RWB Power Rankings: End of A Year

The power rankings are back. I’m really busy so it won’t be as detailed as I wished it was from now on. But hey, let’s not let that spoil our good time, okay? We’ve played basically our last week of 2012 basketball. It was an interesting year although the Sixers aren’t exactly going into the new year looking good.

Dec 26, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Rodney Stuckey (3) shoots a basket over Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kyle Korver (26) in the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a while since I posted the rankings and some terms may not make sense to you. “RWB” simply means “Red, White, Blue”. In this case, “RWB Record” is the record the team has against other RWB teams. The number represents where they rank while the number in parenthesis represents where they were last week. There were no rankings last week so the () will be left blank. Okay, so now you’re caught up…let’s get to the rankings!

Clippers 1 (-)

Week Record: 4-0

RWB Record: 2-1

The Clippers have taken a step into being a contender. Not to say they are contenders but you simply cannot ignore a double digit winning streak. The thing that’s holding me back is the lack of elite teams on their win streak. Most teams are mediocre at best. But, again, 16 games in a row is just not common and they deserve some credit. Their next week is more of the same. They have the Nuggets, Jazz, Warriors twice, and Lakers. Lakers could be a problem although the Clips haven’t loss to them yet. I think could potentially and likely end during one of their battles with the Warriors. That game will sure be a battle. Here’s two teams that recently were not very good and yet sit on top of the West standings. They have faced the Jazz twice during this current streak but they have won by a total of 3 points in those games. So yeah, this week isn’t sold.

My prediction: 3-2

Hawks 2 (-)

Week Record: 3-0

RWB Record: 5-2

Hawks have their own little streak going on at 4 games. They blew a large lead but held off the Pistons in double OT. They beat a good Cavs team and beat the Pacers too. Good week. Next week has 4 games. The first 3 are on the road vs the Rockets, Hornets, and Pistons. Then they come home to face the Celtics. I see a loss to the Rockets while beating the Hornets. They beat the Celtics and Pistons too.

My Prediction: 3-1

Pistons 3 (-)

Week Record: 1-1

RWB Record: 3-3

Pistons had a good week. Loss to Hawks in double OT…well you already heard about that. They then proceeded to beat the Heat by 10. That’s all ya need to know. I doubt they get another win over the Heat but it’s the NBA baby. Anything can happen. This week has the Bucks, Kings, and Hawks. Bucks actually blew out the Heat on Saturday so it’s a battle of the champion toppers or some kind of name I can’t think of right now. I say the Pistons lose though. I feel they can beat the Kings and I said they would lose to the Hawks already.

My Prediction: 1-2

Sixers 4 (-)

Week Record: 1-3

RWB Record: 2-1

The Sixers had an impressive win this past week too. They handed the Grizzlies only their 3rd home loss. In recent years, the Grizzlies have been one of the best home teams in the league. Also, the Sixers were riding a 4 game losing streak in Memphis. So yes, this was a good game. Why are below the Pistons? Welp, the 3 losses come to mind. Simply put, the Sixers gave these games away. Anyway, this week is a scary one and if this past week is any indication, I actually expect them to lose all 4 games. Lakers, Suns, Spurs, Thunder. If their sole win came, it would be vs the Suns but Sixers barely beat them while at home. On the road? Yeah, okay. Lakers are better than their last match-up. Spurs could rest their starters and still come on top. Thunder? HAHAHA.

My Prediction: 1-3 (yes I have to believe the Sixers pull one out)

Wizards 5 (-)

Week Record: 1-2

RWB Record: 0-5

Wizards didn’t get blown out this week. But, with only 4 wins on the season, there’s a good chance that they will never move out of this spot. No, they won’t be the worst NBA team in the league; I think they’re better than that. One of their wins was vs the Heat so I guess they can turn it up if they…never mind. This week they lost to the Cavaliers, beat the Magic, and lost to the Bulls. You could easily predict that would happen. Will they get win #5 before the new year? Nope, they played their final game of the year on Saturday. Will they get win #5 this week? Nah. They have 3 games. Mavericks, Pacers, Nets. Good luck with that.

My Prediction: 0-3