Week 3 Power Rankings

Figures.

The last two teams I had in my top spot lost almost immediately after being crowned. So, it only seems fitting that Boston loses on the night I was going to put them #1. That being said, Boston will still be the number one team, as they are still the only team with fewer than 2 losses, and their one loss came against a very good opponent in the Magic, and on the Magic's home floor no less. Surprisingly, the East has two spots in this weeks top five, although neither team is Detroit.

Dropped out: Houston, Detroit. Added: New Orleans, Orlando.

1. Boston Celtics [9-1]
The Celtics own the best record in the league, but after blowing out their opponents, save Toronto, during their first seven games, they had a too-close-for-comfort win against Miami, followed by a loss to the surging Magic in Orlando. They may follow suit with the previous number 1's and not be here next week.

2. New Orleans Hornets [9-2]
New Orleans? Really? Well, when they are first in their division, and their division includes San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, you get the top spot in the West without question. The Hornets are playing great ball, and Mo Pete has had some big games for them in the past week. Seven of their first eleven games have also come on the road, where the Hornets are an impressive 6-1.

3. Phoenix Suns [8-2]
Without much of a bench, and with Amare still recovering, Nash and Barbosa are carrying these Suns on a five game winning streak, which included road wins over Orlando and Houston. Their schedule for the next five means they may have a chance at another double digit win streak, just like last year.

4. Orlando Magic [9-2]
Dwight Howard is a beast. The Magic started off hot last year before cooling down very quickly, and barely making the playoffs. We'll have to wait to see if that is going to happen again, but the win over Boston was impressive. Oh, and Dwight Howard is a beast.

5. San Antonio Spurs [8-2]
The only team to be in my rankings every week so far, the Spurs play below the radar as well, and as often, as anyone in the NBA. Four wins in their last five games, including wins over New Orleans, the Lakers, and Houston, keeps the Spurs in the top 5, no question.

Surging teams:
- Naaacccchooooooo. Washington has reeled off four straight wins after starting the season 0-5. [see Gilbert Arenas' blog if you don't understand the nacho reference]
- Dallas, at 7-2, would be the #6 team if I went past 5. They beat San Antonio with ease, and have won three staight and four of five.
- The Denver Nuggets sit atop the Northwest Division with a 7-3 record, including wins in their last five games. They could be a dangerous team come playoff time, if not a lot sooner.

Slumping teams:
- The Knicks have lost Stephon Marbury six games in a row, the longest losing streak in the league.
- The Nets have lost five in a row, and Vince is injured. Somewhere, thousands of Raptors fans are smiling.
- Houston, my number 1 team last week, has lost four in a row to drop to 6-5. They need T-Mac back fast.
- I thought Memphis was going to have a much better year this year than last. A 2-7 start, including dropping their last three, doesn't leave room for much optimism.

The Raptors.
5-5 after ten games isn't bad considering they started 2-8 last year and won the Atlantic. The East is once again very forgiving, as a .500 record still gives them a playoff spot without breaking a sweat. That being said, I'd put them about 15th in the league right now. They need to show some consistency, especially with their offense, and play 48 minutes each night.