Boston Celtics surge up 2 spots in NBA Power Rankings

Last week: Lost to New Orleans 102-94, lost at Utah 121-115, lost to Lakers 128-120

This week: Monday vs. Phoenix, Wednesday at New York, Friday at Washington

With the start of a five-game road trip, with four of those against Eastern Conference foes, looming next week, the Portland Trail Blazers really could have used some good vibes last week to carry into that. Instead, the four-game winning streak the Trail Blazers were working on turned into a three-game losing streak.

Damian Lillard boated productivity, but not efficiency, as he averaged 27.7 points, 8.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 37.9 minutes per game over the three losses, while shooting only 39.0 percent overall and 30.6 percent on 12.0 3-point attempts nightly. Those numbers included a 34-point, eight-assist night at Utah on Thursday, during which he was 7-for-13 from deep.

Last week: Lost to Philadelphia 125-109, beat Washington 132-102, lost at San Antonio 136-109

This week: Monday at Utah, Thursday at Clippers, Saturday at Golden State

The Detroit Pistons opened a six-game road trip in the worst possible way on Saturday, getting clubbed at San Antonio. That came on the heels of a 30-point win over the Wizards at home on Thursday. Throw in the 16-point loss to the 76ers on Monday and consistency isn’t exactly what is happening in Motown.

Andre Drummond continues to soldier on for the Pistons, however, averaging 20.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 blocks in 31.5 minutes per game while shooting 65.8 percent from the floor (he did miss his only 3-point try). Drummond had a big night — off the bench — in the loss to Philadelphia, scoring 27 points on 13-of-16 shooting.