20. Golden State Warriors (-2) – Record: 16-18 (1-2)

Someone’s Gotta Be Slightly Below Mid, I Guess

21. Chicago Bulls (+2) – Record: 14-18 (3-0)

22. Orlando Magic (+2) – Record: 13-21 (2-1)

23. Oklahoma City Thunder (+2) – Record: 14-19 (2-1)

24. Washington Wizards (+2) – Record: 13-21 (2-1)

25. Toronto Raptors (-3) – Record: 14-18 (1-1)

26. Los Angeles Lakers (-5) – Record: 13-20 (0-4)

Flirting with a First Overall

27. Charlotte Hornets (+3)– Record: 9-24 (2-1)

28. Houston Rockets (-1) – Record: 9-23 (0-3)

29. San Antonio Spurs (-1) – Record: 10-22 (1-2)

30. Detroit Pistons (-1) – Record: 8-24 (0-3)

Biggest Winners:

Philadelphia 76ers (20-12, +9 spots)

The 76ers have finally figured it out. It seems that the calls for Doc Rivers’s job after a rough start were premature. The Sixers have dominated since Joel Embiid’s return to health, especially on the defensive end of the floor. After starting the season out of shape, Embiid has more than rounded into form. His play firmly cements him as a top MVP candidate this season once again. Guard James Harden has returned and his playmaking has helped gel this formerly dysfunctional offensive unit. All this winning without guard Tyrese Maxey, as the Philly bench (namely guard Shake Milton and big Georgies Niang) has stepped up in his absence. Look for Philly to continue this torrid run and prove they are who we thought they would be.

Honorable Mentions: Nets (+6); Pacers, Hawks (+5)

Biggest Losers:

Tie: Milwaukee Bucks (22-11, -6 spots); Memphis Grizzlies (20-12, -6 spots)

The Bucks and Grizzlies find themselves victims of poor timing more than poor performance. Last week’s 1 and 2 could not hold their spots this week, as the Sixers, Nets, Celtics, Cavs, Nuggets, and Pelicans all outplayed them this past week. Despite the small sample size, that’s the name of the power ranking game; a rough week for a top team will lead to a major drop because other top teams will be playing to their potential. No need to fret for either the Bucks or Grizzlies. The Bucks are still experimenting with lineups that include Khris Middleton and may be the top Jae Crowder destination. The Grizzlies defense is much improved with DPOY candidate Jaren Jackson Jr. averaging nearly four blocks per game in under thirty minutes a game. A tough loss to the Warriors really changed their outlook this week, so they’ll look to rebound next week going into the new year.

Honorable Mentions: Heat, Lakers (-5 spots); Knicks, Kings (-4 spots)