Season 23 Week 1 Power Rankings

1. Atlanta Hawks (5-1) Previous Rank: N/A

The Hawks started season 23 off strong. Using the Wednesday/Thursday strategy that the Nuggets used last season, they were able to split tough inter-conference matchups between the Heat and Sixers. The locks on both lines ( @Raynor - @Coach Denham - @Big Bay Blues ) did their jobs and are all averaging great numbers. @SnypE BH led line 1A to a 3-0 Thursday and is averaging 19PPG, 14.5ASTS, 4.5 TOs on 76.2 FG% with only 21 shots taken; also leading the league in assists. That is eye-popping efficiency. If this team continues to trend in this upward direction they're going to dominate.

Team MVP: @iKennyPee - Prediction: 21PPG, 10.5ASTS, 3.5 TOs, 65 FG% / Actual: 20PPG, 10.7ASTS, 6 TOs, 70.6 FG%

2. Miami Heat (5-1) Previous Rank: 4

The Miami Heat continue to prove doubters wrong and move up two spots in the rankings. @Flems506 and @xRICKOSHAY have split up and have formed one of the best PG duos for 1st and 2nd lines. @Beardo526 has taken hold of the 1st line lock position and has thrived. The organization also uncovered some unlikely TC gems that were RA'd to them in @TC x Avi and @iCLVMP UNC . Once again looking locked and loaded, they have now become one of the favorites to win it all. Back-to-back champs? Time will tell.

Team MVP: @xRICKOSHAY - Prediction: 29PPG, 8ASTS, 4 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: 33.3PPG, 9ASTS, 3 TOs, 60.9 FG%

3. Los Angeles Lakers (5-1) Previous Rank: 5

The LA Lakers have started the season hot and have also moved up 2 spots in the Power Rankings. Led by @Zero Choice - @SWAGGYxFRESH954 - @Dats xx - @O Yea i ISO the team looks to be in mid-season form and hitting on all cylinders. This team will still be slept on as the season moves forward but I can see LA maintaining the 1 seed with the struggles the other West teams have shown. Continuity and chemistry are things you cant teach, and these boys have it. Watch out West!

Former Team MVP: @GLymPSe101 - Prediction: 21PPG, 5ASTS, 3.5STLS 70 FG% / Actual: 9.3PPG, 1.7ASTS, 1.3STLS, 64.7 FG%

New Team MVP: @Zero Choice - Prediction: N/A / Actual: 21.3PPG, 3REB, 3.3ASTS, 3.3STLS, 64.1 FG%

4. Philadelphia 76ers (4-2) Previous Rank: 2

The 76ers showed why they are one of the teams to be feared in the Eastern Conference. A thrilling buzzer beater win by @Easy Macaroni over the Miami Heat was their high of the week, but a 16 point loss to the Atlanta Hawks made them look mortal. The balance of their 1st and 2nd lines is evident and will carry them through the season. The Sixers got everything they were looking for in PGs @ItsDashDummy and @Advanced Zap and are both averaging great numbers. This team will be a mainstay.

Team MVP: @Advanced Zap - Prediction: 24.5 PPG, 11ASTS, 4 TOs, 62 FG% / Actual: 31PPG, 3.7ASTS, 4.7 TOs, 50 FG%

5. Minnesota T-Wolves (2-4) Previous Rank: 7

Hello @BWitt x 14 , heard you had one of the worst contracts in the league? WRONG! The kid is going s and led his line, along with @SavagePatchh , to a 2-0 start. Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding during another game which caused an FF. This team had a bad string of events that made them start slowly, but they look like the 2nd strongest team in the west. They made a blockbuster move to acquire @lts Froggy after a botched trade to the Atlanta Hawks. Get that man some help though guys, his back hurts.

Team MVP: @BWitt x 14 - Prediction: 26PPG, 11ASTS, 4.5 TOs, 65 FG% / Actual: 29.5PPG, 12.5ASTS, 5 TOs, 83.3 FG%

6. Memphis Grizzlies (2-4) Previous Rank: N/A

@D Andoo99 , c'mon son?! This is the "competitive" team? I know y'all can do better than that. Do I think it was a fluke week? Yes. But only so many errors can be made to stick in the playoff race. The Grizz will likely need to make adjustments to be competitive in the West. With tough losses against the Wolves, Blazers, Suns, and Thunder, they will need to tighten things up to remain in this spot in the rankings.

Team MVP: @D Andoo99 - Prediction: 27PPG, 9ASTS, 3TOs, 70 FG% / Actual: 24.7PPG, 8.3ASTS, 3 TOs, 59.3 FG%

7. Oklahoma City Thunder (4-2) Previous Rank: 8

@HBB Rise is a magician. After having HUGE question marks surrounding his roster before week 1, he was able to salvage his season and build a competent team. @justdonni3 2 and @SIimeWorld are having the best seasons of their LG careers to date and have been a big component of the rebuild. They still have an uphill battle, but they're here. And thats all that matters.

Team MVP - @SIimeWorld - Prediction: 21PPG, 7ASTS, 5.5 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: 20PPG, 10ASTS, 4.3 TOs, 45.8 FG%

8. New Orleans Pelicans (2-4) Previous Rank: 3

The Pelicans took a major dive in the rankings due to a lackluster 1st week and question marks surrounding their whole roster. @xVenom OF remains one of the best PGs in the league, and they still have one of the best locks in the league with @A Sniper13 , buuuuutttt... what happened to the hype? I expected much more from this team. They've been an utter disappointment thus far. Let's see if they can turn it around.

Team MVP: @A Sniper13 - Prediction: 19PPG, 5RBS, 5ASTS, 3.5STLS, 72 FG% / Actual: 22.3PPG, 1.3REB, 0.3ASTS, 3STLS, 70.5 FG%

9. Phoenix Suns (4-2) Previous Rank: 12

@im just a squid and the boys have started the season off strong. With upset wins over the Grizz and Pels, they've clawed their way up the standings and look to be in great position moving forward. The addition of @Two Lag Shots seems to have made quite a difference for this team and it has shown in the standings. Currently the 3 seed in the West, lets see if they can keep this positive momentum and carry it into week 2.

Team MVP: @im just a squid - Prediction: 24PPG, 7ASTS, 5 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: 21.7PPG, 9.7ASTS, 4.3 TOs, 77.1 FG%

10. Portland Trail Blazers (3-3) Previous Rank: N/A

@axemurderer29 deserves some credit. He has built a competitive squad. The PGs from this squad are playing out of their minds and its translating into some W's. @KhoreyHouks and @Rainy iPM have shown they are well worth the 11M+ that the owner invested in the position. With contributions from @xAzZYTHEBALLER - @Gunn14 - @EastxCoastxGoat , the Blazers look to be in position to potentially steal a 5 or 6 seed. Lock in fellas!

Team MVPs: @KhoreyHouks Prediction: 18PPG, 8ASTS, 4.5 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: 33.3PPG, 7.3ASTS, 4 TOs, 64.2 FG%
@Rainy iPM Prediction: 15PPG, 11ASTS, 5 TOs, 58 FG% / Actual: 35PPG, 6ASTS, 3 TOs, 62 FG%

11. Washington Wizards (3-3) Previous Rank: 9

This team is as up and down as a team can get. They have the firepower offensively to keep up with top teams, but their defense is suspect at best. They'll have to continue to rely on their high usage guards to find ways to win. They should still be able to lock down a playoff spot in the East, but nothing more.

Team MVP: @Kobsos - Prediction: 28PPG, 10ASTS, 2.5 TOs 70 FG% / Actual: 23.3PPG, 7.3ASTS, 8.3 TOs, 62 FG%

12. Indiana Pacers (3-3) Previous Rank: 13

As I had previously stated, @STG BEAST looks to be on his way to sneaking into the playoffs. Some unknowns such as @Hotpants vF - @pmh50xx as well as guys like @Mpls Pat - @Better Clutch - @Uncle No Legs - @GrumpyHucFreak have been solid contributors to a team that'll hover at about .500. If they can do that, punch them a ticket into the playoffs.

Team MVP: @Better Clutch - Prediction: 16PPG, 3RBS, 5ASTS, 2.5STLS 65 FG% / Actual: 21PPG, 2REB, 2ASTS, 6STLS, 83.3 FG%

13. Utah Jazz Previous (2-4) Rank: 15

@johnny nobakes had confidence in putting the ball in @HBB Westie hands, and boy has it paid off for his team. He led the Jazz to two huge upset wins over the Pels and T-Wolves. Leading the PF position in usage and PPG, he will need to continue to carry in his newly found XXL backpack. They've also gotten great contributions from guys like @Tea Are Ohh Why - @Naff18 - @Rob3421 - @Grande Possa . The backpack is in the horizon. Hop on in!

Team MVP: @HBB Westie - Prediction: 24PPG, 8 ASTS, 5 TOs, 65 FG% / Actual: 26PPG, 4.3ASTS, 3.7 TOs, 65.3 FG%

14. New York Knicks (1-5) Previous Rank: 11

@FREE MEL0 and the New York Knicks have struggled to bring wins back to the Big Apple. They've stayed competitive in plenty of games during week 1, but didnt have enough to get over the hump in several of those situations. They'll continue to battle and hopefully will be able to grind out some more victories over the coming weeks. Keep it comin boys! The playoffs could still be in sight.

Team MVP: @Just Djay - Prediction: 17PPG, 3RBS, 5ASTS, 55 FG% / Actual: 19.7PPG, 2REB, 3.7ASTS, 71.1 FG%

15. Chicago Bulls (2-4) Previous Rank: 16

@Ayztraks and his Chicago Bulls may not be in the worst position in season 23. @xPaca has made some noise, but not what I anticipated. The real bright spot of this team has been the owner himself. They will continue to have question marks on the roster but it may not be out of the realm for them to make the playoffs. 2-4 isnt a terrible start; I've seen much worse.

Former Team MVP: @xPaca - Prediction: 21PPG, 2RBS, 3ASTS, 3STLS, 65 FG% / Actual: 17.0PPG, 1.7REB, 1.7ASTS, 2 STLS, 59.4 FG%

New Team MVP: @Ayztraks - Prediction: N/A / Actual: 25.3PPG, 6.7ASTS, 3.7 TOs, 72.5 FG%

16. Toronto Raptors (1-5) Previous Rank: 14

@YSL BULLY and his Raptors are in shambles. They forfeited a few games during week 1 and have had a few unresponsive players go through their organization. I may have been wrong about the GSW of this season. We may have just found them.

Team MVP: @Killafornia0810 - Prediction: 20PPG, 6 ASTS, 5 TOs, 60 FG% / Actual: Banned

New Team MVP: @YungTickle - Prediction: N/A / Actual: 27.7PPG, 4.7ASTS, 2STLS, 57.9 FG%

Anticipated ECF Matchup: Hawks vs. Sixers / Updated ECF Matchup: Hawks vs. Heat
Anticipated WCF Matchup: Pels vs. Lakers / Updated WCF Matchup: Lakers vs. T-Wolves

 

Good write up brotha

 

Another great write up!

 

Great read my guy regardless lol

 

Thank you to everyone that has responded so far

 

Nice write up snype. How about that second line PG of ours