RWB Power Rankings: All Streaks Must End
By Dante Nelson
January 4, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith (5) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) in the first quarter at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
This week saw the Clippers’ winning streak come to an end and create another one in the process. Sixers and Hawks continue to be mediocre. Pistons make a leap in the standings. Wizards come close but not close enough.
Clippers: 1 (1)
Week Record: 3-2
RWB Record: 2-1
Well the Clippers went 3-2 as I figured. Their winning streak ended at 17 games and then they lost two in a row before decimating the Warriors. They beat the Jazz, took over L.A. and beat the Lakers, and beat the Warriors. Lost to the Warriors and Nuggets. Nuggets are still in charge of this “division” and will most likely remain on top for the rest of the season as the Wizards remain at the bottom. This week has them facing the Mavericks and Magic. I can’t see anything less than 2-0 so that’s what I’ll predict. Both games are home.
Prediction: 2-0
Pistons: 2 (3)
RWB Record: 4-3
Pistons had a week. After beating the Heat, they proved that it wasn’t just some random thing and won 3 more games in a row. Granted, the teams they faced were not very good teams, but with their win over the Hawks, they now have a winning record against RWB teams and that is a factor in my ranking. They beat the Hawks, Bucks, and Kings. Their total win margin is only 9 points.
Can the streak continue? They have the Bucks, Bobcats, and Jazz. Top of my head I see a 2-1 record.
Prediction: 2-1
Sixers: 3 (4)
Week Record: 1-3
RWB Record: 2-1
Sixers matched my prediction of going 1-3 although I wasn’t expecting the win to come vs the Lakers. But it sure wasn’t coming vs the Spurs or Thunder. After starting out the week beating the Lakers, they pretty much played bad basketball for the next 3 games. Suns are not capable of blowing teams out like the Thunder or Spurs so that’s why Sixers actually hung around. They lost by a combined 47 points to the Thunder and Spurs (I predicted 40 points). 8 straight games, being a mediocre team, and playing back-backs will do that to you. But while the Sixers will be going home this week, it doesn’t mean the competition eases up. They have the Nets, Raptors, and Rockets. Raptors have been playing well lately while the Nets are the Nets. Rockets are good too. I think Sixers come into the Nets game with fire and win. Next night is vs the Raptors and I don’t believe in a win there. Then, they beat the Rockets.
Prediction: 2-1
Hawks: 4 (2)
Week Record: 1-3
RWB Record: 5-3
Hawks had the same record as the Sixers this week. But, they lost to teams that are just not as good as who the Sixers faced. Their only win came over the Hornets, who are just not that good anyway. They got blown out by the Rockets, and lost to the Pistons and Celtics. The upcoming week has a pair of back-back games that won’t be easy. T-Wolves, Cavaliers, Jazz, and Wizards. I think Hawks are better than recent games and I’m going with a strong 3-1 for the week.
Wizards: 5 (5)
Week Record: 0-3
RWB Record: 0-5
Well Wizards had a woeful week. They lost to the Mavericks by 9 points and Pacers by 8. But the worst loss came vs the Nets…in double OT. Somehow, Wizards led by 8 with a minute left in the first OT, and lost it. They led almost the whole game until late in the 4th. Wizards could have had this one but it just didn’t happen. And this is one of the worst weeks for them. They have a back-back…vs the Thunder and Heat. Good grief. And we already know about the Hawks game. Look, Wizards beat the Heat earlier but I seriously don’t see a repeat. 0-3 for the week is easy. And I’m taking the easy route this week.
Prediction: 0-3