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

Last Week: Lost to Milwaukee Bucks 134-106, Beat Washington Wizards 132-121, Beat Philadelphia 76ers 121-105, Lost to New York Knicks 110–99

This Week: 2/9 vs. Orlando Magic, 2/11 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 2/12 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Portland Trail Blazers provided fans with one of the most unlikely wins of the week. With Damian Lillard out of the lineup, along with the continued absence of CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic, the Blazers knocked off the Ben Simmons-less Philadelphia 76ers.

Six Blazers scored in double figures, led by Gary Trent Jr. (24 points) and Carmelo Anthony (22 points). That marked consecutive 20 point games for each who, along with Damian Lillard (32 points). exerted their dominance over the Washington Wizards.

The loss to the Milwaukee Bucks can be forgiven. Milwaukee is a juggernaut the likes of which you need all hands on deck to compete with. Missing as many players are the Blazers were is a recipe for disaster. At least Nas Little put up a 30 spot on them.

No one seemed ready for the early tip against the New York Knicks but even that can be forgiven. Traveling across the country for noon tipoff is a real challenge. Playing a game at essentially 9 AM does not fit the body clock for the shorthanded Blazers. For a team loaded with excuses to fold on the season, this is just part of the process.