Jason Jones: Ranking the League
02/08/2014 5:18 PM
02/08/2014 11:27 PM
Records and statistics through Friday’s games
• 1. Indiana Pacers (39-10, Last week 2): George Hill could be the key to whether the Pacers win an NBA championship.
• 2. Oklahoma City Thunder (40-12, LW 1): Even one of the best teams can’t have fundamental slip-ups. OKC didn’t get back on defense and lost to Orlando on a dunk at the buzzer.
• 3. Miami Heat (35-13, LW 4): Chris Bosh might not put up big numbers every night, but he’s vital.
• 4. Los Angeles Clippers (35-18, LW 5): Chris Paul’s return is imminent, and the Clippers are still leading the Pacific Division.
• 5. San Antonio Spurs (36-14, LW 6): Manu Ginobili joins Kawhi Leonard among the many injured Spurs.
• 6. Portland Trail Blazers (35-15, LW 3): Losers of six of their last 10, including blowing a game late and falling in overtime at Indiana.
• 7. Houston Rockets (33-17, LW 7): Still chasing the Spurs in the Southwest Division with hopes of not finishing fifth in the West.
• 8. Phoenix Suns (29-20, LW 8): Will the surprising Suns pull off a trade to aid their postseason push?
• 9. Warriors (30-20, LW 9): Injuries continue to test the depth, which was a big concern before the season.
• 10. Dallas Mavericks (30-21, LW 10): A four-game winning streak isn’t enough to move the Mavericks up in the West.
• 11. Memphis Grizzlies (26-22, LW 12): A six-game winning streak put the Grizzlies back in the mix for a playoff spot.
• 12. Toronto Raptors (26-24, LW 11): Kyle Lowry might be the biggest snub from the All-Star Game in the East.
• 13. Atlanta Hawks (25-23, LW 13): Already down Al Horford, big man Pero Antic is now out because of a stress fracture in his right ankle.
• 14. Denver Nuggets (24-24, LW 18): Injuries have made Brian Shaw’s first season as a head coach even tougher.
• 15. Chicago Bulls (24-25, LW 14): All things considered, the Bulls should be happy to have this record.
• 16. Washington Wizards (24-25, LW 15): They have the talent to be better but struggle to stay above .500.
• 17. Brooklyn Nets: (22-26, LW 16): In case you missed it, Kevin Garnett STILL does not like playing center.
• 18. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-26, LW 17): Inconsistency has been their trademark this season.
• 19. New Orleans Pelicans (22-27, LW 21): Anthony Davis is playing like an All-Star for the Pelicans, who have been slowed by several injuries.
• 20. Charlotte Bobcats: (22-28, LW 19): The Bobcats already have surpassed last season’s win total of 21.
• 21. New York Knicks (20-30, LW 20): Reports of ownership meeting with Carmelo Anthony about coach Mike Woodson is the latest drama.
• 22. Detroit Pistons (20-29, LW 22): Are Joe Dumars’ offseason moves enough to get the Pistons to the postseason or does more need to be done?
• 23. Boston Celtics (18-33, LW 28): Jared Sullinger is stepping up lately to take pressure off an offense that relies heavily on perimeter players.
• 24. Los Angeles Lakers (18-32, LW 26): The Lakers continue to use the D-League to help their injury-depleted roster.
• 25. Kings (17-33, LW 25): The Kings have had to adjust to injuries lately after being healthy most of the season.
• 26. Cleveland Cavaliers (17-33, LW 24): A team that thought it could make the playoffs has been underwhelming, and it cost GM Chris Grant his job.
• 27. Utah Jazz (16-33, LW 23): Four-game losing streak has kept the Jazz from getting out the cellar in the Western Conference.
• 28. Orlando Magic (15-37, LW 29): Quietly, Tobias Harris is proving to be a solid pickup from Milwaukee as part of last season’s deal involving J.J. Redick.
• 29. Philadelphia 76ers (15-36, LW 27): The 76ers have dropped their last five games, and memories of their good start are long gone.
• 30. Milwaukee Bucks (9-40, LW 30): Rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a bright spot.
About This Blog
Jason Jones, who joined The Sacramento Bee in 2002, has covered the Kings since 2008. Jones, a UC Berkeley graduate, also has covered high school sports, the Oakland Raiders and the Sacramento Monarchs for The Bee. Contact him at jejones@sacbee.com. Twitter: @mr_jasonjonesKey Links
Schedules, scores, statsNBA team previews
Video
More Kings
Bleed Black and PurpleSactown Royalty
Kings Fans
Official Kings site
USA Today: Hoops Hype
ESPN Trade Machine
Inside Hoops
Kings Blog
Join the Discussion
The Sacramento Bee is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere on the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.