NBA Power Rankings Update – December 16

We have yet to see any major trades to shake up the NBA landscape. However, there are plenty of potential moves to be made. The saga of Ben Simmons has been the biggest question mark in terms of potential trades, but we could see Indiana and Sacramento blow it up. The Pacers and Kings both have pieces that could put a team over the top, and teams will certainly be calling them in order to try and get players like Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, and Buddy Hield.

1. Brooklyn Nets

This Week’s Odds: +275 (No Change)

The best team in the Eastern Conference is still the favorite to win the NBA title. Kevin Durant is fighting with Giannis Antetokuonmpo for the title of best player in the league, and he is averaging almost 30 PPG with 7.8 RPG and 5.8 APG. Durant needs someone else to emerge alongside of him though as James Harden is not playing like a superstar.

2. Golden State Warriors

This Week’s Odds: +425 (No Change)

Steph Curry is now the NBA’s all-time three-point leader. Curry set the record in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, and he will hit 3,000 career treys soon enough. This is the team to beat in the Western Conference provided Klay Thompson can play at 80% or more of his former ceiling.

3. Milwaukee Bucks

This Week’s Odds: +800 (No Change)

COVID and injuries have decimated the Bucks over the last week. However, Milwaukee has rallied to win three of its last four games despite the issues. Jrue Holiday has done his best to carry the load without Giannis Antetokuonmpo and Khris Middleton.

4. Phoenix Suns

This Week’s Odds: +900 (No Change)

We haven’t seen Phoenix lose a home game since October 27. The Suns have been elite at home, and opponents have had a tough time dealing with the flexibility of this team. They have managed to stay healthy for a second straight year, but there are concerns over how long Chris Paul can play at such a high level.

5. Utah Jazz

This Week’s Odds: +900

Last Week’s Odds: +1000

After winning eight straight games, we can no longer dismiss the Utah Jazz. The big question remains whether or not they can do it in the postseason, but they have the second-best point differential in the regular season behind just Golden State. Rudy Gobert is posting big numbers with 15.3 PPG and 14.7 RPG.

6. Los Angeles Lakers

This Week’s Odds: +1000 (No Change)

The preseason favorites in the Western Conference have not lived up to the hype they garnered prior to the beginning of the season. Russell Westbrook has not been a help to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Anthony Davis hasn’t been at his best either. There is a lot of star power on this team but not much youth or depth, and the Lakers are going to struggle to finish as one of the top six seeds in the West.

7. Miami Heat

This Week’s Odds: +1400 (No Change)

Miami has fallen to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, but the Heat are still seen as a legitimate title contender. Tyler Herro has seen his shooting numbers dip though, and perimeter shooting is a major problem for the Heat.

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