NBA Power Rankings Week 7: The battle for the number one spot

By Jack Simone | Dec 6, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talks with Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Chase Center on December 03, 2021 in San Francisco, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 01: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies passes the ball against Nikola Jokic #15 and Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets during the game at FedExForum on November 01, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Week 7 NBA power rankings: 12. Denver Nuggets (11-11)

Rank last week: 15th

Record this past week: 2-1

The Denver Nuggets went 2-1 this past week, and the main reason behind that is that Nikola Jokic is back in action. Having him back (obviously) drastically changes the outlook of this team.

Their variety of injuries make life tough for them, but Denver is battling through. In a fairly weak Western Conference, they should be able to snag a top-five seed at the very least.

Week 7 NBA power rankings: 11. Memphis Grizzlies

Rank last week: 21st

Record this past week: 4-0

An insane 4-0 was enough to bump the Memphis Grizzlies up 10 spots in this week’s power rankings. They weren’t just winning, they were blowing teams out.

Each game they won this past week was a wire-to-wire victory. That is the longest streak of wire-to-wire wins in the last 25 years (and it included the biggest blowout in NBA history).

Week 7 NBA power rankings: 10. Boston Celtics

Rank last week: 16th

Record this past week: 3-1

The Boston Celtics have begun to turn things around after an ugly start to the season. A big part of that has been the play of Jayson Tatum, who is also recovering from a bad start.

While defense has been their identity this year, their offense has been showing up. They’ve put up 130 points and 146 points in their last two games (although one game was a loss to the Jazz, who couldn’t miss).