Golden State Warriors

2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Rockets, Grizzlies Impress In Week 8

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:00 p.m. ET

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In Week 8 of NBA Power Rankings, the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies are really starting to impress despite the Golden State Warriors staying on top.

Dec 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) and center Marc Gasol (33) celebrate as they hug forward Zach Randolph (50) after a rebound late in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers as guard Andrew Harrison looks on at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Philadelphia 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Over a month into the NBA season, the Golden State Warriors retain their No. 1 spot in Week 8 of our NBA Power Rankings. But where do the rest of the Western elite and the Cleveland Cavaliers stack up by comparison?

The San Antonio Spurs aren’t going away, content to lurk in the Warriors’ shadow for the time being. The Los Angeles Clippers remain better than people give them credit for, even after failing their Golden State test. The Houston Rockets are on the rise, while the Memphis Grizzlies have impressed despite missing their best player.

In the East, the world still belongs to the Cavs, but is there anyone who could possible loosen their vice grip on the conference? To sort it all out, we’ve ranked the teams from best to worst to this point in the season.

Here’s a look at our Week 8 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings.

Dec 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) handles the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

5-18

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 30th

Dirk Nowitzki may be set to return soon, but what for? The Mavs would be far better off tanking, letting their 38-year-old franchise star rest until he’s 150 percent, and trading Andrew Bogut as the rumor mill suggests they will. Only one problem: Bogut is an injury-prone, 32-year-old center currently sidelined for two weeks with a bone bruise in his knee.

Dec 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) looks on during a timeout against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

6-16

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 28th

Brooklyn was able to hold on for the five-point win, but between the 1-2 record this week and officially losing out on the Donatas Motiejunas sweepstakes, the Nets continue to make us sad to look at.

Dec 11, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) handles the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard E’Twaun Moore (55) in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The New Orleans Pelicans won 120 – 119 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

7-17

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 27th

Eric Bledsoe has played excellent basketball lately, including 30 points on his 27th birthday in a win over the Lakers, but for perhaps the league’s worst assist team, the Suns should probably start paving the way for the youth.

Dec 11, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) looks on during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

6-18

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 24th

Karl-Anthony Towns is going to be a monster, Andrew Wiggins has immense two-way potential and Zach LaVine has proven himself as a legitimate NBA player, but the defense is lacking and it’s been impossible to get four full quarters of focus out of this young group. Dunks over Jonas Valanciunas aside, perhaps the Wolves are further away from arriving than we’d hoped.

Next: No. 26

Dec 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) celebrates with guard Sergio Rodriguez (14) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 99-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

6-18

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 29th

Sergio Rodriguez has been an underrated part of what little fun this team has to offer, but since it’s basically all about Joel Embiid, we should at least mention how he erased Anthony Davis this week:

Next: No. 25

Dec 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Chris Andersen (00) defends Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

7-17

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 21st

Speaking of which, after Erik Spoelstra benched him during a 30-point loss to the Cavaliers, is it fair to say Miami’s new franchise player isn’t feeling as motivated now that the Ls are starting to stack up?

Next: No. 24

Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a missing a shot against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

8-15

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 26th

Seriously, the guy is averaging a 28-11-4-1-1 stat line and knocking down 36.1 percent of his three-pointers, yet his team is 8-15! Everyone involved deserves better than this.

Dec 11, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Terrence Jones (9), guard Tim Frazier (2), forward Cheick Diallo (13), guard E’Twaun Moore (55) and guard Buddy Hield (24) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The New Orleans Pelicans won 120 – 119 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

8-17

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 22nd

The Pelicans are still technically in the playoff picture, but it’s probably time to start putting some momentum together heading into 2017. Stretches like this past 1-3 week aren’t going to cut it.

Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lou Williams (23) goes up to score against Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

10-16

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 18th

Since their promising 7-5 start that had everyone talking playoffs, the Lakers have gone 3-11, including their current six-game skid. Their defense is now the worst in the NBA, but on the bright side, their rapid descent still somehow has them at ninth in the Western standings, just 2.5 games out of a playoff spot.

Dec 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) looks to pass as Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

9-15

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 23rd

On the bright side though, Jamal Murray has been a delight off the bench, Nikola Jokic has shaken off a bumpy start to his sophomore season, and as much as we’ve bemoaned Denver’s underwhelming first month or so, they’re only 2.5 games out of a playoff spot in the West.

Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) passes the ball during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

10-15

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 20th

But no matter what general manager Rob Hennigan does from here, this franchise was screwed the moment he started auctioning off assets to preserve his job security with what would be a meaningless first round playoff exit in a best-case scenario.

Dec 10, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) complains to a referee during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Portland 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

12-13

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 17th

Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum seem to be getting back on track, but Rip City needs Al-Farouq Aminu back at full strength in the worst type of way, even if they still are a playoff team by the most technical definition.

Dec 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) attempts a shot against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 92-85. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

9-13

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 25th

Ironically enough, the best game of John Wall‘s career — a 52-point detonation that included eight assists, four rebounds and three steals — was Washington’s only loss of the week.

Next: No. 17

Dec 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

11-11

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 16th

That skid has not only removed Milwaukee from the playoff field, but it’s also made us pump the brakes on the Greek Freak being in that elite tier just yet, even with his monstrous 22-9-6-2-2 stat line, the fact that he leads his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals AND blocks, and his unkind block on Kawhi Leonard:

Next: No. 16

Dec 10, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) celebrates in front of Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) after a dunk in the fourth quarter to defeat the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

12-12

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 12th

It turns out that a healthy Paul George has not been enough to turn the tide for this team, and much like the Blazers in the West, the Pacers’ theoretically fun offense has been overshadowed by a lackluster defense and a very underwhelming record.

Next: No. 15

Dec 7, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) reacts after scoring a basket during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

13-13

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 15th

Rust was to be expected, and Reggie’s return has inspired a couple of monster 20-20 lines from Andre Drummond, but Detroit probably expected to be a little bit further along than 2-3 once Jackson finally came back.

Next: No. 14

Dec 7, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) reaches to control a lost ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

12-12

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 19th

Kyle Korver coming off the bench has taken some getting used to, but Paul Millsap is 100 percent again, Dennis Schroder dropped a career-high 33 points against Milwaukee, Tim Hardaway Jr finally looks like a real NBA player and the seven-game losing streak is over.

Dec 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 117-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

13-11

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 7th

Speaking of which, the big question for the Boston Celtics now — aside from what this team will look like when it’s 100 percent healthy — is this: Would a trade for Andrew Bogut to add more rebounding and rim protection be worth the injury-related risk?

Dec 8, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeated San Antonio 95-91. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

13-10

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 11th

Also on the more positive side of things: Dwyane Wade‘s more respectable second matchup with his former team, in which he and Jimmy Butler combined for 59 points. Plus, any flash of vintage Flash is worth mentioning:

Next: No. 11

Dec 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) loses the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) defends during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

14-10

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 10th

But that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? As good as Charlotte, Boston, Toronto, Chicago and New York have looked at times this year, they’re all still second fiddle to the Cavs. That fact shouldn’t take anything away from Steve Clifford, the Hornets’ supporting cast or Kemba Walker‘s inevitable All-Star Game debut, but after yet another Eastern challenger failed to out-duel Cleveland, it has to be said.

Next: No. 10

December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6), guard Derrick Rose (25), forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and guard Courtney Lee (5) react during the 118-112 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

14-10

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 13th

Derrick Rose missing a few games with a back injury was sure to inspire concern, but if he can bounce-back the way he did in Sunday’s game against Los Angeles — 25 points, 12-of-16 shooting — then the Knicks are really going to be in good shape moving forward.

Dec 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

15-10

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 9th

More importantly though, in that historic seven-game stretch, Russ averaged 28.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, 13.0 assists per game, and though it came with 6.6 turnovers per game and 37.7 percent shooting, the Oklahoma City Thunder went 6-1 in that span. If he does actually average a triple-double and OKC wins 50 games, shouldn’t that be enough for MVP? On a more random note, shout out to Victor Oladipo for the Dunk of the Week:

Next: No. 8

Dec 10, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) during the first half after the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

17-8

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 14th

In a week filled with good moments like Gasol’s OT-forcing step-back three, Zach Randolph‘s emotional return after the passing of his mother, Toney Douglas‘ late-game free throws to live Memphis over the Blazers and obviously that dominant 21-point win over the mighty Warriors, perhaps we were wrong to go full doomsday with this resilient group.

Next: No. 7

Dec 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Golden State won 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

15-10

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 8th

Then again, did they really “fail” their biggest test if they were missing George Hill, Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, Derrick Favors AND Alec Burks for that game? Despite rounding into a 20-10 monster and smothering DeMarcus Cousins head-to-head, there’s only so much Rudy Gobert can do in that kind of situation.

Next: No. 6

Dec 8, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots a ball during the third quarter in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 124-110. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

16-7

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 6th

Still, between Lowry’s strong play, a 16-point fourth quarter turnaround against Minnesota and Norman Powell making the most of starting minutes, there’s a lot to like here before we even mention DeRozan’s disrespectful put-back:

Next: No. 5

Dec 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (right) passes the ball defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Solomon Hill (left) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

17-7

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 3rd

Bouncing back with a dominant win over the Pelicans, especially one that featured Chris Paul making NBA history as the only player to ever tally at least 20 points and 20 assists with zero turnovers, was about as much as you could expect from a team playing that game without Griffin. Hopefully that sore knee isn’t a more serious issue.

Dec 5, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates with guard Patrick Beverley (2) and forward Sam Dekker (7) after the Rockets defeated the Boston Celtics 107-106 at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

17-7

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 5th

It’s not just about the Beard though. Eric Gordon is a top Sixth Man of the Year candidate and looks terrific. The Rockets are 11-2 since Patrick Beverley returned, Montrezl Harrell is coming into his own, Mike D’Antoni is reminding people he’s still a good coach with the right personnel, and Sam Dekker is proving what he can do now that he’s finally healthy. Good vibes all around.

Next: No. 3

Dec 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 116-105. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

17-5

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 4th

At the top of our list, though, was not only providing statement wins against Eastern hopefuls like Toronto, Charlotte and New York, but this thunderous dunk and deafening staredown at Madison Square Garden in the King’s first game there since Phil Jackson‘s “posse” comments emerged.

Next: No. 2

Dec 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

19-5

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 2nd

But even if the Spurs remain in the Warriors’ shadow for now, Kawhi Leonard’s late-game heroics and Patty Mills’ touch off the bench shouldn’t go under the radar.

December 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrates after making a three-point basket during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

21-4

Last week: 4-1Last rank: 1st

Oh, and aside Klay’s historic scoring night that reminded people any night can still be his night, the Dubs still have the league’s best record, point differential and offense. Let’s not let one bad game against a shorthanded Grizzlies squad overshadow any of that.

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 8 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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