{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"30. New York Knicks (4-19) (Last week: 30)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/julius_randle_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

David Fizdale wound up being the scapegoat for the Knicks’ miserable start, fired from his job as head coach last Friday. But it’s probably good news for Fizdale, who will be paid for the final two and 3/4 years of his contract, and doesn’t have to deal with this mess of a roster anymore.

"},{"index":3,"title":"29. Cleveland Cavaliers (5-17) (Last week: 28)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/darius-garland-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

Reports surfaced last week about player unrest over the “college-style” coaching of John Beilein, who’s finally getting a shot to lead an NBA team at the age of 66. No one in the Cavs’ locker room would confirm the report, but with the lopsided losses piling up, changes are coming in Cleveland, possibly including a long rumored trade of Kevin Love.

"},{"index":5,"title":"28. Golden State Warriors (5-19) (Last week: 29)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/draymond_green_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

A season sweep of the Bulls moves Steve Kerr’s team up one spot in this week’s rankings. Getting Draymond Green, D’Angelo Russell and Willie Cauley-Stein back in the line-up should keep the Warriors competitive, but wins will remain hard to come by. It’s wait ‘til next year time in the Bay Area.

"},{"index":7,"title":"27. New Orleans Pelicans (6-17) (Last week: 20)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/lonzo-ball-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

The Pels’ losing steak reached 8 games over the past week, and the fan base is only interested in when Zion Williamson will make his regular season debut. No target date has been set for Zion’s return, but head of basketball operations David Griffin says the team will take an ultra-conservative approach with the rookie star, with Williamson not expected to play in back to back games.

"},{"index":9,"title":"26. Atlanta Hawks (6-17) (Last week: 29)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/trae_young_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Trae Young continues to do his thing, but he isn’t getting much help. Former Bull Jabari Parker is enjoying a rebirth of sorts in the Deep South, averaging 16 points a game on nearly 50% shooting from the field. Plus, Cam Reddish had his best game as a pro last week, scoring 25 points in a loss to Brooklyn.

"},{"index":11,"title":"25. Memphis Grizzlies (6-16) (Last week: 26)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/ja-morant-injury-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

Not much to cheer about for basketball fans in Memphis with young star Ja Morant still sidelined by back spasms. Shooting guard Dillon Brooks has been putting up solid numbers, but there’s just not enough help right now for 2nd year power forward Jaren Jackson, Jr.

"},{"index":13,"title":"24. Washington Wizards (7-15) (Last week: 22)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/moritz_wagner_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

The Wizards’ defense is basically non-existent, allowing an NBA worst 122.5 points per game. The highlight of the week was an unlikely win over Philadelphia, with former Spurs’ forward Davis Bertans scoring 25 points, including 7 three pointers. He’s shooting 46.8% from beyond the arc this season.

"},{"index":15,"title":"23. Charlotte Hornets (9-16) (Last week: 23)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/pj_washington_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

The Hornets remain competitive with one of the league’s worst rosters, which is a credit to head coach James Borrego. Unfortunately, they’ve already given away two games this season, one to the Bulls last month and another one last week against Phoenix, when the Hornets blew a 7 point lead in the final minute.

"},{"index":17,"title":"22. Sacramento Kings (9-13) (Last week: 15)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/harrison_barnes_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Apparently the injuries to young starters De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley are catching up to the Kings, who dropped 3 in a row last week. Bagley could be back from a broken thumb by the end of the week, which could provide a major lift for a team that’s desperate for some consistent frontcourt help.

"},{"index":19,"title":"21. Chicago Bulls (8-16) (Last week: 25)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/markkanen.jpg","caption":"

Oh, what might have been for Jim Boylen’s crew. The week began with a road victory in Sacramento, then a home court win over the injury depleted Grizzlies. But a two point loss to Golden State, followed by an overtime loss in Miami kept it from being a significant step forward. Kris Dunn is emerging as a positive force at both ends of the court as part of the Bulls’ three guard starting line-up.

"},{"index":21,"title":"20. Portland Trailblazers (9-15) (Last week: 17)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/carmelo-anthony-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

Wonder where Carmelo Anthony will find room in his trophy case for that Western Conference Player of the week award? The Trail Blazers rewarded Anthony by guaranteeing his contract for the rest of the season, but how long will the honeymoon last? Melo shot 4-18 in a loss at home to Oklahoma City on Sunday.

"},{"index":23,"title":"19. San Antonio Spurs (9-14) (Last week: 22)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/gregg-popovich-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

The Spurs might have hit rock bottom in late November, and they begin the new week with a modest two game winning streak. 2018 first round draft pick Lonnie Walker IV scored a career high 28 points in a double overtime win over Houston last Tuesday and the Spurs also went to overtime to beat the Kings on Friday.

"},{"index":25,"title":"18. Detroit Pistons (9-14) (Last week: 21)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/christian-wood-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

The Pistons are getting better, nudging their season point differential into the plus column last week. Blake Griffin tried to get Giannis Antetokounmpo off his game with some physical tactics last week. Might want to try something else Blake. Giannis outscored Griffin, 35-16.

"},{"index":27,"title":"17. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-12) (Last week 14)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/karl-anthony_towns_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

It’s starting to look like the Timberwolves’ fast start might have been a mirage. They continue to be one of the league’s worst defensive teams, giving up 142 points in a loss to the Lakers on Sunday. #6 overall draft pick Jarrett Culver is shooting only 36.9% from the field.

"},{"index":29,"title":"16. Phoenix Suns (10-12) (Last week: 16)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/kelly_oubre_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Much like Minnesota, the Suns have come back to earth after an impressive start. Phoenix did manage to split their four games last week with Devin Booker exploding for 44 points in an overtime win at New Orleans. The Suns are tied with Oklahoma City and Minnesota for the final two playoff spots in the West.

"},{"index":31,"title":"15. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-12) (Last week: 18)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/chris_paul_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

How about Chris Paul convincing the refs to call a delay of game technical on Minnesota’s Jordan Bell (one-time Bulls fans favorite) in the closing seconds of a close game last week? That free throw helped the Thunder get the game to overtime, where they went to blow out the Timberwolves. Turns out $38 million will buy you something.

"},{"index":33,"title":"14. Orlando Magic (11-11) (Last week: 19)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/evan_fournier_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Don’t look now, but the Magic have won 4 games in a row without injured All-Star center Nik Vucevic. Former Bulls’ point guards D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams are now part of Orlando’s bench group with Markelle Fultz getting a chance to show what he can do in the starting line-up.

"},{"index":35,"title":"13. Utah Jazz (13-10) (Last week: 11)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/quin_snyder_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Something is wrong in Utah, where the Jazz began the season as a darkhorse playoff contender in the West, but have struggled to score consistently. Donovan Mitchell continues to be a volume scorer, while Mike Conley is now battling hamstring tightness after a poor start in his new home.

"},{"index":37,"title":"12. Brooklyn Nets (13-10) (Last week 13)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/spencer-dinwiddie-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

Check out this stat. The Nets are 9-3 since Kyrie Irving was sidelined by a shoulder injury. That probably won’t do much for Irving’s status as a superstar in the league. One-time Bull Spencer Dinwiddie continues to help the Nets win without Kyrie, playing the best basketball of his career.

"},{"index":39,"title":"11. Indiana Pacers (15-8) (Last week: 12)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/domantas_sabonis_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

How good will this team be when Victor Oladipo gets back? It seems like the Pacers have a different player step into the starring role just about every night. Malcolm Brogdon has been an excellent addition at point guard, leading Indiana in scoring and assists.

"},{"index":41,"title":"10. Denver Nuggets (14-7) (Last week: 6)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/jamal-murray-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

Mike Malone continues to juggle his rotation, hoping to find more consistent offensive production. On the plus side, the Nuggets’ defense has been solid, and slumping star Nikola Jokic is showing signs of pulling out of his season-long slump, with 54 points and 21 rebounds in his last two games (both Denver losses).

"},{"index":43,"title":"9. Houston Rockets (15-7) (Last week: 10)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/james_harden_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

With all of the attention focused on the dunk that wasn’t by James Harden in the Rockets’ double overtime loss to San Antonio, you might have missed Houston bouncing back to hand the Raptors their first home court loss of the season on Thursday. Russell Westbrook is starting to get home comfortable in H-Town, posting triple doubles in each of his last three games.

"},{"index":45,"title":"8. Toronto Raptors (15-7) (Last week: 3)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/pascal_siakam_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Just when I heaped praise on Nick Nurse and the Raptors for their 15-4 start, they welcomed Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka back to the rotation and promptly lost three games in a row! Probably just a re-adjustment period for the Raps, but they’re hoping the knee contusion Rockford native Fred Van Vleet suffered in Philadelphia on Sunday isn’t too serious.

"},{"index":47,"title":"7. Dallas Mavericks (16-7) (Last week: 8)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/luka_doncic_power_rankings2.jpg","caption":"

Luka Doncic keeps rolling along, matching Michael Jordan’s record of 18 straight games of at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Forget about whether the Mavericks will make the playoffs. Now the question is, can Dallas earn a top 4 seed?

"},{"index":49,"title":"6. Philadelphia 76ers (17-7) (Last week: 5)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/tobias-harris-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

Joel Embiid missed a game last week because of a hip injury, but otherwise things are good in the City of brotherly love. Ben Simmons made his 2nd three pointer of the season in a blowout win over Cleveland on Saturday, and head coach Brett Brown now wants him to take at least one attempt per game saying, “This is what I want.... He will be liberated. His world will open up and, in many ways, so will ours.”

"},{"index":51,"title":"Miami Heat (17-6) (Last week: 9)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/jimmy_butler_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Jimmy Butler continues to thrive in his fourth NBA home in the last four seasons. Butler’s numbers are steadily climbing for the Southeast Division leaders. He’s now averaging 20.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists and looks like a lock to be headed to Chicago for the All-Star game in February.

"},{"index":53,"title":"4. Los Angeles Clippers (17-7) (Last week: 4)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/paul_george_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Doc Rivers returns home to Chicago on Saturday with his Clippers’ team still very much a work in progress. They scored 135 points on Sunday against the Wizards, but then, everyone does that against the Wizards. Montrezl Harrell might be ready to take that sixth man of the year trophy away from teammate Lou Williams. Harrell is averaging 18.7 points and eight rebounds a game, shooting 59.7% from the field.

"},{"index":55,"title":"3. Boston Celtics (16-5) (Last week: 7)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/kemba_walker_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

Another productive week for the Celtics, who continue to embrace Brad Stevens’ share the wealth philosophy. Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are all averaging at least 20 points per game, and Gordon Hayward should be back soon after breaking his wrist early in the season.

"},{"index":57,"title":"2. Los Angeles Lakers (21-3) (Last week: 2)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/lebron-james-power-rankings.jpg","caption":"

Chicago native Anthony Davis told reporters after a home court loss to Dallas last Sunday that the Lakers’ goal was to avoid losing two games in a row for the entire season. They promptly went out on the road and racked up wins over Denver, Utah and Portland, followed by a rout of Minnesota at Staples Center Sunday, with Davis pouring in 50 points.

"},{"index":59,"title":"1. Milwaukee Bucks (20-3) (Last week: 1)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2019/12/09/giannis_power_rankings.jpg","caption":"

If there were ever any questions about the Bucks’ legitimacy as a championship contender, they answered them with a 119-91 blowout of a Clippers’ team featuring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on Friday in Milwaukee. The Bucks are riding a 14 game winning streak and potentially could equal the franchise record of 20 straight set by Kareem and Oscar and company in the 1970-‘71 championship season when they host LeBron, AD and the Lakers on December 19th.

"}]}

NBA Power Rankings