The Golden State Warriors entered 2017 where they left off in 2015 and 2016 with the best record in the NBA. The Warriors are undoubtedly the team to beat in the NBA with Kevin Durant solidifying their position as the undoubted title favorites. The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs are right behind them in the NBA power rankings with a new addition to this week’s rankings making its move up the Western Conference standings. Here is a look at the NBA top-five power rankings for this week.
1. Golden State Warriors (31-5)
Last Week: 1
NBA Championship Odds: -120
The Warriors extended their most recent win streak to four in a row to improve to 31-5, which is 2.5 games up on the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the NBA. Golden State has won 25 straight when Stephen Curry scored 30 points or more while it’s Kevin Durant that has actually led the way this season with an average of 25.8 points per game. The Warriors own the league’s top-ranked offense with 117.5 points per game while averaging a league-best 31.2 assists per game. Golden State is a better team than it was a year ago and it’s scary to think about this team’s potential come playoff time once they have established an even higher level of chemistry.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (26-8)
Last Week: 2
NBA Championship Odds: +300
It’s pretty incredible to think about what LeBron James accomplished ahead of his 32nd birthday last Friday. Now the question is what he has left in the tank with the Cavaliers primed for another run this season. Cleveland improved to 24-2 overall when James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love each score at least 20 points in a game and they have extended their lead to three games at the top of the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers can afford to be on cruise control throughout the regular season and as long as they stay healthy the extra rest should help once the postseason rolls around.
3. San Antonio Spurs (28-7)
Last Week: 3
NBA Championship Odds: +850
San Antonio is one of four teams in the NBA that rank in the top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The Spurs put together a 12-2 record in the month of December and they have done a good job of keeping the pressure on the Warriors at the top of the NBA standings. San Antonio has already won five games this season in which they’ve trailed by 13 points or more and they have just one loss this season when leading after three quarters. All signs are pointing towards an eventual playoff showdown between the Warriors and Spurs with the winner likely getting Cleveland in the NBA Finals.
4. Houston Rockets (27-9)
Last Week: –
NBA Championship Odds: +2500
The Rockets have averaged a ridiculous 39.7 three-point attempts per game this season, which is on pace to shatter the NBA’s regular season record that they set last season. Houston’s increased three-point shooting is a big reason why they rank second in the NBA with 114.6 points per game and there is no reason to expect them to slow down anytime soon. After posting a 15-2 record in the month of December, the Rockets appear poised to challenge the Warriors and Spurs at the top of the Western Conference standings. James Harden has established himself as a legitimate NBA MVP candidate and at this point Houston appears one or two depth pieces away from being a serious title contender.
5. Toronto Raptors (23-11)
Last Week: 5
NBA Championship Odds: +2500
The Raptors stayed hot with wins over Utah, Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers before hitting a wall against the Spurs on the final day of their six-game road trip. Toronto has shown flashes of its potential to be a serious contender out of the Eastern Conference but they have yet to break through against Cleveland, Golden State and San Antonio this season. There have been rumors about the Raptors potentially trading for Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks. Toronto likely needs to make at least one substantial addition in order to get over the top and it won’t be a surprise if they attempt to make a splash before the trade deadline to move one step closer to challenging the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
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