NBA Western Conference Power Rankings for November 6th, 2009
A week into the 2009/2010 season, the Denver Nuggets are leading the way in the Western Conference jumping out to a 5-0 start. Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups are serving early notice to the Lakers that this season will not be a one team race for the conference title. The Lakers are currently tied with Phoenix in the Pacific at 4-1 and along with Dallas and Houston in the Southwest at 3-2; there are only five teams in the West that have a record over .500. Along with the Nuggets, the Suns are the only other team that is undefeated in conference play both having 3-0 records. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top teams in the West.
Denver Nuggets (5-0) Current odds to win the West- 7/1
In Denver’s 133-123 win over the Grizzlies, Carmelo Anthony overcame a slow start to end up with 42 points. In their next game the Nuggets relied heavily on their bench to lead the way to a 111- 93 win over the Pacers contributing 38 points and 22 rebounds. In their last game they faced the winless New Jersey Nets on the road and had a relatively easy time keeping them from getting their first win. In the 122-94 victory rookie Ty Lawson led all scorers with 23. Through five games Anthony is the leading scorer averaging 32 points per game. Nene is the team’s leading rebounder with 9.6 per game. Chauncey Billips leads in assists averaging 5.4 per game. Next up for the Nuggets in the middle of a six game road trip are the Heat tonight, the Hawks on Saturday, the Bulls on Tuesday, and the Bucks on Wednesday, November 11th.
Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) Current odds to win the West- 2/3
The Lakers dropped their first game of the season losing to the Mavericks 94-80 at home last Friday. They trailed the entire game as Kobe Bryant struggled from the field. They bounced back against the Hawks with a 118-110 win as Bryant electrified the home crowd in this game scoring 41 points. The Thunder gave the defending champs a scare hanging tough, but LA was able to pull off the 101-98 win in overtime. Andrew Bynum had a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. In their last game they won another nail biter beating the Rockets 103-102. In their second straight overtime win, Bryant scored 41 points and Bynum added 17 points and 17 rebounds. Through five games, Bryant is the team’s leading scorer averaging 33.2 points per game. Bynum leads in rebounds with 10.6 per game. Lamar Odom leads in assists with 9.6 per game. Next up for the Lakers in a three game home stand are the Grizzlies tonight, the Jazz on Sunday, and the Suns on Thursday, November 12th.
Phoenix Suns (4-1) Current odds to win the West – 25/1
To close out October, the Suns crushed the Warriors 123-101 with Steve Nash adding 18 points and 20 assists. Jason Richardson returned from a two game suspension to score 23 points in a 120-112 win over the Timberwolves. In their next game, Nash’s 30 points along with a solid defense led the way to a big 104-96 win over the Heat, handing Miami their first loss of the year. The next night playing the other team from Florida, the Suns suffered their first loss of the season dropping a 122-100 decision to the Magic. Through five games, Nash is the leading scorer averaging 19.6 points and leads in assists with 10.8 per game. Grant Hill leads in rebounds with 8.8 per game. Amar’e Stoudmire is a close second in both scoring with 19.2 points and rebounds with 8.6. Next up for the Suns are a couple of huge games starting with Boston on the road tonight, the Wizards on Sunday, and the 76ers on Monday. They return home to play the Jazz on Wednesday, and then head to LA to play the Lakers on Thursday, November 12th.
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