NBA Power Rankings: Surprising Teams That Moved Up the Ranks
It's hard not to temper excitement after seeing exciting teams like the Philadelphia 76ers rise up the NBA power rankings.
We may only be a few weeks into the season, but there are a couple teams that will have a say of who gets into the Finals. The 76ers are just one team that has shocked with consistent play and has many fans wondering what year this is.
Their success is simple—they are taking care of their home court. Some teams' rises are just as shocking and just as easy to explain. Let's delve into some of the pleasant surprises around the Association:
5. L.A. Lakers: We won't spend much time on the Lakers since they are perennially in the top five as contenders.
It is still a shock, though, considering the humility they suffered before the season when they traded Lamar Odom away for nothing. The Kobe Bryant wrist injury was supposed to make this season a fruitless one—so much for that.
6. Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers have won nine of their last 10 and are on a roll right now.
However, they haven't faced all that great of talent.
You could argue the best team they have faced up to this point are the Pacers, and Indiana was battered with injuries during that game. We will see how legitimate this Sixers team is during a week in which they play the Nuggets and Heat.
Philadelphia is doing things the right way. Their 86.2 points allowed per game is second-best in the league.
9. Indiana Pacers: Speaking of defense, the Pacers are owning teams by allowing only 8.9 points per contest.
Indiana proved they are the real deal against the Boston Celtics, who are not known to be a soft opponent. The Pacers have stated loud and clear they can hold their own against a tough Eastern foe.
They will need star Danny Granger to stay healthy, though. The forward is having a fine season in which he continues to be the x-factor for the up-and-coming Pacers, averaging more than 15 points per game despite a nagging ankle injury.
| 1. Oklahoma City Thunder |
|---|
| 2. Chicago Bulls |
| 3. Miami Heat |
| 4. San Antonio Spurs |
| 5. L.A. Lakers |
| 6. Philadelphia 76ers |
| 7. Orlando Magic |
| 8. L.A. Clippers |
| 9. Indiana Pacers |
| 10. Dallas Mavericks |
| 11. Denver Nuggets |
| 12. Portland Trail Blazers |
| 13. Atlanta Hawks |
| 14. Utah Jazz |
15. Houston Rockets |
| 16. Memphis Grizzlies |
17. New York Knicks |
| 18. Boston Celtics |
| 19. Milwaukee Bucks |
| 20. Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 21. Phoenix Suns |
| 22. Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 23. Golden State Warriors |
| 24. Sacramento Kings |
| 25. Toronto Raptors |
| 26. New Orleans Hornets |
| 27. Detroit Pistons |
| 28. New Jersey Nets |
| 29. Charlotte Bobcats |
| 30. Washington Wizards |
