The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same in the NBA. Just when it seemed as though the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics were in trouble they both found ways to come back and take the lead in their opening round series (with the Spurs and Raptors moving on). Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors added another statement to their season with a dominant performance in round one against the Portland Trail Blazers. Here is a look at the NBA top five power rankings for this week.
1. Golden State Warriors
Last Week: 1
NBA Championship Odds: -285
The Warriors jumped out to a 14-0 lead and didn’t look back with a 22-3 run to open game four versus Portland. Golden State set a franchise record with 45 points in the opening frame and didn’t look back in a 128-103 win. Stephen Curry scored 37 points before sitting out the fourth quarter while Kevin Durant had 10 points in 20 minutes before he had the luxury of sitting out the rest of the way in the blowout win. The silver lining to the Warriors dominance is the fact that they could be without head coach Steve Kerr for an extended period due to illness. However, Mike Brown is a capable coaching with plenty of experience and he should have no problem leading the Warriors to a second round series win over whichever team emerges between the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week: 4
NBA Championship Odds: +300
Cleveland had no problem extinguishing the Indiana Pacers in four games with 106 points or more in each of their four wins. LeBron James has averaged a playoff-high 43.8 minutes per game in the opening round but he will have a few days to rest before the Cavaliers’ second round series. LeBron is closing in on the all-time NBA record for playoff scoring with his sights set on a seventh straight trip to the NBA Finals. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love have looked good in a supporting role once again while Channing Frye and Deron Williams have settled in nicely as well.
3. Houston Rockets
Last Week: 3
NBA Championship Odds: +1200
Houston made its opening round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder look easy and earned the chance to rest as they await their second round opponent. James Harden has averaged 33.2 pints, 7.0 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game in the playoffs but he hasn’t had to do it alone. Lou Williams and Eric Gordon continue to provide secondary scoring while Nene really stepped up against the Thunder by averaging 13.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Nene should once again be an x-factor in the second round.
4. San Antonio Spurs
Last Week: 2
NBA Championship Odds: +800
The Spurs followed up back-to-back wins over Memphis at home with back-to-back losses on the road before bouncing back with wins in Game 5 and 6. Now San Antonio will look ahead to the Rockets, who have been waiting for them in the second round.
Kawhi Leonard has flashed his outstanding talent by averaging 31.6 points per game in the playoffs but he is going to need more help in order for the Spurs to keep up with Houston. Tony Parker, Pau Gasol and Danny Green in particular will need to be better if San Antonio is going to reach the Western Conference Finals.
5. Boston Celtics
Last Week: 5
NBA Championship Odds: +3000
An injury to former Celtics guard Rajon Rondo marked the turning point in Boston’s opening round series as they have stormed back from an 0-2 deficit with three straight wins. Isaiah Thomas has struggled with consistency but has still averaged 25.2 points per game. Meanwhile, Al Horford, Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder have all averaged double-digit scoring totals. The Celtics will benefit from the fact that they match up with the Washington Wizards in the second round as they get to avoid the Cavaliers and either Toronto or Milwaukee. Washington will still present its challenges but Boston’s championship outlook is now much brighter than it was even a week ago.
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