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November 19th, 2008

AJ’s NBA Power Rankings - November 19

By Ali Jawad | Ali Jawad's Power Rankings, NBA, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers

A quick recap of how the local teams fared last week…

Los Angeles Lakers

Highlights of the Week: The Lake Show picked up back to back victories on the road against the Mavericks and Hornets. The defense was solid once again as they held both Western Conference foes below 100 points. Tuesday night against the Bulls, Pau Gasol continued his strong start to the season after scoring a game high 34 points.

Lowlights of the Week: After a summer of questions about their toughness, it certainly wasn’t a good sign to see the P&G get out muscled by the Pistons Friday night. Not only was the offense putrid (42% shooting), but it was the first time on the season that the Lakers allowed an opponent to crack the century mark… a feat they duplicated against Chicago.

The Week Ahead: They visit Shaq and the Suns on Thursday before kicking off a five game homestand against the Nuggets and Kings.

Los Angeles Clippers

Highlights of the Week: Not much silver lining in this 1-9 black cloud.

Lowlights of the Week: 0-3 on a homestand that was supposed to at least bring some victories. Losses to the Kings, Warriors and a depleted Spurs team just add to the frustration of Clipper Nation. Baron Davis and Mike Dunleavy are already having to talk it out. No word if it led to hugging.

The Week Ahead: They kick off a three game roadie against the Thunder, 76ers and Nets tonight in Oklahoma City. Look for that game to end in a tie.

This week’s NBA Power Rankings (November 10-18) with the team’s current standings and their rise/fall since the last rankings:

1. Los Angeles Lakers (8-1) (+1): 81-1, anybody?

2. Boston Celtics (10-2) (-1): Doc Rivers wasn’t exactly thrilled with KG’s recent one game suspension.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-2) (+5): LeBron James’ crew has now won eight in a row.

4. Phoenix Suns (8-4) (+5): In 32 minutes of play Monday night, Shaq picked up just one rebound.

5. Detroit Pistons (7-3) (+1): It looks like A.I. is starting to fit in nicely with his new teammates.

6. New Orleans Hornets (5-4) (-3): Could this young squad be feeling the pressure of being a title contender?

7. Houston Rockets (7-4) (-3): Health was already a major concern, but losing your big three all in the same game? Only in Houston.

8. Utah Jazz (7-4) (-3): They’re holding up well to a rash of early season injuries, but for how long?

9. Orlando Magic (8-3) (+1): Is there any doubt that Dwight Howard is the best center in the league?

10. Atlanta Hawks (6-4) (+4): A four game losing streak has brought them back to earth (where they belong). They’re up-and-coming… but not that fast.

11. Portland Trailblazers (6-5) (+4): Greg Oden is back and already contributing on the defensive end.

12. Philadelphia 76ers (5-5) (+1): Thaddeus Young (16.3 points) is leading the team in scoring through 10 games.

13. Toronto Raptors (5-5) (-1): Thankfully for the Raptors, Jose Calderon’s hammy isn’t as bad as originally feared.

14. Denver Nuggets (7-4) (+2): Chauncey Billups has certainly brought his winning attitude to Denver. That, and offensive cohesion.

15. New York Knicks (6-5) (+13): Lots of offense with very little defense. Sounds like a Mike D’Antoni coached team.

16. Miami Heat (6-5) (+7): Dwayne Wade is playing even better than he did in the Olympics.

17. Chicago Bulls (5-6) (+1): Derrick Rose is the first Bulls rookie since Michael Jordan to score in double figures in his first 11 games of the season.

18. San Antonio Spurs (5-5) (-11): Tim Duncan (23.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg) is doing everything he can to keep this team from falling too far behind in the Western Conference without injured stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli.

19. Milwaukee Bucks (5-7) (no change): The talent is there with Redd, Jefferson, and Bogut, but they just can’t put it together.

20. New Jersey Nets (4-6) (+6): How much longer are we going to see Vince Carter in a Nets uniform?

21. Golden State Warriors (5-6) (no change): Undrafted rookie Anthony Morrow has been a pleasant surprise.

22. Indiana Pacers (5-5) (no change): T.J. Ford (16.4 ppg, 6.2 apg) has been a solid addition.

23. Dallas Mavericks (4-7) (-12): Mark Cuban has gotten himself into some deep trouble.

24. Sacramento Kings (4-8) (+1): Looks like another long season for Reggie Theus’ boys.

25. Memphis Grizzlies (4-7) (+2): O.J. Mayo is leading the team in scoring at 21 ppg.

26. Charlottes Bobcats (3-7) (-2): So how long does Larry Brown last?

27. Washington Wizards (1-7) (-10): Not even Agent Zero can save this team.

28. Los Angeles Clippers (1-9) (-8): Well, it didn’t take too long for Baron Davis to voice his displeasure with Dunleavy’s hands on coaching.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-8) (no change): Kevin Love is shooting just 38% from the field this season.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder (1-10) (no change): They’re settling in nicely here, and could stay all year.

Discuss:

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