Jazz, Hornets Lead Sports Truth NBA Power Rankings
November 8th, 2006 by Steven Vinci
One week into the NBA season and we have learned absolutely nothing — except, of course, that the Knicks are unbeatable if they play three overtimes.
Miami looks sluggish, but they still have Dwyane Wade. Dallas is struggling big time. Portland may be at .500 for the first and final time this season.
The bottom line is that plenty more has to fall into place before we know anything for certain. So let’s pretend records actually matter this early in the season (like the BCS) and provide power rankings that go strictly by wins, losses and margin of victory.
[Current ranking, followed by preseason Sports Truth ranking in parentheses, followed by record thus far]
1. (12) Utah (4-0). Currently have a +10 win differential.
2. (18) New Orleans/Oklahoma City (4-0). Chris Paul (below, right) looks great with Tyson Chandler.
3. (13) L.A. Lakers (4-1). Two wins without Kobe says something.
4. (4) San Antonio (3-1). Duncan looks strong, already defeated Dallas.
5. (21) Indiana (3-1). Harrington has best haircut in NBA right now.
6. (24) Philadelphia (3-1). Only loss was to Pacers… the fall will come soon.
7. (29) Atlanta (3-1). Surprising start thanks to defensive effort.
8. (7) L.A. Clippers (3-1). Three wins over Suns, Nuggets and Blazers.
9. (11) Houston (2-2). Both losses against 4-0 teams.
10. (10) New Jersey (1-1). Tough November schedule will tell us more.
11. (9) Chicago (2-2). Hammered the Heat, lackluster since the opener.
12. (16) Orlando (2-2). Destroyed Chicago, beat Wizards, fell to Atlanta.
13. (14) Milwaukee (2-2). Up and down every night; Michael Redd is on fire.
14. (2) Miami (2-2). Sluggish start; Diesel missed last two games.
15. (6) Detroit (2-2). Losing at home to Bucks was a shock.
16. (5) Cleveland (2-2). King James hates new ball, still has to do it all.
17. (17) Golden State (2-3). Monta Ellis (right)… remember that name.
18. (27) Minnesota (2-3). Dropped last three.
19. (28) Portland (2-2). Might not be .500 the rest of the year.
20. (19) Sacramento (2-2). Miller is out, Martin looks like he can play.
21. (1) Phoenix (1-3). Amare Stoudemire starts tonight against Spurs.
22. (20) Seattle (1-3). Would be 2-2 if Allen made those FTs in Miami.
23. (22) Toronto (1-2). Chris Bosh has been impressive in last two (1-1).
24. (23) Washington (1-2). Lead the league in scoring.
25. (26) Charlotte (1-2). Adam Morrison can score at any level (16 ppg).
26. (30) New York (1-3). Unbeatable in third OT!
27. (25) Memphis (1-3). Three losses were close, tough November schedule.
28. (8) Denver (0-2). Two losses by a total of four points.
29. (15) Boston (0-3). Doc Rivers needs to figure out who to play.
30. (3) Dallas (0-3). Not scoring, no defense, now no Howard.
