NBA Power Rankings Update – January 12

At the halfway point of the NBA season, only a handful of teams have been truly eliminated from the playoffs. Orlando and Detroit are clearly the worst two teams in the Eastern Conference and won’t contend for the postseason, and Houston and Oklahoma City are battling it out for the worst record in the Western Conference. However, the collapse of the Portland Trail Blazers means that we could see a team with 35 wins or less sneak into the postseason out West. That’s an interesting subplot to the 2021-22 season.

1. Brooklyn Nets

This Week’s Odds: +280

Last Week’s Odds: +265

The new year hasn’t been kind to the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn has lost five of its last seven games, and its win over San Antonio came in overtime. The Nets will have a real test when they face the Eastern Conference leading Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, and this game is considered a pick ‘em despite their recent struggles.

2. Golden State Warriors

This Week’s Odds: +350 (No Change)

Steph Curry remains one of the favorites to be named NBA MVP due to his play with the second-best team in the NBA. Golden State has struggled a bit and fell behind Phoenix in the standings, but Klay Thompson has finally returned to the lineup. Thompson is getting his legs back under him, and he has 31 points on less than 40% shooting through his first two games.

3. Milwaukee Bucks

This Week’s Odds: +750 (No Change)

The reigning NBA champions have one of the best offenses in the league. Milwaukee is averaging 111.8 PPG as Giannis Antetokuonmpo is putting together a dominant year. Antetokuonmpo is averaging 28.4 PPG, 11.4 RPG, and 6.0 APG. The two-time NBA MVP might be able to win his third MVP award in the last four years this season.

4. Phoenix Suns

This Week’s Odds: +850

Last Week’s Odds: +800

Chris Paul’s stats don’t jump off the page, but his impact for the Phoenix Suns continues to be incredible. The Suns have the best record in the league at 31-9, and CP3 is the reason why despite averaging just 14.0 PPG with 10.1 APG. He has one of the highest PERs of any guard in the league, and that is sure to lead to another All-NBA Team selection if he stays healthy.

5. Utah Jazz

This Week’s Odds: +1000

Last Week’s Odds: +1200

Utah ranks second in the NBA in point differential. The Jazz haven’t been spectacular outside of the Northwest Division though with a 19-13 record against the rest of the league. Donovan Mitchell is a high-volume scorer, yet he has struggled with fouls in recent games.

6. Los Angeles Lakers

This Week’s Odds: +1400

Last Week’s Odds: +1200

LeBron James moved to seventh place on the NBA’s all-time assists list over the weekend. James has been sensational over the last two weeks, scoring 30 or more points in 10 of his last 11 games. However, despite his strong play at the age of 37, the Los Angeles Lakers are just one game over .500.

7. Miami Heat

This Week’s Odds: +1400 (No Change)

Miami went on the road and hammered Phoenix on Saturday night behind a 33-point performance from Tyler Herro. Kyle Lowry had 13 assists, and center Omer Yurtseven shined in the paint. The Heat have been doing it without Jimmy Butler too after he suffered an ankle injury over a week ago in a loss to Golden State.

8. Chicago Bulls

This Week’s Odds: +1600

Last Week’s Odds: +2000

The Eastern Conference leaders are finally getting some respect from the oddsmakers. It’s taken a long time for Chicago’s odds to fall below 20-1, but the Bulls have proven they are the real deal. DeMar DeRozan has rejuvenated his career in the Windy City, and Zach LaVine is ready to finally take his team to the playoffs.

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