NBA Power Rankings Christmas: Bucks & Rockets on the Rise

Tier 5: Not Buying in, but They're Fun to Watch

It's a mixture of a little bit of everything in this fifth and final tier. The one side features a team like the Los Angeles Clippers who have surprised everyone this season. But the Clippers can't seem to just figure out if they're going to get over the hump or take a step back, so it's hard to believe in them currently.

Even beyond that, the final two spots are very tough this week, but one team's recent surge makes them more than deserving of a spot in the power rankings. A lot can change in this group as well, and we may even see some teams from the previous tier find their way here within a week or so.


14. Los Angeles Clippers

Last week: 14

When you look at most teams and see that they've lost five of seven games, odds are you're ready to throw them off the power rankings altogether. I wouldn't blame you, but I'm just not there. The Clippers' losses over that stretch came against the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, and Golden State Warriors.

That's some pretty elite company to lose to, especially when considering that the last three came by six or fewer points. Most recently, to finish out the week we saw the Clippers lose on the road to the Warriors by two points.

All of that is fine in my book, but the fact that they defeated the Denver Nuggets (who, as we saw are way up there) by 21 points this past week was impressive. That win helped keep them in the mix here and also makes the losses look even more respectable.

Upcoming week's schedule: vs. Kings, at Lakers, vs. Spurs


15. Miami Heat

Last week: Not ranked

We can welcome the Miami Heat to the show after winning seven of their last 10 and five straight as of late. This team still has a fair amount to prove but wins over the Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks this week opened more than a few eyes. The Heat have also hit this stride as of late with Goran Dragic now sidelined after undergoing a knee scope.

I wasn't buying Miami at all until the back-to-back wins over Houston and Milwaukee, but they look like they're on the verge of turning a corner. If the emergence of Josh Richardson continues, as he led the team in scoring in three of the last four games, the Heat could be a fun team to watch come playoff team.

Upcoming week's schedule: vs. Raptors, vs. Cavaliers, vs. Timberwolves


16. Charlotte Hornets

Last week: Not ranked

No one is going to really jump out of their chair here about the Charlotte Hornets being included, but I think it's deserved. Honestly, I also think that it's deserved because the Hornets had a solid week without Kemba Walker having to do everything. While he poured in 30 points in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Walker actually wasn't the team's leading scorer in a solid win over the Detroit Pistons.

Although the All-Star did score 22 points in the 98-86 win, Marvin Williams led the way with 24 points and the Hornets received some solid bench production. Charlotte isn't going to truly become a playoff team to fear (aside from Walker) until they acquire another piece. Based on their play to this point, there's an argument to be made that they should be buyers at the trade deadline.

Upcoming week's schedule: at Nets, vs. Nets, at Wizards

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NBA Power Rankings Christmas: Bucks & Rockets on the Rise

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