RWB Power Rankings: Wizards Don’t Move; Yet Improve

Jan 12, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) attempts a shot as Atlanta Hawks point guard Devin Harris (34) defends during the first half at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA Today Sports

Probably the biggest news in the division, the Wizards welcomed back John Wall on Saturday night. He played okay. In 20 minutes, he had 14 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds. The Wizards ended up beating the Hawks too. Sixers finally snapped their 5 gamer losing streak and looked good doing it. Overall, the division had a losing week and went 6-9. Only one made it to .500 while a surprise team did manage a winning record.

Clippers: 1 (1)

Week Record: 1-1

RWB Record: 2-1

Clippers lost a game at home but it wasn’t against who I expected it to be against: The Magic. No disrespect but the Magic are towards the bottom of the league while the Clippers are on top. I just didn’t think Magic would come in and do what they did but they did it. Good for them. Meanwhile, Clippers did beat the Mavericks. It was an odd week I guess. Anyway, that loss to the Magic was just their 4th home loss so it’s not so bad. But…when looking at who they lost to at home…there’s an interesting pattern. Magic, Hornets, Cavaliers, and Warriors. Excluding the Warriors, their losses have come against sub .500 teams. Well, this week has more of the same. Grizzlies, Rockets, T-Wolves, and a RWB match-up with the Wizards. Now, with Wall back in action, the Wizards could be better but it’s not like Wall is really back. He still has to get his game legs back. Plus, Clippers are just better. I can see them beating the T-Wolves and losing to the Grizzlies while beating the Rockets.

My Prediction: 3-1

Pistons: 2 (2)

Week Record: 1-2

RWB Record: 4-3

Pistons lost to the Bobcats and Jazz in close games while beating the Bucks by 16. Again, not a winning week but they are in 2nd place because they didn’t lose as bad as the other teams… Anyway, this week is pretty quiet. Only one game vs the Knicks. My gut says they lose just because resting too long can take you off your game a bit. Their game isn’t until the 17th while their last game was the 12th.

My Prediction: 0-1

Sixers: 3 (3)

Week Record: 1-2

RWB Record: 2-1

Sixers finally snapped out of their funk, if only for a game, to beat the Rockets and end their 5 game slide. It’s a sigh of relief for me. They had lost to divisional rivals Nets and Raptors earlier in blow out fashion. This week, I can see the Sixers extending their winning streak. They have the Hornets and Raptors. Hornets have been solid lately but if Sixers play like they did vs the Rockets, plus some better defense, they should get the win. And you know Sixers didn’t forget about being blown out to the Raptors. So yeah, 2-0 for this team this week.

My Prediction: 2-0

Hawks: 4 (4)

Week Record: 1-3

RWB Record: 5-4

Hawks continue their slide as they have lost 6 of their last 8 in the last two weeks of these rankings. They lost to the T-Wolves, Cavaliers and Wizards while beating the Jazz. Hope you’re enjoying Lou Williams! Anyhoo, Hawks have a tough week ahead. I think another 1-3 week is in order. They have the Bulls, Nets twice, and Spurs. They lose to the Bulls and Spurs while splitting the Nets games.

My Prediction: 1-3

Wizards: 5 (5)

Week Record: 2-1

RWB Record: 1-5

Wizards probably had the most positive week. They got their star back after beating one of the elite in the Thunder. They did lose to the Heat but already beat the Heat earlier in the season. So, with Wall back, this team is better but it’ll take some time as Wall gets his game legs back. He came off the bench in his return but you would think soon he’d be starting. I don’t think Wall coming back will stir up a run for the playoffs at this point. This week has 4 games. Kings (boy what a mess they’re in), Magic, Nuggets, and a divisional battle with the Clippers. I can see a win over the Kings and Magic while losing to the Nuggets and Clippers.

My Prediction: 2-2