After another hectic week of House Basketball, the rankings have shuffled, again. Surprised? Yes, you should be. The Raptors are 2-0 after being projected by myself to be the worst in the league. Along with that, the Warriors are the only other undefeated team. In the middle stands six 1-1 teams and two teams who are 0-2. So, without further unnecessary introduction, ya'll ready for this?
() Indicates previous ranking; [] indicates record
1. (3) [2-0] Warriors
The Warriors continue to impress early in the season, as the Burke brothers are dominating all competition thrown towards them. The team put the Celtics to sleep on Sunday, putting up 46 points in the process. The team utilized two underused stars in Christian Fiorenza and Cary O'Brien, who both played shutdown defense against the Celtics potent scoring attack. The Warriors are the closing in as the undisputed best team in the right now, but face a massive challenge against the Knicks next Sunday.
2. (4) [1-1] Knicks
The Knicks upset the previously #1 ranked Suns on Sunday, winning by a score of 45-44. The team debuted seniors Mark Schmidt, who was missing in action on Wednesday night. The team looked complete in there game, as Schmidt was able to provide a solid scoring option outside of Lee Gardella and Charlie Miller. The team looks well rounded now that they have their full roster, and this team can be extremely dangerous come playoff time. The team takes on the Warriors next Sunday, in a massive #1 vs. #2 battle, with the Knicks hoping The Stove can make an appearance.
3. (6) [2-0] Raptors
Had the Knicks not upset the Suns, then the Raptors would have easily taken the #2 spot. The Raptors continue to show incredible poise, jumping all the way from #10 to #3 in a little over a week. Although this weeks win was not as pretty as their previous one, they still got the job done against a solid Nets team. Jack Beatty continues to play his game, while extra motivation from one of the few seniors on the team, Connor Gonzalez-Falla, has kept this team going. The team gets the Nuggets on Sunday, and a win will send this team into the Top 2 come the next release of the Power Rankings.
4. (1) [1-1] Suns
The Suns finally got Timmy Graham to debut on Sunday, but that was not enough as the team fell to the Knicks in a phenomenal game that ended 45-44 in the Knicks favor. A one point lose to a solid team is what keeps the Suns in the top five, because let's be honest, this team is still pretty good. The Suns lead the league in points, but it is the defensive side of the ball that is holding them back. This team will no doubt still be a force in the league, especially once Timmy Graham gets back into basketball form. Along with this, the quad of the Voigts, Jack McCann and Jack Henrich will continue to support him, while dark horse of the year candidate Charlie Dean will look to play a big role.
5. (2) [1-1] Nuggets
The Nuggets will stay at home this week at the #5 spot after avoiding a near upset against the Hawks on Sunday. I think Hudson Hamill debuted, which would explain the win, but the team got quality production out of both Burke Blatney and Michael Parsley. Parsley hit a huge three point at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime, and once the game got to OT, it was all Nuggets. With the return of Hamill here, the Nuggets should stay relevant all year long, and maybe make a run for the #1 spot later in the season.
6. (8) [1-1] Spurs
The Spurs got back on the right track on Sunday by defeating the Cavs, mostly in part by the debut of Colin Minicus. The team was without Sean Edgar, but that did not stop them from having a solid showing. James Crawford and Jack Wells were a dynamic duo in the paint all game, grabbing rebounds left and right whenever they could get them. The Klingman's provided solid shooting outside of Minicus, and with the return of Edgar coming soon, this team should be a legitimate threat soon.
7. (2) [1-1] Cavaliers
The Cavs fell to the Spurs on Sunday after only having six players to work with. The team did have Jamie Schofield and Danny O'Boyle, but struggled to find another scoring option outside of that. Kyle Canelli got work done in the paint for the team, while Grant Duncan nailed a few outside jumpers to keep the team in it. The Cavs were also without Christian Trifone, who will look to make is electrifying debut come next Sunday against the Suns. Once the team can field its full team, they will be able to show off their true potential with their solid scoring attack.
8. (7) [1-1] Celtics
After pulling off a miraculous upset last week, the Celtics fell to the best team in the league on Sunday afternoon. The game was close all the way to the end, but the Warriors were able to pull away in the final minute. Quinn Fay and Brian Keating made their debuts, and both played well in their first game back from football. Peter Marren provided some support on the outside, but the Celtics struggled to defend against the Warriors offensive attack. With some time, the Celtics will grow into a good team, especially once Fay and Keating get back into basketball form.
9. (9) [0-2] Hawks
The Hawks stay at the #9 spot after losing to the Nuggets in overtime. The Hawks played with the Nuggets the entirety of the game, but were not able to finish in the end. Do not expect the Hawks though to stay at the bottom of these rankings for long. The team has one of the highest scoring offenses in the league, and once Mulliken gets going, it will be hard to stop him. Support from the Drake twins will also give this team a solid push, but we cannot move this team up until they get that hugely anticipated W.
10. (10) [0-2] Nets
The Nets are not doing too hot right now. Hey, I also said they'd lose if Aidan Coyle wasn't there. Guess who wasn't there? I'm really good at this. The Nets were also without defensive star Tyler Grant, who is out for a little bit longer due to an injury sustained in football. The offense is a concern on this team, as they have only scored a league low total of 68 points so far. This team needs its offense to get going, and get going fast.
Game Predictions:
Game Pick Record (3-2)
So I got two games wrong, but I am pretty impressed with my three picks right. Let's see if I can keep this going.
Suns vs. Cavs
The Cavs will hang with the Suns for quite awhile, and both Jamie Schofield and Timmy Graham will have a solid battle. I am biased towards my own team, I'll admit it, but if I wasn't, I'd pick the Suns.
Celtics vs. Nets
The Nets need big man Aidan Coyle to have a big game (get it?), but if that doesn't happen, the Celtics will grab a huge win.
Spurs vs. Hawks
The Hawks need a win, but I do not see them getting it against the Spurs.
Nuggets vs. Raptors
Will the Raptors continue their surprising run to open the season. If Hudson Hamill is there, I don't think it will happen. If he isn't... Go Raptors.
Warriors vs. Knicks
The game of the week. The Warriors offense has been amazing, and I see it being too much for the Knicks. Warriors stay undefeated.
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