Lots of crashes, lots of climbs: There’s been a big shift in the league. The Mavs are no longer completely devastating, the Thunders are finally what they want to be. The Warriors are back where they belong, while the Sixers are losing ground and the Raptors are at the forefront. And what’s wrong with the bulls, anyway? The Power Ranking in December!
From 20 to 30: Orlando Magic (11-24,2-11 in December). Who remembers that the Magic started the season with 8-4? Exactly. The team stands at 9 defeats in a row, and there were those against teams that don’t necessarily have Contender status. Offensive and defensive lack of experience, rookie Isaac was long injured, just like many others. Vucevic is absent for several weeks. Go to the Lottery!
From 18 to 29: Memphis Grizzlies (11-24,4-11). Are the grizzlies the new Chaos Force of the West? Coach Fizdale’s expulsion didn’t work, and Conleys (Reminder: 5 years old/152 million dollars) last game was held due to old-fashioned Achilles tendon problems on the 13th day. November. After all: With their Point Guard they are at 7-5, but a return is not in sight. A rebuild seems appropriate, but you refuse.
From 29 to 28: Atlanta Hawks (9-25,5-8). DS17 recently matched his career high with 33 points in a direct duel with the Dirkster. Apart from that, the Braunschweiger is going through ups and downs, while the Hawks are almost exclusively downs (okay, there have just been two victories in a row – for the first time). But that doesn’t matter, according to the plan before the season. John Collins is doing just fine.
From 23 to 27: Los Angeles Lakers (11-22,3-9). The Kobe ceremony brought the splendour of the old days back to the Staples Center – driven by it, Tinseltown had a great OT duel with the Warriors. This has shown that the team can tear a lot on good days. Stupid: Lonzo Ball fails with a shoulder injury. Not so stupid: Kyle Kuzma’s December stats (20.7 points, 8 rebounds, 46.3 percent 3FG).
From 28 to 26: Sacramento Kings (12-22,6-7). One thing you have to leave the Kings alone: Despite moderate success, the Californian capital remains quiet. This could soon change if the disappointed George Hill is traded. By the way, there are now six home games in a row – you could have a bit of fun there. The rookies Fox and Bogdanovic have good moments, that’s all.
From 24 to 25: Phoenix Suns (13-23,5-8). Devin Booker’s back! And a high pick in acute danger. Because the Suns play decent basketball offensively when he is on the field. Not without him, not defensively with him. Now there are a few matchups waiting for you to win them all. It may sound strange, but the playoff spots are not far away. Unfortunately, from the viewpoint of the Front Office.
From 22 to 24: Charlotte Hornets (12-22,4-10). Howard still wants to be the factor in the post he’s never been before. This disturbs the flow of play in Charlotte, and his innumerable double doubles don’t help either. Walker can’t really improve compared to last year, Rookie Monk is disappointed, there are many injuries and the absence of coach Steve Clifford due to illness. Screwed up.
From 26 to 23: Brooklyn Nets (12-22,4-9). D’ Angelo Russell is missing with a damaged knee until mid-January. Nevertheless, the fuselage squad plays a more than passable ball and is still in fourth place in the league in terms of pace. Against the Wizards there was a 35-point victory – how did it go? LeVert, Dinwiddie or Crabbe show hopeful approaches, the trade acquisitions Okafor (playing only when he is in shape) and Stauskas need something else.
From 27 to 22: Dallas Mavericks (11-25,6-8). Who would have thought it? Kleber has established itself as an important part of the Starting Five and regularly hosts block parties. Nowitzki can still gamble (and block, hello Toronto). However, because many victories in the Crunchtime are given away generously, the Texans are still messing around in the cellar. After his hip injury, rookie hope Smith has problems getting back on the road.
From 11 to 21: Philadelphia 76ers (15-18,3-9). The December of Rookie Simmons was still good, but showed that he is not an alien. Especially in games where Embiid (his back seems to be healed) is not on the field, there is a lack of clout. With an Embiid in top form, however, no team is still safe from them. Due to a negative run of nine defeats in ten games, the playoff places are a little distant for the time being. And: Covington should start meeting again!
Page 1: Seats 30-21
Page 2: Seats 20-11
Page 3: Places 10-1