NBA Power Rankings Update – December 25

We have settled into a somewhat predictable groove in the NBA over the last few weeks. There hasn’t been much change in terms of contenders, and the oddsmakers are still discounting the Chicago Bulls. Chicago is currently in second place in the Eastern Conference, but the Bulls are 28-1 to win the NBA title on Christmas Day. We will see how much that changes in the coming weeks.

1. Brooklyn Nets

This Week’s Odds: +275 (No Change)

Kevin Durant will not be playing on Christmas Day due to COVID protocols, and Kyrie Irving is still out for Brooklyn. However, Irving will at least be returning soon, and James Harden will be available when the Nets face the Los Angeles Lakers on the holiday. Despite the off-court drama, Brooklyn is currently the top team in the Eastern Conference.

2. Golden State Warriors

This Week’s Odds: +400

Last Week’s Odds: +425

It’s going to be a dog fight between Golden State and Phoenix in the Western Conference this season. The Warriors are currently a half-game behind the Suns, but they are playing exceptional defense and we finally have a timetable for Klay Thompson’s return. Thompson is expected to be back in the lineup on January 9 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

3. Milwaukee Bucks

This Week’s Odds: +700

Last Week’s Odds: +800

The reigning NBA champions have not been as dominant as we thought they would be in the regular season. The grind of last year’s playoffs seems to have affected the Milwaukee Bucks, but they do have something going for them heading into the 2022 calendar year. While several teams have been racked by COVID and injuries, the Bucks are very healthy with only Brook Lopez sidelined

4. Phoenix Suns

This Week’s Odds: +700

Last Week’s Odds: +900

Phoenix still hasn’t lost a home game in nearly two months. Many observers expected the Suns to fall back down to Earth after last year’s surprising trip to the NBA Finals, but they are currently the top team in the NBA heading into their Christmas Day showdown with Golden State. Devin Booker has been dealing with a hamstring injury, yet he is expected to suit up against the Warriors.

5. Utah Jazz

This Week’s Odds: +1200

Last Week’s Odds: +900

The Western Conference hasn’t been as dominant as expected, so Utah is just cruising along in third place in the standings. The Jazz are 3.5 games behind Golden State and four games ahead of Memphis, so they are all by themselves at this point. They do have the second-best point differential in the NBA though despite the subpar play of Jordan Clarkson to this point.

6. Los Angeles Lakers

This Week’s Odds: +1200

Last Week’s Odds: +1000

It’s going to be a down season for the Los Angeles Lakers. They mortgaged their future to try to win another title with an aging LeBron James, and it is backfiring in a very predictable way. The Lakers don’t have any real youth or depth, and Russell Westbrook has not fit in well with James to this point.

7. Miami Heat

This Week’s Odds: +1200

Last Week’s Odds: +1400

The 2020-21 Eastern Conference champions continue to be an intriguing team. Unfortunately, Miami is dealing with a slew of injuries at this point. Jimmy Butler, Dewayne Dedmon, Victor Oladipo, Markieff Morris, and P.J. Tucker are all out, yet they are still a massive favorite to win their division.

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