Season 23 Week 3 Power Rankings

1. Miami Heat (14-4) Previous Rank: N/A

The Miami Heat and the 3 Musketeers ( @Flems506 - @xRICKOSHAY - @TC x Avi ) are holding steady at #1. They solidified this ranking after another tough win against the Hawks. Now completely owning the tie-breaker against the other top team in the East, they look to be on track for the 1st seed and a 1st round bye. These fellas have a lot of talent on the roster and are gelling. They'll be extremely tough to knock out come loff time. Do they have the fire and desire to come out on top? We shall see.

Team MVP: @xRICKOSHAY - Prediction: 29PPG, 8ASTS, 4 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: 32PPG, 9.4ASTS, 2.8 TOs, 58.9 FG%

2. Atlanta Hawks (14-4) Previous Rank: N/A

The Hawks had another great week overall. Although enduring a tough loss 69-66 to the Heat, this team is steamrolling. After a stunning move, trading @Raynor away for @Flyyset , this team is looking more and more like a true title contender. Having 3 ball handling guards on the roster could prove to be huge for this team, and the benefits are already starting to show. These guys are locked in for an eventual clash of the titans in the Eastern Conference Finals with the Miami Heat.

Team MVP: @iKennyPee - Prediction: 21PPG, 10.5ASTS, 3.5 TOs, 65 FG% / Actual: 22.3PPG, 8.7ASTS, 4.8 TOs, 63.7 FG%

3. Memphis Grizzlies (10-8) Previous Rank: 4

@D Andoo99 and the Grizz look to be hitting their stride. A 4-2 week has these boys 2nd in the West but look to be the most complete team in their conference. The 1st line absolutely obliterated LAL, which at one time was considered the best West team. @th4 x w4ll has been all that the Grizz could have asked for, anchoring their defense and putting clamps on the PGs that he faces. @Selfmademannyy and the 2nd line were also able to get their 2nd win, but they need to play better. They're holding the team as whole back. Overall though, this team will continue to be a force in the West and attempt to lock up a 1st round bye.

Team MVP: @D Andoo99 - Prediction: 27PPG, 9ASTS, 3TOs, 70 FG% / Actual: 21.4PPG, 7.8ASTS, 2.1 TOs, 62.8 FG%

4. New Orleans Pelicans (11-7) Previous Rank: 6

The Pelicans! My oh my, what do we have here. After a 5-1 week, this team is who they said they were. @xVenom OF and the OF boys have finally started hitting on all cylinders and are in prime position to possibly steal away the 1 or 2 seed. No one anticipated the type of rebound this team is having, but here we are. The 2nd line has also found some life and is performing the way the Pelicans had originally anticipated. This team is sneaky good and will be a tough out come loff time. So much for a slow start. Its all about how you finish.

Team MVP: @A Sniper13 - Prediction: 19PPG, 5RBS, 5ASTS, 3.5STLS, 72 FG% / Actual: 20.5PPG, 1REB, 1.3ASTS, 4.3STLS, 66.4 FG%

5. Los Angeles Lakers (10-8) Previous Rank: 3

The LA Lakers... Big. Yikes. This team took a huge stumble with a 1-5 week after looking like they would dominate the West for the rest of the season. This team suffered blowout losses to the Wolves, Pelicans, and Grizzlies. All those opponents being Western Conference foes, its never a good look to get swept by potential playoff opponents. They will need to regroup and lock back in if they expect to be in the running for the 1 or 2 seed. As of right now, they look to be in rough shape. The guys in the locker room cant be happy with their performance.

Team MVP: @Zero Choice - Previous Week: 21.3PPG, 3REB, 3.3ASTS, 3.3STLS, 64.1 FG% / Current: 17.4PPG, 3REB, 2ASTS, 2.5STLS, 1 BLK, 59.4 FG%

6. Indiana Pacers (10-8) Previous Rank: 7

@STG BEAST and his guys deserve some respect. Although enduring a 2-4, they didnt run from matchups against the Hawks and Heat. Both games were within 13 points, and they look like they'll be an above .500 team going forward. The Pacers have 10 players averaging 10+ PPG, which is eye-popping. They'll need to use this depth if they expect to be competitive come playoff time. These boys wont be locking down a top seed, but a 3 or 4 seed is conceivable. Good stuff fellas!

Team MVP: @Better Clutch - Prediction: 16PPG, 3RBS, 5ASTS, 2.5STLS 65 FG% / Actual: 16.3PPG, 2.3REB, 1.3ASTS, 4.3STLS, 77.6 FG%

7. New York Knicks (10-8) Previous Rank: 9

@FREE MEL0 and the New York Knicks didnt have the 6-0 week that they had the previous week, but 3-3 isnt a bad stepping stone. These boys destroyed the new look Sixers and also had wins against Washington and the Raptors. There are many contributors on this team and it shows with point distribution; another organization with many 10+ PPG scorers. Expectations would have the Knicks above .500 for the rest of the season. Lets see if they can hold up their end of the bargain.

New Team MVP: @OFG Twice - Previous Week: 21.8PPG, 3.5REB, 5.7ASTS, 3.7STLS, 60.3 FG% / Current: 19.7 PPG, 3REB, 5ASTS, 3.1STLS, 59.1 FG%

8. Oklahoma City Thunder (9-9) Previous Rank: N/A

@HBB Rise and his OKC Thunder stayed even-keeled this week and went 3-3. As long as they stay steady, they're expected to continue to hover around .500. At this rate, the playoffs look like a given. @justdonni3 2 and @SIimeWorld continue to have breakout seasons and are the main reason the Thunda are where they're at. @Kryss85 has also given the team solid contributions. Keep chugging boys!

Team MVP - @SIimeWorld - Prediction: 21PPG, 7ASTS, 5.5 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: 26.9PPG, 10.1ASTS, 4.3 TOs, 50 FG%

9. Philadelphia 76ers (9-9) Previous Rank: 5

Remember when I said: "The 76ers looked dead in the water after a trade was reversed to send @Advanced Zap back to the Toronto Raptors. However, being the resilient bunch that they are, they were able to patch some holes and still look to be a top 3 team in the East." Yeah... scratch that. This team is in shambles. @Flyyset was traded away for @Raynor and while he is a top lockdown in the league, PG is an essential. They have zero viable options on the roster and it has forced guys like @Easy Macaroni and @Viktomize into unfamiliar roles. Blowout losses and ffs led to a 1-5 week. If this keeps up, this Philly team could be in danger of missing the playoffs.

Former Team MVP: @Flyyset - Previous week: 27.3PPG, 10.3 ASTS, 3 STLS, 3.3 TOs, 69.4 FG% / Current: Traded

New Team MVP: @Easy Macaroni - Prediction: N/A / Actual: 17.9PPG, 2.1REB, 5.4ASTS, 1.4 TOs, 71.9 FG%

10. Minnesota T-Wolves (7-11) Previous Rank: N/A

Well, thats a little better. @SavagePatchh and the Woofies put together their 1st solid week after going 3-3. They had tough losses to the Grizz and the Pels, but also had a blowout win against the Lakers. These boys need to keep building chemistry because a playoff spot is still in reach. The talent on this team continues to be there, they just need to put it all together. Don't waste @BWitt x 14 potential MVP season.

Team MVP: @BWitt x 14 - Prediction: 26PPG, 11ASTS, 4.5 TOs, 65 FG% / Actual: 30.6PPG, 10.9ASTS, 5.1 TOs, 74.8 FG%

11. Portland Trail Blazers (7-11) Previous Rank: N/A

@axemurderer29 and his Blazers cant continue having 2-4 weeks. The West is too tight for error, and one false step could put this teams playoffs dreams out of reach. @KhoreyHouks and @Rainy iPM are both still playing well; dont waste this good PG play. I know there are plenty of teams that would give up a lot for that type of production. Show everyone that this team is here to stay fellas. Lock in!

Team MVPs: @KhoreyHouks Prediction: 18PPG, 8ASTS, 4.5 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: 29.4PPG, 10.2ASTS, 4.3 TOs, 58.9 FG%

@Rainy iPM Prediction: 15PPG, 11ASTS, 5 TOs, 58 FG% / Actual: 31.5PPG, 6.4ASTS, 4.1 TOs, 3.5STLS, 62.4 FG%

12. Washington Wizards (8-10) Previous Rank: N/A

@Murda Dreams and his Wizards come into the weekend with a 3-3 week. They didnt necessarily play bad, but they didnt play well either. A blowout loss to the Raptors cant feel good. They will need to shake up the roster if they expect to make any noise in the East. Otherwise, they'll most likely be a 1st round boot. Get this roster churning!

Team MVP: @Kobsos - Prediction: 28PPG, 10ASTS, 2.5 TOs 70 FG% / Actual: 27.6PPG, 7ASTS, 4.1 TOs, 67.1 FG%

13. Phoenix Suns (8-10) Previous Rank: N/A

@im just a squid and the boys recovered a bit this week. After going 3-3, this team looks to have leveled out. @Two Lag Shots is still a big contributor on this team, but the biggest jump in performance came from @ThankYouHinkie , who is now averaging 16.4PPG and 11.9ASTS. Lets see if the boys can stay steady and hover around .500 for the rest of the season. If they can do that, they'll sneak into the playoffs. Its a hot boy summer down in Phoenix.

Team MVP: @im just a squid - Prediction: 24PPG, 7ASTS, 5 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: 20PPG, 8.9ASTS, 5.4 TOs, 65.8 FG%

14. Toronto Raptors (8-10) Previous Rank: N/A

It was said last week that @YSL BULLY and his Raptors had essentially turned their season around. This week, its OFFICIALLY. The pieces on this team @BennyBvckets - @Icey Sneaker - @YungTickle - @mferra32 are beginning to gel. This team is looking more and more as if they can sneak into the playoffs. They have solid pieces and have upset alert written all over them come playoff time. Keep fighting boys!

Team MVP: @YungTickle - Previous Week: 27.6PPG, 3.8ASTS, 2STLS, 64 FG% / Current: 35PPG, 4.8ASTS, 2.1STLS, 70.2 FG%

15. Chicago Bulls (6-12) Previous Rank: 16

@Ayztraks and his Chicago Bulls really shook up the roster. They traded for a haul including @ItsDashDummy and while the move hasnt translated in wins just yet, the team became much more competitive. I can see this team really putting together a run in the second half of the season and securing a playoff spot. Lets see how the rest of it unfolds.

Team MVP: @Ayztraks - Previous Week: 23PPG, 6.8ASTS, 3.7 TOs, 68.4 FG% / Current: 22.4PPG, 7.4ASTS, 3.9 TOs, 63.2 FG%

16. Utah Jazz (3-15) Previous Rank: 15

Welp... if the LGBA thought that @johnny nobakes and the Jazz slipped hard last week, then dont look at the standings. 1-5 wasnt ideal last week, but going winless is worse. "Devastating" was the term used and 0-6 is just that. Devastating. The Jazz, for the time being, are not completely imploding and still playing their games. @HBB Westie will continue to play for personal reasons and awards.

Team MVP: @HBB Westie - Prediction: 24PPG, 8 ASTS, 5 TOs, 65 FG% / Actual: 26PPG, 3.6REB, 6.3ASTS, 3.6 TOs, 67.8 FG%

Previous ECF Matchup: Hawks vs. Heat / Updated ECF Matchup: Hawks vs. Heat
Previous WCF Matchup: Lakers vs. Grizzlies / Updated WCF Matchup: Pelicans vs. Grizzlies

 

Dash should be mvp, well written tho, as always!

 

Thank you to everyone that has gone through and taken the time to read the piece