NBA Bubble Power Rankings Preview: Looking at week one

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers is fouled by Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 112-103 Lakers win at Staples Center on March 08, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers is fouled by Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 112-103 Lakers win at Staples Center on March 08, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
1 of 12
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

This week’s edition of the NBA power rankings will be a final wrap up on the latest news as well as a preview of the games of the week.

We will be typically looking at the week as Saturday through Friday. Given that this week does not start until Thursday, the sample size will be slightly smaller so we will be going to Saturday to give us a little more to talk about.

Even in a shortened recording period, there is at least one game for every team in the bubble. We will know even more about all of the bubble teams this time next week and have a little more clarity about what to expect from the possible playoff teams.

As additional cases and emergencies arise, the rankings will reflect that. Information has been limited coming out of the bubble about who exactly is and is not there and why. This causes complications in terms of projections but we are here to make the most of it.

Not much has changed for the Washington Wizards in the last week. This bubble experiment may not be something that lasts long for Washington, but there is still a chance to get a look at some of the young talents on the roster with no expectations.

For their first game in the bubble, the Wizards will face off against the Suns in an exhibition of young teams looking to take the next step. In a small sample of only 38 games, Thomas Bryant was taking a step forward.

He improved in all traditional statistical categories, averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.4 steals in only 23.7 minutes per game. He will not turn 23 until game day and the potential is limitless for the young center.

Mo Wagner is another young big man looking to make the most of the opportunity. After seeing very little time with the Lakers as a rookie, he nearly doubled his minutes in Washington and improved to 9.5 points and 5.2 rebounds a game. Wagner has a decent 3-point stroke and gives the Wizards options down low.

The Wizards should look to get weird in Orlando, throwing out a variety of lineups to experiment with the young talent.