{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"Monte Poole's NBA Power Rankings","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/nba_5.jpg","caption":"

After 46 days lounging on their own tropical island, pretty cocktails in hand and a gorgeous sun overhead, the Warriors were forced to pack up and head off to a place close enough to see the rest of the NBA. They’ll soon realize they haven’t missed much. The league is kind of like a massive wrecking yard, parts and pieces strewn every which way, with the functional and the disposable in near equal amounts. Separating treasure from trash is never more difficult than when they look so much alike. On we go...

"},{"index":3,"title":"30. 76ers (1-24)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/phi_9.jpg","caption":"

The Sixers are that red truck parked in your neighbor’s front yard because they insist they’ll restore it one day. The NBA scoffs and summons Team USA boss Jerry Colangelo. There will be no comfortable ineptitude on his watch.

"},{"index":5,"title":"29. Lakers (3-21)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/lal_5.jpg","caption":"

They finally concede to introducing the kids to learn the ways of the league, resulting in the Kobe Farewell Tour creeping through Texas for a couple double-digit defeats. Who let Swaggy P take the court wearing UGGs?

"},{"index":7,"title":"28. Pelicans (6-17)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/no_9.jpg","caption":"

AD is balling and they’re finally healthy. Wait. What? No sooner than they get Reke Evans back, Jrue and Ryan Sniper head to the sideline. Boy, dat Alvin Gentry fella betta get down to da Bayou and git himself some Hoodoo.

"},{"index":9,"title":"27. Timberwolves (9-14)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/min_11.jpg","caption":"

The T-Pups are falling all over themselves: 1-6 over the past two weeks -- with the only “win” by a point, at home, over the Lakers. You’re better than this, right? Find some D before KG gets a couple Ts over all these Ls.

"},{"index":11,"title":"26. Nets (7-16)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/bkn_5.jpg","caption":"

They’re headed the right way, but the loss of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and that 1-12 road record tells them they have light years to go before they can claim respectability. Get some help for Big Brook and Bad Thaddeus.

"},{"index":13,"title":"25. Trail Blazers (10-15)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/por_6.jpg","caption":"

With their potent three-guard rotation (Lillard, McCollum, Crabbe), these guys would be terrific in a 6-5 and under league. Ahh, but the NBA game includes action up front. All that rain has yet to grow a legitimate big man.

"},{"index":15,"title":"24. Knicks (11-14)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/nyk_5.jpg","caption":"

Melo’s strong night in Portland delivers a win that doesn’t begin to offset the preceding four losses in a row. How bad is the guard play? Boss Phil Jackson is asking Walt Frazier if he’ll consider a comeback at age 70.

"},{"index":17,"title":"23. Nuggets (9-14)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/den_9.jpg","caption":"

Rook Emmanuel Mudiay, by turns fabulous and atrocious, caught the ankle-sprain epidemic, which means more time for 56-year-old Jameer Nelson. Given the Nugs’ troubles, the sad truth is that could be a good thing.

"},{"index":19,"title":"22. Kings (9-15)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/gallery-kings_1.jpg","caption":"

After losing three straight, the Kinks come home and get well -- only to get word that the leader is suspended for a tantrum. Thanks, Rajon. We see you, Big Cuz. Now show us what you got when Dwight comes to Sac on Tuesday.

"},{"index":21,"title":"21. Wizards (10-12)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/wsh_9.jpg","caption":"

John Wall calls himself out (about time) and starts bringing it (about time). Bradley Beal and the rest of the Wizzes continue to stroll through the season, as if they’re to turn it on when it matters. Play some D! Get a rebound!

"},{"index":23,"title":"20. Bucks (10-15)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/mil_5.jpg","caption":"

We’re not sure you’ve put in the word required to bust out of the Bottom 10, but beating the Warriors is worth at least a five-spot bounce. Will that epic win be enough to put some energy – and offense – into J-Kidd’s crew?

"},{"index":25,"title":"19. Suns (11-14)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/phx_5.jpg","caption":"

The Len-Leuer big man combo is oddly effective, and could get better with the return of Tyson Chandler. These guys are quickly becoming the Warriors of Nellie Ball, Part I. They’re fun to watch but ultimately just another team.

"},{"index":27,"title":"18. Jazz (10-12)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/uta_5.jpg","caption":"

Another team without a clue of what it is. Fast or slow? Go big or small? Props to D-Favors, as he is thriving in the absence of the Stifle Tower, who could miss at least another month. Coach Quin is checking Craigslist for a point guard.

"},{"index":29,"title":"17. Magic (12-11)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/orl_5.jpg","caption":"

No complaints about Big Nik, as he is solid, at least on O. Coach Skiles has to be patient with this bunch, though, because they haven’t quite figured out that the object is to shoot the ball over and through the rim. If they do, look out.

"},{"index":31,"title":"16. Hawks (14-11)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/atl_10.jpg","caption":"

Do the Hawks have Falcon Fever? The No. 1 seed from the last postseason is 7-10 over the last five weeks. Ball movement is OK and shooting is so-so, but you’re making a bid to be the most disappointing team in the conference.

"},{"index":33,"title":"15. Grizzlies (13-12)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/mem_5.jpg","caption":"

Paging Z-Bo. Losing three of four last week is bad, but blowing an eight-point in the final 2:53 in Loss No. 3 is unforgivable. We keep hearing you’ll win 50, and we keep wondering how if Rio Chalmers is the best you’ve got.

"},{"index":35,"title":"14. Heat (13-9)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/mia_9.jpg","caption":"

D-Wade, CB and Hassan are on it. But this team can’t fulfill its potential unless The Dragon breathes fire. There are too many games in which it seems Goran left his confidence in Phoenix. Uhh, who believes Luol Deng is only 30?

"},{"index":37,"title":"13. Pistons (14-11)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/det_11.jpg","caption":"

It’s Reggie and Dre just getting through the day. No real point guard, no real shooter and, therefore, no real offense. It’s remarkable SVG has this bunch above .500. Good news (we think) is Brandon Jennings is close to returning.

"},{"index":39,"title":"12. Mavericks (13-11)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/dal_9.jpg","caption":"

Keep chirping about the refs, Mark, because the stripes are missing more calls than ever. Meanwhile, your team is ordinary. Bad sign: Dirk, in his 18th season, is your best player. Worse sign: Dwight Powell might be No. 2.

"},{"index":41,"title":"11. Pacers (13-9)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/ind_9.jpg","caption":"

This league used to be filled with fabulous guards. What happened? Monta is struggling, and G-Hill is so pedestrian he dyed his hair blond to gain notice. How about producing? Don’t look at PG; he’s better than anybody has a right to imagine.

"},{"index":43,"title":"10. Rockets (12-12)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/hou_9.jpg","caption":"

The long road back to mediocrity (.500) was fraught with apathy. Now that they’ve gotten here, on the soft backs of the Lakers, The Beard and his front-running pals might begin playing as if they belong. Well, maybe.

"},{"index":45,"title":"9. Celtics (14-10)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/bos_5.jpg","caption":"

Is there a scarier team in the league? Three days after losing to the Spurs by 3 they take the Dubs into double OT. They play wicked defense and they move the ball as if it’s hot. Coach Brad is never going back to college. He’s too good.

"},{"index":47,"title":"8. Hornets (14-9)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/cha_5.jpg","caption":"

What are they doing here? No they haven’t found a way to recycle owner MJ. Well, they went 3-1 with the wins by an average of 21 points. They’re not pretty and Kemba drives us nuts, but Coach Cliff is chalking it up masterfully.

"},{"index":49,"title":"7. Clippers (14-10)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/lac_5.jpg","caption":"

Blake is balling, and CP3 is playing well too. J.J. is back and shooting 45.7 percent from deep. Give Doc and Da Boys credit, they haven’t lost to a bad team in three weeks. They’re 8-3 since coming out of their post-Warriors funk.

"},{"index":51,"title":"6. Bulls (13-8)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/chi_11.jpg","caption":"

They’re good, but whenever it seems they’re ready to make a move, they fall. Won’t change until D-Rose reaches 85 percent of what he was as MVP – and they avoid lapses that allow a team (the Suns) to put up 42 in the fourth quarter.

"},{"index":53,"title":"5. Raptors (16-9)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/tor_5.jpg","caption":"

The Raps’ ongoing search for themselves may have a Eureka moment: beating the Spurs. Their streak is at four and, moreover, they look like the team we thought they’d be. Big Lucas Nogueira says he’s only going to get better.

"},{"index":55,"title":"4. Cavaliers (15-7)/Thunder (16-8)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/cle-okc.jpg","caption":"

True title contenders rarely lose three in a row, as The Land LeBrons did before recovering to win the next two. But, hey, Shump is back and Kyrie is days away. What’s next, a nice little bump or a nasty little skid? The familiar: Russ scores 25 points on 25 shots, while KD scores 31 on 17 and Serge blocks six shots. Also familiar: KD scoring 29 in second half/OT Sunday to rescue his team. That’s five in a row. It’s looking like “go time” in OKC.

"},{"index":57,"title":"3. Open","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/gallery-black.jpg","caption":"

We deem the Top Two worthy of space between them and the others.

"},{"index":59,"title":"2. Spurs (20-5)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/sas_5.jpg","caption":"

They’re suffocating opponents. Tony Parker is finding just enough youth in his legs to dissect defenses. Kawhi is chasing Steph in the MVP race. Hard to believe they’ve never won more than 63 games, but they’re on pace for 66.

"},{"index":61,"title":"1. Warriors (24-1)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2015/12/14/gallery-warriors_1.jpg","caption":"

There is a reason no team has ever swept a seven-game road trip. It is designed to punish the body and mind, and it got the Dubs at the end. One loss won’t stop this show. Might even make it better when it really counts.

"}]}