Power Rankings Week 6

Oh yeah, we are just about a quarter of the way through the season, and things are starting to come into focus. The Lakers toughness is still in question after their thriller with the Heat. Are the Orlando Magic really this good…without Jameer Nelson? Some big time rookies are running into the wall… ahem ahem Mr. Jennings in particular. Boston is finding their groove and the Nets are worse than the NJIT Highlanders. Got em.

I am talking way too much. Let’s go to the Power Rankings through The Ref’s eyes:

Biggest Gain:Denver (+5)
Biggest Drop:San Antonio (-7)

1. LA Lakers (16-3) I was so close to dropping them down a spot for their lack of toughness in the Miami game, but they’re on a 9-game winning streak and they have the best closer in the league. Who am I to deprive them of a spot they truly earned?
2. Orlando (16-4) The Magic received a little reprieve from last week’s schedule with easy games against NY… twice and Golden State (All Ws). Enjoy as they have to face an improved Clippers team, the surging Jazz, and the Icy Hot Phoenix Suns this week away from home.
3. Boston (16-4) The C’s are on a 7-game win streak and it’s due to Rondo’s free throw shooting? Let me indulge you: Rondo was 1-13 from the line during their 4-game losing streak against teams with a .500 record or better, and 9-16 during their current streak.
4. Denver (15-5) With their road win against San Antonio, this team has proved that they can be a road warrior which their record doesn’t represent: 6-4 compared to a 9-1 record at home.
5. Cleveland (15-5) This team embarrassed everybody this week, even themselves. The Cavs destroyed Phoenix, Chicago, and Milwaukee but danced around like a bunch of fools. It’s starting to look exactly like last season…remember how that ended?
6. Atlanta (14-6) Just when you think this team is about to go down hill - they win at Dallas? I predicted in our podcast, but never truly believed in it. They have an easy two-game week against Chicago and Toronto, who they dropped 146 on the other night.
7. Phoenix (15-6) With huge losses to the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Lakers on the road, this team needs to work hard at getting the highest seed possible for the playoffs so they can play at home where they are 7-0.
8. Portland (13-8) As they are dropping in the standings (and my power rankings), they are saved from exile with Brandon Roy’s miraculous game winning layup against Houston. Let’s see how this plays in this week’s Eastern Road Trip against New York, Indiana, Cleveland and Milwaukee.
9. Dallas (14-7) Ok Mavericks, I can understand when the Grizzlies get hot, they can beat anybody, but when you lose to the struggling Hawks at home while shooting only 34% from the floor, it is not acceptable.
10. Miami (11-9) Despite losing a heartbreaker to the Lakers, the Heat have to be proud of their effort and the solid and more importantly, the consistent play of Michael Beasley.
11. Houston (11-9) Well, Brandon Roy did it again. Houston was on roll until Mr. Roy had the last word…again. Let’s see how they respond to that loss when LeBron James comes to town on Wednesday.
12. Utah (11-8) This team simply needs to be a better road team. 3-5 on the road is not going to cut it, especially when you lose to Minnesota.
13. San Antonio (9-8) Sigh… What a disappointment. The Spurs get back Manu Ginobili. Dejuan Blair is playing like a beast, and you lose two in a row at home. That’s just absurd.
14.Oklahoma City (10-9) As long as they beat the teams they are supposed too, they will make the playoffs. Therefore, the Thunder have to defeat Golden State and Memphis this week before they play Cleveland, @Denver, Dallas, Detroit, and @Houston the following.
15. Sacramento (9-10) A big test this week. They play @New Orleans, @ San Antonio, and come back home against the T-Wolves. If they can beat the Spurs, this team may be on to something.
16. LA Clippers (9-11) It’s the matchup I have been waiting for all season. Dwight ‘Superman’ Howard vs. ‘Awful’ Chris Kaman. Yessssss! … Crazy enough, this is the only game for the Clips this week.
17. Toronto (9-13) After losing three in row, the Raptors get two solid road victories behind none other than… Andrea Barganani. Haha… didn’t see that one coming.
18. New Orleans (8-11) Chris Paul is back baby and with his performance the other night against Minnesota (16 pts. 15 asts. & 8 steals), more good things to come for the city of Mardi Gras.
19. Milwaukee (9-10) The Bucks have gone 1-7 since their 8-3 start. Ouch. Coach Scott Skiles should stop arguing with the refs and concentrate on finding a solution to their losing woes.
20. Charlotte (8-11) The Bobcats would be higher in the ranking but 1-7 on the road is ridiculous, and their the seventh seed as we speak. Ugh. The Eastern will give them their due, but not I.
21. Memphis (8-12) Lionel Collins is starting to figure out to mesh OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay together, and if the blowout win against Dallas is any indication for future performances. We are in for a treat.
22. Detroit (8-12) I have never liked the Pistons, but I do like this squad with the bench combo of Charlie Villanueva and Will Bynum producing big numbers. It’s impressive.
23. Chicago (7-11) Ok, I give up. This is team has no chemistry, no defense, and no offense. I have defended this team throughout the year, waiting for their turnaround, but I wonder when it will come, because it will, but for right now, I don’t know.
24. Washington (7-12) Since Gilbert Arenas is so into the numbers game, I will play fire with fire. 3-7 when Arenas is the leading scorer and 4-0 when Antawn Jamison leads the way. Eat it.
25. New York (6-15) Oh God, the Knicks went 3-1 this past week with victories over Phoenix and @Atlanta. They’re showing signs of life baby.
26. Golden State (6-13) Don Nelson, please, please, I am begging you. Play Anthony Randolph for the love of God! Did you see what he did the other night (28 pts. 13 rebs. & 5 asts)?
27. Indiana (6-12) Losers of six in a row and an injured Danny Granger. Not much else to say.
28. Minnesota (3-17) I guess Kevin Love is really that good. He frees up Al Jefferson and Jonny Flynn with his outside shooting and post up capability. Also, what’s got into Ryan Gomes: 21 ppg & 5 rpg in his last 4.
29. Philadelphia (5-15) Mixed emotions in the city of brotherly love: Losers of 9 in row but get back Allen Iverson in an emotional reunion. The Sixers can only feel relieved that have ‘The Answer’ back.
30. New Jersey (1-19) Yeah, I said it. The NJIT Highlanders are better than the Nets. Well at least they have hope for next year.

This is The Ref signaling I’m out until next time and remember: We miss calls, you miss layups.