NBA Power Rankings: Week Thirteen
By Peter Owen
Jan 26, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) directs teammates before attempting a free throw against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
7. Portland Trail Blazers (33-12, Last week: #2)
Portland discovered their mortality this week. The bench that looked vastly superior to last season hasn’t proven so in the long term. As we’ve mentioned before, their schedule really turns in the second half of the season. We’re going to be able to definitively rule on their title aspirations in the near future.
ORtg: 110.0, DRtg: 105.5
8. Phoenix Suns (26-18, Last week: #9)
The Suns looked like the team that defied everyone earlier this season when they took the Pacers apart. Emeka Okafor is on an expiring contract and is out for the season and they still need to replace Eric Bledsoe’s production – watch for Okafor’s name to pop up in trade rumor columns as the deadline approaches. His situation makes him very enticing for lottery-bound teams.
ORtg: 106.4, DRtg: 102.5