2009-2010 NBA Westerm Power Rankings
The Los Angeles Lakers began defense of their NBA title on Tuesday night against the other team in town, the L.A. Clippers. The Clippers, without their rookie star Blake Griffin, who is out with a knee injury kept this game close, but fell 99-92 to the champions. Ron Artest made his debut for the Lakers adding 10 points and 5 rebounds in the win. The other conference game for opening day featured two of the better teams in the West, the Portland Trail Blazers hosting the Houston Rockets with the Blazers coming out on top 96-87. The rest of the conference was in action on Wednesday and while each team has only played a game or two, here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top teams in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers Current Odds to Win the West +110
The Lakers seemed more concerned with raising their 2008/2009 Championship banner and getting their rings than playing the Clippers in their home opener. They only led by 1 point at the end of three quarters against a team they should have put away in the first half. Give the Clippers all the credit in the world for keeping this game close, only losing by 7 points. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers in scoring with 33 points and Lamar Odom added 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Andrew Bynum added 26 points and 13 rebounds in the winning effort. Next up for the Lakers are the Mavericks tonight and the Hawks on Sunday at home, then on the road against the Thunder on Tuesday and the Rockets on Thursday.
Denver Nuggets Current Odds to Win the West + 750
The Nuggets opened their season on Wednesday with an impressive win over the Utah Jazz in Denver. Led by Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups they erased an 8 point deficit in the 3rd quarter, then pulled away in the 4th quarter for the 114-105 victory. They followed up this win with another exciting 97-94 win over the Trail Blazers Thursday night on the road. The 2-0 start against two playoff caliber teams serves early notice that they intend to challenge the Lakers in the West. Anthony leads the team in scoring with 71 points, Nene leads in rebounds with 17, and Billups is tied with Anthony in assists with 16. Next up for the Nuggets is at home against the Grizzlies on Sunday and then on the road against the Pacers on Tuesday and the Nets on Wednesday.
Portland Trail Blazers Current Odds to Win the West +725
In a rematch from last year’s first round of the playoffs the Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 96-87 in their home opener this past Tuesday. While they Rockets enter the season a bit depleted by injuries, the Blazers appear ready to be a factor in the West. Portland built a 20 point fourth quarter lead and then held off the Rockets for the 9 point win. They followed up this win with a tough loss to the Denver Nuggets the following night, 97-94. The Blazers had a chance to win this game, but Greg Oden missed two free throws that would have given them a one point lead with 4.6 seconds left. Through two games Brandon Roy leads the team in scoring with 50 points, Andre Miller leads in assists with 12, and Greg Oden leads in rebounds with 21. Next up for the Trail Blazers are the Rockets on Saturday and the Thunder on Sunday on the road, then the Hawks back at home on Tuesday.
San Antonio Spurs Current Odds to Win the West + 210
The Spurs opened their season at home with a convincing win over the New Orleans Hornets 113-96. San Antonio used a stifling defense to shut the Hornets down in the first half building an 18 point lead that they never relinquished. The following night they traveled to Chicago and dropped a 92-85 decision to the upstart Bulls. Chicago put forth a total team effort that kept the Spurs off balance in a game that was never really close. In their first two games Tim Duncan leads the team in points scored with 37 as well as rebounds with 28. Tony Parker leads in assists with 9. Next up for the Spurs are at home against the Kings on Saturday and on the road against the Jazz on Thursday.
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