NBA Power Rankings Week 7: The revenge of the Los Angeles Lakers

Last Week: Lost to LA Clippers 129-115, Lost to Chicago Bulls 110-102, Beat Chicago Bulls 107-103, Beat Portland Trail Blazers 110-99

This Week: 2/7 vs. Miami Heat, 2/9 at Miami Heat, 2/12 at Washington Wizards, 2/13 vs. Houston Rockets

After starting the week out with two losses, the New York Knicks are on a two-game winning streak. They continue to get enough out of RJ Barrett and Julius Randle to tread water in the race for the back end of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

Over the last week, Randle and Barrett led the way for the Knicks. Randle continues to make his case for the All-Star game, averaging 24.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game this week. Barrett was not far behind, posting a line of 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists a night in his own right.

Immanuel Quickley is the truth. He only played 20.5 minutes per game this week but was still third on the team in scoring (15.0 points per game). The team thrives with him on the court and in due time he will be the starting point guard for the team. There is no reason to rush that at this point as things are working for the Knicks.

There have been rumors about the Knicks being interested in bringing Derrick Rose back to the team via trade but that makes little sense. They already have the dynamic young guard on the bench who is formulating chemistry with his fellow 2020 first-round pick in Obi Toppin. Better to stick with that.