NBA Power Rankings [Jan. 8th]: Brooklyn on top

NBA Power Rankings following the games on Jan. 8th. The Brooklyn Nets are ranked first but their future is uncertain following the KD injury.

By

Shane Lambert

Posted

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This is the 12th edition of our NBA power rankings for the 2022/23 regular season. The Brooklyn Nets, a team that went 3-1 over the last week, remains our top-ranked team this week.

The Nets, on Sunday, did take an injury to Kevin Durant so NBA fans will be looking for the update on his MRI on Monday. If it's positive (meaning they found serious damage), then the Nets stand to lose some games in the future and will, likely, drop down in our rankings in the editions to come.

Top Ten NBA Power Rankings: 12th Edition

You can check out last week's power rankings here: previous edition.

  1. Brooklyn Nets: 27-13 (no change)
  2. Memphis Grizzlies: 26-13 (+2)
  3. Denver Nuggets: 26-13 (no change)
  4. Philadelphia 76ers: 24-15 (-2)
  5. Boston Celtics: 28-12 (no change)
  6. Cleveland Cavaliers: 26-15 (+1)
  7. Dallas Mavericks: 23-18 (+2)
  8. Milwaukee Bucks: 25-14 (-2)
  9. New York Knicks: 22-18 (re-entry)
  10. New Orleans Pelicans: 24-16 (-2)

The Los Angeles Clippers, a team currently in the midst of a 6-game losing streak, dropped out of our rankings.

Memphis Grizzlies: 6-game win streak active

The Memphis Grizzlies, the second-place team in the Western Conference, are the hottest team within our top ten. They, the Grizzlies, currently enjoy a 6-game winning streak heading into Monday. The team has not had a difficult schedule lately, however, they did beat the Pelicans in a game that took place during their current streak.

If you are thinking about backing the Memphis Grizzlies for playoff success, then you should be a little skeptical about one thing. Steven Adams isn't the prize center he was a few years ago. If the Grizzlies bought toward the trade deadline, then a better starting center would make them core contenders for the title.

Big Games Upcoming: Which Top Teams Play One Another?

Coming up on Monday, Milwaukee and New York will play, two teams that are in our NBA power rankings. Milwaukee is really on the cold side lately so you have to wonder if the Knicks are going to win that game. The Boston Celtics will also play the New Orleans Pelicans in a matchup between two teams that are among our top ten. Check out the ESPN NBA Schedule for game times and other matchups.