Week 3 Power Rankings
Oct 29, 2018 1:58:03 GMT -5
Golden State Warriors (Caleb), Toronto Raptors (Perk), and 3 more like this
Post by The Athletic on Oct 29, 2018 1:58:03 GMT -5
Heyyyyy everybody it's your favorite sports media platform ESPN here, reporting on your favorite fantasy basketball league. Week 2 was an awesome one, filled with games that came down the wire, divisional showdowns, and even an early upset. Without further ado.
News Items:
30. Charlotte Hornets (0-2)- Things are not looking to hot in Charlotte. Obviously Ingram being out doesn't help but the Hornets got blasted by the Bulls. Lonzo look promising, and Collins remains out, but other than that things don't look too good. The toughest part about all this.. The Hornets don't own their first, guess who does? Hornets. Awesome. Work to be done in Charlotte.
29. Boston Celtics (0-1)- The Celtics had a bye, but it's clear this is a rebuilding year. The Celtics have to be pleased with SGA and Fultz and their development, but questions are starting to come up with Josh Jackson and his efficiency. Celtics won't be good this year, but they got some talent.
28. Milwaukee Bucks (0-2)- This team really is just Giannis. Giannis almost single handely took down the Pacers but in the end it just wasn't enough. The Bucks are positioned to be good again next year and dealt for budding star Dejountae Murray this week. Look for the Aussie Joe Ingles to eventually head out of Milwaukee at some point as well.
27. Miami Heat (0-2)- The Heat won't win many games this year, but they have already taken a big step forward from last year. Ayton looks like the real deal, he's a double double machine already and has shown some ability to dish it as well. Fox is off to a really awesome start as well. Big things coming in Miami.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2)- The Thunder suffered one of the tougher losses in league history as ESPN doesn't have Jonathon Williams in the data base and as a result couldn't get his points. (ESPN still doesn't allow us to add points) The team is just not performing well right now. Kyrie's role doesn't look as defined as last year, and despite Sabonis and Kelly O's talent it doesn't look like either will have big time roles this year. Bogey is still out and he'll help but this Thunder team still needs some work.
25. LA Lakers (0-2)- Still a lot of talent on this Lakers team, but while Dunn is out this team will struggle. Joel still looks good, and the Lakers have to be pleased with the way Josh Richardson has started the year. Yes, they are 0-2 but this team can be good as soon as next year. The Lakers will head to Dallas next week.
24. Washington Wizards (0-2)- Oh how the Wizards have fallen. A perennial playoff team year after the year, this Wizards have struggled this year. This team got blown out by a very good 76ers team in week 2, and now face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. Nobody on their team really stands out as having a good year so far, so moves may need to be made.
23. Cleveland Cavs (1-1)- The Cavs had a huge week 1 win against the Pacers last week, but came back down to earth this week. It's a harsh drop in the rankings after a big win last week, but with 341, the Cavs had the lowest score of any team by far this week and got walloped by the Hawks in the process. The Cavs will head to Charlotte next week.
22. Portland Trailblazers (1-0)- The Blazers move down two spots despite a win this week. Why? I'm still not convinced. The team barely squeaked out a win against a very mediocre Thunder team. The good news? Kemba Walker looks like a beast this year. Beal will be better and the Blazers should get Lauri back soon. A lot of talent on this team, but I have them as a playoff bubble team this year.
21. Utah Jazz (0-2)- The Jazz fall to 0-2 but put up a fight against the best team in the league. TJ's been on the phones, but I think even he realizes this team just isn't good enough to compete with the big dogs. Expect Conley Niko, and Ish Smith to be in different uniforms by the end of the year.
20. Houston Rockets (1-1)- The Rockets fell the divisional foe the Warriors this week, but played well. Josh Hart is going to be really solid, newly acquired Damyean Dotson has been really good and Nance had a really good week. This team probably isn't a playoff team, but it is sneaky deep and well be competitive most weeks. The Rockets head to LA to face the Clippers in week 3.
19. Orlando Magic (0-2)- The Magic always seem to be one of those teams that has a lot of potential but just can't quite pull through. Perry doesn't seem like he wants to move any of his key pieces right now but i'm not sure if his team is good enough right now to make any sort of real run. Turner and Kanter struggled this week and as a result the Magic went down to the Toronto Raptors. Isaac and Tatum are special.
18. Phoenix Suns (1-1)- With the hep of Nerlens Noel and Ellie Okobo the Suns got a huge win against the Spurs this week. Break out games aside this Suns team is a lot better than it was last year. Jarrett Allen is going to be good in this league, and while the Suns probably overpaid Gary Harris, he's been awesome this year. Unfortunately for the Suns they head to New Orleans to face the leagues' best team in the Pelicans.
17. San Antonio Spurs (1-1)- Yes they did lose to the Suns and that bumps them down a couple spots, but I still like them as a better team overall than the Suns. Delon will be back soon, and despite the loss things overall are trending up for this Spurs team. Cam Payne is a starting for at least a couple weeks, Danny Green is pretty good again, and Payton is thriving back home in New Orleans. The Spurs have a huge game against the Kings in week 3.
16. Detroit Pistons (2-0)- Don't look now but the Pistons are off to a 2-0 start. Kawhi looks awesome and comfortable early on, and Zach Lavine is balling. The Pistons were able to win this one without Kevin Love who they hope will be able to be back soon. The Pistons head to Orlando in what should be a very fun and important week 3 match up.
15. LA Clippers (1-1)- After an amazing week 1, the Clippers came back down to earth and lost a tough game to the division rival Kings. Outside of the Cavs the Clipps were the lowest scoring team in the league. Dwight is still hurt, and Trae was bad this week. Kent had a great game, and Jimmy Butler and Hassan should be better on most weeks. The Clippers will look to rebound against a sneaky good Rockets team in week 3.
14. Atlanta Hawks (1-1)- Trey's Hawks look gooooood. I can't remember the last time a Trey team was this high in the power rankings. The Hawks were able to take down the Cavs with Harden on the shelf for most of the week. Montrezl Harrell is an absolute beast out there, and the Hawks have put together a surprising amount of depth around Harden and Lillard. The Hawks should make quick work of the Bucks in week 3.
13. Indiana Pacers (1-1)- It wasn't easy but the Pacers got a big win against the Bucks this week. They still aren't playing their best basketball yet, and Adams is banged up early on. Donovan had a couple monster games, but still needs to work on his overall game. Randle isn't getting quite as many minutes as he would probably like, and Dennis is still working through some things. This team is still supremely talented and it's a matter of time before they got hot.
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-2)- The highest 0-2 team in the power rankings, the Twolves had their second tough luck loss in a row. The wolves put up a healthy 640 points but were out dueled by a revamped Mavs team. AD also sat out a game and that ultimately was the difference. John Wall and AD will give this team a chance every week. The Wolves will look to get their first win of the year next week against the defending champs.
11. Sacramento Kings (1-1)- The Kings didn't have their best week, but they won't mind as it was still enough to beat divisional rival Clipps. Simmons and Baynes both missed some time, and Chandler remains out. Bradley finally showed he still knows how to play basketball, but Hayward is still a ways away from Utah Jazz Hayward. It's not panic time in Sac yet, but this Kings team does have some issues. It's on to San Antonio for the Kings next week.
10. Dallas Mavericks (1-1)- The Mavs had a bad week 1, but made some moves and looked like a completely different team in week 2. They put up 700 and got a huge W against the Twolves. Lebron started to heat up, and while there some issues that arose between them and the league office on Sunday, they should be cleared soon and good to go. The Mavs aren't quite a title contender in our eyes, but it's close. The Mavs will look to build off this week against the Lakers in week 3.
9. Toronto Raptors (2-0)- The Raps cotinued their great start to the season with another win against the Magic. The Lowry trade is looking better and better as Nik Stauskas has carved out a role in PDX and Lowry continues to be an elite producer. Gallo looks like good and this team is as deep as anyone (outside of maybe the Pelicans). Perk's squad should have no issues next week against the bottom dwelling Celtics.
8. New York Knicks (1-0)- The Knicks had a bye this week and really nothing crazy has changed from last week to this week. The team is still led by Jrue and Middleton. Marcus Morris is off to a really hot start, and Klay is off to a really cold start. I expect both to have some regression to the mean soon. The Knicks and 76ers have a monster week 3 match up.
7. Brooklyn Nets (2-0)- The Nets slide right back into the same slot as last week. The Nets handled the Celtics easily despite not putting up 600 points. Kevin Durant is locked in early, but there may be some concern with Aaron Gordon early on. He looked really good week 1, but week 2 was a little different. We'll see if he can get back on track in week 3. The Nets have to be thrilled with Levert/Doncic early on. The kids are special.
6. Philadelphia 76ers (2-0) - The 6ers move down a spot but at no fault of their own. The 6ers smashed with the Wizards, and again this is without KAT being himself and Tyreke missing a game. I thought the down week from Kat week 1 was an outlier, but it looks like Jimmy is in his head. KAT has too much talent to not eventually figure it out, but there has to be some concern there. Other than that this 6ers team is locked in as a top dog in the East all year long. A week 3 date with the powerhouse Knicks is on the menu.
5. Golden State Warriors (2-0)- The Warriors move down a couple spot as well, and it's mainly because their lack of depth relative to the teams ahead of them. Steph Curry and Blake went bonkers on seperate nights, and George finally got going on Sunday. The Mcgruder pick up was huge, and it'll be interesting to see how the return of Ellington, James Johnson, and Winslow effect his production. A a measuring stick game again the Grizzlies awaits in week 3.
4. Memphis Grizzlies (2-0)- The Grizzlies put up a cool 706 in a week 2 thrashing of the Lakers. I think this Grizzlies team is actually really slept on. Chris Paul is made for this scoring, WCS has taken a big step forward, and Deandre looks really comfortable in Dallas. There is however some bad news, Portis is out for awhile, and Ingram's return probably means that Kuz and Lance take a step back this week. Nevertheless this Grizzlies team is a title contender. A big game against the Warriors awaits in week 3.
3. Denver Nuggets (1-0)- The Nuggets move down a spot during their bye week despite a great performance. This team is one of the deepest if not the deepest in the league. Vic finally was able to get it going and Rubio had his first good game. Vucevic is in a zone right now, and while he may not be the future center there, he's as productive as they come. The Nuggets will face their first big test of the year against their division rival Twolves.
2. Chicago Bulls (2-0)- The Bulls are probably wishing they faced someone a little tougher this week as they had the high score of the week and destroyed the lowly Hornets. That Javale trade is paying huge dividends as he continues to shred defenses night after night. Lou Will still doesn't it last years Lou Will but LMA has been great, and Nemanja looks to have found a real nice home in Sacramento. The Bulls are our favorite out East- they'll head to the nations capital to face the Wizards in week 3.
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-0)- Man you already know the deal with this team. The Pelicans got Russ back this week, and as expected took care of the Jazz. The Pelicans are the clear favorite this year, and injuries will really be the only thing that can stop this team. The Pelicans already are dealing with injuries to Booker, Van Vleet, and James Johnson and they still were the 2nd highest scorer. #scary
Biggest Riser: Dallas Mavericks +7
Biggest Faller: Cleveland Cavs -4
Week 3 Match-up of the Week: New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
See you next week folks.
News Items:
- UPSET ALERT
After a tough luck loss last week the Suns rebounded with a huge week 2 against a good Spurs team. The Suns look to have taken a big leap from last year. Nerlens Noel got a last minute start and went BONKERS. Ellie Okobo went off in garbage time. Tough loss for the Spurs, but this Suns team looks good - KINGS WIN A SHIT SHOW
I know it's early, but the last thing you want to do is be 0-2 with two losses to your biggest divisional rivals. In what was a battle between the two lowest scorers in the whole conference the Kings came out on top. The Clippers looked like a legit contender last week, but Trae came down to earth, and so did the Clippers. Dwight is still on the shelf, so we won't overact. Both teams are still very much playoff contenders and the Pacific will be a very fun division to monitor all year - INJURIES
It's early but we've already hit a wave of injuries. Ben Simmons, James Harden, Anthony Davis, Steven Adams, and Andrew Wiggins all missed time this week. Injuries are always a huge part of the variance during the season. The teams that stay healthy win. Here's to hoping everyone can stay healthy.
30. Charlotte Hornets (0-2)- Things are not looking to hot in Charlotte. Obviously Ingram being out doesn't help but the Hornets got blasted by the Bulls. Lonzo look promising, and Collins remains out, but other than that things don't look too good. The toughest part about all this.. The Hornets don't own their first, guess who does? Hornets. Awesome. Work to be done in Charlotte.
29. Boston Celtics (0-1)- The Celtics had a bye, but it's clear this is a rebuilding year. The Celtics have to be pleased with SGA and Fultz and their development, but questions are starting to come up with Josh Jackson and his efficiency. Celtics won't be good this year, but they got some talent.
28. Milwaukee Bucks (0-2)- This team really is just Giannis. Giannis almost single handely took down the Pacers but in the end it just wasn't enough. The Bucks are positioned to be good again next year and dealt for budding star Dejountae Murray this week. Look for the Aussie Joe Ingles to eventually head out of Milwaukee at some point as well.
27. Miami Heat (0-2)- The Heat won't win many games this year, but they have already taken a big step forward from last year. Ayton looks like the real deal, he's a double double machine already and has shown some ability to dish it as well. Fox is off to a really awesome start as well. Big things coming in Miami.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2)- The Thunder suffered one of the tougher losses in league history as ESPN doesn't have Jonathon Williams in the data base and as a result couldn't get his points. (ESPN still doesn't allow us to add points) The team is just not performing well right now. Kyrie's role doesn't look as defined as last year, and despite Sabonis and Kelly O's talent it doesn't look like either will have big time roles this year. Bogey is still out and he'll help but this Thunder team still needs some work.
25. LA Lakers (0-2)- Still a lot of talent on this Lakers team, but while Dunn is out this team will struggle. Joel still looks good, and the Lakers have to be pleased with the way Josh Richardson has started the year. Yes, they are 0-2 but this team can be good as soon as next year. The Lakers will head to Dallas next week.
24. Washington Wizards (0-2)- Oh how the Wizards have fallen. A perennial playoff team year after the year, this Wizards have struggled this year. This team got blown out by a very good 76ers team in week 2, and now face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. Nobody on their team really stands out as having a good year so far, so moves may need to be made.
23. Cleveland Cavs (1-1)- The Cavs had a huge week 1 win against the Pacers last week, but came back down to earth this week. It's a harsh drop in the rankings after a big win last week, but with 341, the Cavs had the lowest score of any team by far this week and got walloped by the Hawks in the process. The Cavs will head to Charlotte next week.
22. Portland Trailblazers (1-0)- The Blazers move down two spots despite a win this week. Why? I'm still not convinced. The team barely squeaked out a win against a very mediocre Thunder team. The good news? Kemba Walker looks like a beast this year. Beal will be better and the Blazers should get Lauri back soon. A lot of talent on this team, but I have them as a playoff bubble team this year.
21. Utah Jazz (0-2)- The Jazz fall to 0-2 but put up a fight against the best team in the league. TJ's been on the phones, but I think even he realizes this team just isn't good enough to compete with the big dogs. Expect Conley Niko, and Ish Smith to be in different uniforms by the end of the year.
20. Houston Rockets (1-1)- The Rockets fell the divisional foe the Warriors this week, but played well. Josh Hart is going to be really solid, newly acquired Damyean Dotson has been really good and Nance had a really good week. This team probably isn't a playoff team, but it is sneaky deep and well be competitive most weeks. The Rockets head to LA to face the Clippers in week 3.
19. Orlando Magic (0-2)- The Magic always seem to be one of those teams that has a lot of potential but just can't quite pull through. Perry doesn't seem like he wants to move any of his key pieces right now but i'm not sure if his team is good enough right now to make any sort of real run. Turner and Kanter struggled this week and as a result the Magic went down to the Toronto Raptors. Isaac and Tatum are special.
18. Phoenix Suns (1-1)- With the hep of Nerlens Noel and Ellie Okobo the Suns got a huge win against the Spurs this week. Break out games aside this Suns team is a lot better than it was last year. Jarrett Allen is going to be good in this league, and while the Suns probably overpaid Gary Harris, he's been awesome this year. Unfortunately for the Suns they head to New Orleans to face the leagues' best team in the Pelicans.
17. San Antonio Spurs (1-1)- Yes they did lose to the Suns and that bumps them down a couple spots, but I still like them as a better team overall than the Suns. Delon will be back soon, and despite the loss things overall are trending up for this Spurs team. Cam Payne is a starting for at least a couple weeks, Danny Green is pretty good again, and Payton is thriving back home in New Orleans. The Spurs have a huge game against the Kings in week 3.
16. Detroit Pistons (2-0)- Don't look now but the Pistons are off to a 2-0 start. Kawhi looks awesome and comfortable early on, and Zach Lavine is balling. The Pistons were able to win this one without Kevin Love who they hope will be able to be back soon. The Pistons head to Orlando in what should be a very fun and important week 3 match up.
15. LA Clippers (1-1)- After an amazing week 1, the Clippers came back down to earth and lost a tough game to the division rival Kings. Outside of the Cavs the Clipps were the lowest scoring team in the league. Dwight is still hurt, and Trae was bad this week. Kent had a great game, and Jimmy Butler and Hassan should be better on most weeks. The Clippers will look to rebound against a sneaky good Rockets team in week 3.
14. Atlanta Hawks (1-1)- Trey's Hawks look gooooood. I can't remember the last time a Trey team was this high in the power rankings. The Hawks were able to take down the Cavs with Harden on the shelf for most of the week. Montrezl Harrell is an absolute beast out there, and the Hawks have put together a surprising amount of depth around Harden and Lillard. The Hawks should make quick work of the Bucks in week 3.
13. Indiana Pacers (1-1)- It wasn't easy but the Pacers got a big win against the Bucks this week. They still aren't playing their best basketball yet, and Adams is banged up early on. Donovan had a couple monster games, but still needs to work on his overall game. Randle isn't getting quite as many minutes as he would probably like, and Dennis is still working through some things. This team is still supremely talented and it's a matter of time before they got hot.
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-2)- The highest 0-2 team in the power rankings, the Twolves had their second tough luck loss in a row. The wolves put up a healthy 640 points but were out dueled by a revamped Mavs team. AD also sat out a game and that ultimately was the difference. John Wall and AD will give this team a chance every week. The Wolves will look to get their first win of the year next week against the defending champs.
11. Sacramento Kings (1-1)- The Kings didn't have their best week, but they won't mind as it was still enough to beat divisional rival Clipps. Simmons and Baynes both missed some time, and Chandler remains out. Bradley finally showed he still knows how to play basketball, but Hayward is still a ways away from Utah Jazz Hayward. It's not panic time in Sac yet, but this Kings team does have some issues. It's on to San Antonio for the Kings next week.
10. Dallas Mavericks (1-1)- The Mavs had a bad week 1, but made some moves and looked like a completely different team in week 2. They put up 700 and got a huge W against the Twolves. Lebron started to heat up, and while there some issues that arose between them and the league office on Sunday, they should be cleared soon and good to go. The Mavs aren't quite a title contender in our eyes, but it's close. The Mavs will look to build off this week against the Lakers in week 3.
9. Toronto Raptors (2-0)- The Raps cotinued their great start to the season with another win against the Magic. The Lowry trade is looking better and better as Nik Stauskas has carved out a role in PDX and Lowry continues to be an elite producer. Gallo looks like good and this team is as deep as anyone (outside of maybe the Pelicans). Perk's squad should have no issues next week against the bottom dwelling Celtics.
8. New York Knicks (1-0)- The Knicks had a bye this week and really nothing crazy has changed from last week to this week. The team is still led by Jrue and Middleton. Marcus Morris is off to a really hot start, and Klay is off to a really cold start. I expect both to have some regression to the mean soon. The Knicks and 76ers have a monster week 3 match up.
7. Brooklyn Nets (2-0)- The Nets slide right back into the same slot as last week. The Nets handled the Celtics easily despite not putting up 600 points. Kevin Durant is locked in early, but there may be some concern with Aaron Gordon early on. He looked really good week 1, but week 2 was a little different. We'll see if he can get back on track in week 3. The Nets have to be thrilled with Levert/Doncic early on. The kids are special.
6. Philadelphia 76ers (2-0) - The 6ers move down a spot but at no fault of their own. The 6ers smashed with the Wizards, and again this is without KAT being himself and Tyreke missing a game. I thought the down week from Kat week 1 was an outlier, but it looks like Jimmy is in his head. KAT has too much talent to not eventually figure it out, but there has to be some concern there. Other than that this 6ers team is locked in as a top dog in the East all year long. A week 3 date with the powerhouse Knicks is on the menu.
5. Golden State Warriors (2-0)- The Warriors move down a couple spot as well, and it's mainly because their lack of depth relative to the teams ahead of them. Steph Curry and Blake went bonkers on seperate nights, and George finally got going on Sunday. The Mcgruder pick up was huge, and it'll be interesting to see how the return of Ellington, James Johnson, and Winslow effect his production. A a measuring stick game again the Grizzlies awaits in week 3.
4. Memphis Grizzlies (2-0)- The Grizzlies put up a cool 706 in a week 2 thrashing of the Lakers. I think this Grizzlies team is actually really slept on. Chris Paul is made for this scoring, WCS has taken a big step forward, and Deandre looks really comfortable in Dallas. There is however some bad news, Portis is out for awhile, and Ingram's return probably means that Kuz and Lance take a step back this week. Nevertheless this Grizzlies team is a title contender. A big game against the Warriors awaits in week 3.
3. Denver Nuggets (1-0)- The Nuggets move down a spot during their bye week despite a great performance. This team is one of the deepest if not the deepest in the league. Vic finally was able to get it going and Rubio had his first good game. Vucevic is in a zone right now, and while he may not be the future center there, he's as productive as they come. The Nuggets will face their first big test of the year against their division rival Twolves.
2. Chicago Bulls (2-0)- The Bulls are probably wishing they faced someone a little tougher this week as they had the high score of the week and destroyed the lowly Hornets. That Javale trade is paying huge dividends as he continues to shred defenses night after night. Lou Will still doesn't it last years Lou Will but LMA has been great, and Nemanja looks to have found a real nice home in Sacramento. The Bulls are our favorite out East- they'll head to the nations capital to face the Wizards in week 3.
1. New Orleans Pelicans (2-0)- Man you already know the deal with this team. The Pelicans got Russ back this week, and as expected took care of the Jazz. The Pelicans are the clear favorite this year, and injuries will really be the only thing that can stop this team. The Pelicans already are dealing with injuries to Booker, Van Vleet, and James Johnson and they still were the 2nd highest scorer. #scary
Biggest Riser: Dallas Mavericks +7
Biggest Faller: Cleveland Cavs -4
Week 3 Match-up of the Week: New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
See you next week folks.