Week 1 Power Rankings

The Raptors Blog Power Rankings will be a very brief and abbreviated version of team rankings. Not all 30 teams will be ranked, but instead the top 5, followed by some key gainers and losers, as well as where the Raptors fit.

1. San Antonio.
Being the defending champions, and being undefeated after three games, means that there is no reason that they should be anywhere but here. Simple as that.

2. Detroit.
3-0 to start the season, 2 wins coming on the road against solid teams, and the Pistons are showing no signs of slowing down quite yet.

3. Dallas.
Yes, they lost to Atlanta, and destroying Cleveland isn't that impressive, but beating Houston, who was going to be my #2, puts them into the 3 spot.

4. Houston
I considered still having them at #2, even with the loss to Dallas, because they beat the Lakers and Jazz on the road, followed by a comfortable home win against Portland.

5. Indiana.
New Orleans has a case here too, as does Boston, but the Pacers get the nod over the Hornets due to the opponents they beat, and over Boston because of the extra game played.

Teams surprised to be in the bottom half:
- Cleveland: How did this team make it to the Finals?
- Golden State: 0-3 start to the season not what was expected from last years' giant killers
- Chicago: 0-3, including losses to the Bucks and 76ers, for the team many think are in the top 3 in the East
- Portland: Even without Oden, their talent has them coming close to a .500 season
- Washington: Arenas needs to find his shot, and Washington needs to win a game
- Miami: Not really a surprise. Without Wade, the Heat don't have much.

Toronto: The Raptors are a top 10 team, who have 4 games in the next 5 nights, including matchups against Orlando and Chicago. I think 3-1 is reasonable, which will keep them in the top 10 in rankings for next week.