Here is a quick preview of the rankings: There is another shuffle of rankings, I sarcastically attack some teams, and Cary O'Brien continues his impressive streak of game changing post game quotes.
() Indicates previous rankings; [] Indicates record
1. (1) [6-1] Raptors
The Raptors are now rightful owners of the hottest team in House after the fall of the Hawks on Wednesday night. The Raptors were able to soundly defeat the Warriors on Wednesday, dropping a total of 65 points in the process. Connor Gonzalez-Falla proclaimed he scored 19, but other sources at the time doubted it. Wouldn't be surprised though, 65 points is a lot of scoring. Either way, Jack Beatty's squad has been dominant, as it is slowly getting repetitive saying how good this team is. With a game on Sunday against the Cavs, the team can take hold of the longest win streak this season by any team.
2. (3) [5-2] Nuggets
They're bbbaaacccckkkk. The Nuggets returned to their usual form by putting on a clinic against the Suns on Wednesday. It is not surprising to be honest, as this team is one of the most well rounded in the league. With the 17 point win, some must wonder that the loss to the Warriors was a fluke, as the Warriors themselves flopped against the Raptors. Also, the Nuggets are the only team to defeat the Raptors this season, but the only reason they do not own the #1 spot right now is due to the Raptors impressive win streak they are carrying. With a big win Sunday, maybe we could see the Nuggets catapult right back to the throne they used to hold.
3. (4) [4-3] Knicks
The Knicks took care of business on Wednesday as they downed the Celtics by 12 points. Charlie Miller posted a solid line against the Celtics, and Mark Schmidt continued to do Schmidt things on the court. Sam Giorgio made his return to the court too, and dropped a big time three pointer to keep his three point percentage at 100% on the season. All seems to be working for the Knicks, even though they are the second lowest scoring team in the league, their defense continues to be too much for opponents. If the team can continue to play stellar defense and drop some more shots, they will be contenders come playoff time.
4. (8) [4-3] Cavaliers
The Cavs slingshot all the way up to the #4 spot after cooling down the Hawks on Wednesday. Starting with only four players (eventually getting five), the Cavs were able to score often against the Hawks, and eventually created a big enough gap in the second half to secure the win. Jamie Schofield kept doing circus like things on the court, while the return of Christian Trifone helped the team defensively. The Cavs have had an up and down season, but with a big win like this, momentum continues to build in their favor heading into the later part of the season.
5. (2) [4-3] Hawks
The Hawks four game winning streak came to an end against the Cavs on Wednesday, as they lost the game 46-39. The team started off hot, as Connor Mulliken dropped I think like 15 threes in a row at one point. Chris Drake also played well offensively, hitting shots late and drawing a BS foul that gave him three free throws... I didn't freaking touch him. However, the teams full 9 man roster made an appearance on Wednesday, causing the team to rotate out their best players against a Cavs team fielding their four best players plus me. Still being one of the best teams in House, do not expect the team to stay at the #5 spot for long. With a game against the #3 Knicks on Sunday, a win will put them back in contention for the Top 3. Also, yo Matt... nice quote last week. Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk. See you in the playoffs.
6. (7) [3-4] Nets
The Nets were able to handle the Spurs on Wednesday, which gave them a much needed win after falling in a heartbreaker to the Hawks last week. One scary fact concerning the Nets is the fact that they are the lowest scoring team in the league, which could come back to haunt them when they play a team that can score high digits. Right now however, the team is playing consistent defense, which is giving them enough to get passed teams. If this team scores more in the coming weeks, they can be a real threat come postseason time.
7. (5) [3-4] Warriors
Following a huge win against the Nuggets last week, the Warriors got beat up by the #1 Raptors on Wednesday. Still being able to score 49, the team got solid help from senior Colin Corcoran who dropped double digits on the Raptors. Still, the defense struggled through the night, allowing a total of 65 at the end of the day. The Warriors get the #6 Nets on Sunday afternoon, in what will be a good game in gaining leverage in the middle of the rankings for both teams. Oh yea, Cary O'Brien had some words about the loss, saying "We were dribbling and doin' it the way you gotta, but the not us team was doin' the dribblin' also and in the end they just did the dribblin' a lil better."
8. (6) [3-4] Celtics
After starting 3-1, the Celtics have dropped three straight games to get to 3-4. However, the teams they lost to are respectively the #1, #2 and #3 teams in these rankings, which shows you how tough this stretch of the schedule has been. Sitting at the bottom of the rankings will not be something the Celtics will be doing for a while, as their schedule softens up to end the season, starting with a game Sunday against the leagues worst team in the Suns.
9. (9) [2-5] Spurs
The Spurs have sat at the #9 spot for quite some time now, as they have only beaten the Suns the past couple of weeks. I have no clue what is going on with this team, as they are filled to the brim with talented basketball players. With the likes of Colin Minicus, Sean Edgar and the Klingmans, one has to wonder what is causing such a good team on paper to struggle this much. You are probably looking for me to answer that with some deep analysis, but that ain't happening. The team can make a big statement though Sunday with a win against the Nuggets.
10. (10) [1-6] Suns
Surprise! So the Suns lost to the Nuggets on Wednesday in a game in which sources tell me "was all Timmy Graham on the Suns side of the ball". Well, that explains the 6 losses, as when only one player on a team is able to score, that can cause problems. If Graham can find some scoring support, maybe this team will make a miracle comeback in time for playoffs. Maybe.
Game Predictions:
#6 Nets vs. #7 Warriors
In a solid matchup on paper, two closely ranked teams will fight it out to see who is more mediocre. Wow that sounded harsh. Well, the Warriors win.
#1 Raptors vs. #4 Cavs
You all know what goes on here.
#2 Nuggets vs. #9 Spurs
If the rankings are giving you a clue of who'll win, they you are kind of stupid. Nuggets by 15.
#8 Celtics vs. #10 Suns
The Suns will win one more game this year, but it won't be against the Celtics. Celtics win.
*Game of the Week*
#3 Knicks vs. #5 Hawks
The Hawks are coming off a tough loss against a weaker opponent, and the Knicks are looking to prove that they deserve to be taken seriously. The Hawks are loaded, but almost too loaded, and if their full 9 man roster makes another appearance, it might be yucky. However, its Conference Championship Sunday in the NFL, so I don't expect any team to have a full team. Hawks win it.
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