December has been a month of parity, with every team having at least three losses, only one (the Knicks) having fewer than three wins, and a bunch of modest winning streaks coming to an end in the last week.
That can make it hard to figure out who goes where in the Power Rankings. It also means that almost every game means something. Look no further than the Christmas Day slate, which features four important games in regard to the standings. The fifth has Giannis Antetokounmpo looking for some revenge on the Madison Square Garden stage.
In addition to being Christmas week, Week 11 is home-and-home week, with six pairs of teams facing in each other on both home floors over the next five days, and three of those six pairings — Nets-Hornets, Mavs-Pelicans and Kings-Clippers — involving teams that are within a game of each other in the win or loss column.
Every game counts. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Previously…
- Last week: Three big wins help Nuggets rise to No. 1
- This time last year: Warriors reclaim top spot with Christmas win — Playing without Stephen Curry, the Warriors beat the Cavs on Christmas behind a triple-double from Draymond Green. The Knicks still had a winning record (17-16) and the Lakers put an end to the Rockets’ 14-game winning streak. Dion Waiters played his last game of the season (succumbing to an ankle injury that he still hasn’t recovered from), DeMar DeRozan had made 13 3-pointers in three games, and James Harden scored 51 points against both L.A. teams in the span of three days. Larry Nance Jr. dunked all over Kevin Durant, Jrue Holiday executed a 360 layup, and Russell Westbrook hit a game-winning three against the Hawks. Jason Kidd had Khris Middleton intentionally miss a free throw with the Bucks up three and the Pacers threw away a win against the Celtics.
Plus-Minus Players of the Week
- Mr. Plus: Paul George (OKC) was a plus-66 in four games last week.
- Mr. Minus: Collin Sexton (CLE) was a minus-55 in four games last week.
Teams of the Week
- Make It Last Forever: Miami (3-0) — The Heat ended the Rockets’ five-game winning streak on Thursday and the Bucks’ four-game winning streak on Saturday, handing the league’s No. 2 offense its worst offensive game of the season.
- Something Just Ain’t Right: New York (0-3) — The Knicks’ 1-9 stretch has included losses to the Cavs, Suns and Hawks.
East vs. West
- The West is 99-72 (.579) against the East in interconference games after going 6-6 last week.
Schedule strength through Week 10
- Toughest: 1. Utah, 2. Phoenix, 3. New Orleans
- Easiest: 1. Philadelphia, 2. Oklahoma City, 3. Charlotte
- Schedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record, and adjusted for home vs. away and days of rest before a game.
Movement in the Rankings
- High jumps of the week: Miami (+7), San Antonio (+7), Brooklyn (+5)
- Free falls of the week: New Orleans (-7), Dallas (-6), Detroit (-6)
Week 11 Team to Watch
- L.A. Lakers — The Lakers played the Warriors twice in the preseason, but the Christmas showcase game will be their first regular-season meeting with the champs. They’ll also have their first meeting with the Clippers on Friday, and that game is sandwiched by an important home-and-home set (Thursday and Sunday) against the Kings.
* * *
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
The league has averaged 100.8 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes and 108.4 points scored per 100 possessions this season.
* * *
NBA.com’s Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man’s opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, send him an e-mail or contact him via Twitter.
* * *
