NBA Power Rankings Week 1: The rise of the Brooklyn Nets

Last Week: Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 121-114, Lost to the OKC Thunder 109-107

This Week: 12/27/2020 vs. Brooklyn Nets, 12/30/2020 at Dallas Mavericks, 1/1/2021 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 1/2/2021 at Philadelphia 76ers

At least LaMelo Ball scored in game two? There is not much positive to say about the start of the season for the Charlotte Hornets. Terry Rozier eclipsed 40 points in game one and the team lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gordon Hayward is showing some of the rust and inconsistencies that saw him wear out his welcome with the Boston Celtics even if he had been healthy.

Speaking of health, the injury to Cody Zeller is more damaging than many on the outside realize. With him out for an extended period of time, the only center currently getting rotation minutes is Bismack Biyombo. With rookies Nick Richards and Vernon Carey on the outside looking in, things could get ugly for this team.

Last Week: Beat Charlotte Hornets 121-114, Beat/2OT Detroit Pistons 128-119

This Week: 12/27/2020 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 12/29/2020 vs. New York Knicks, 12/31/2020 at Indiana Pacers, 1/2/2021 at Atlanta Hawks

The Cleveland Cavaliers are so far taking advantage of their fellow tankers, getting wins against two of the Eastern Conference dregs to start the season. Their starting five has been solid, if uninspiring. If you want a real confusing notion: Isaac Okoro played 42 minutes in game two and did not score.

This team is likely still not going to make a run at the play-in game but if they have a chance it will look like it did against the Pistons Saturday night. Their young backcourt was efficient and effective and Andre Drummond feasted on the boards. This 2-0 start may be fool’s gold but it is still better than last year.