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2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Sky Rockets In Flight In Week 7

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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In Week 7 of NBA Power Rankings, the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors are starting to round into form as legitimate contenders.

Nov 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Entering the first weeks of the 2016-17 NBA season, and even heading into the offseason, everyone knew the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers were legitimate title contenders. Over a month into the season, we still know this to be true.

However, the surprise teams stepping up always make a new NBA season more exciting, and the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors have filled those roles early on.

Coming off four dominant wins, We The North is making an early push for the No. 1 seed in the East behind the Cavs. Coming off an impressive back-to-back that featured a road win against the league-leading Warriors, the Rockets are starting to click thanks to the MVP-caliber play of James Harden within his new offense.

Are we ready to bill either of them as legitimate title contenders? Now quite yet. But outside of our Power 4 teams, we’re having a hard time thinking of teams that have been better surprises early in the season.

Here’s a look at our Week 7 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings.

Dec 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) and guard Deron Williams (8) celebrate during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Bulls 107-82. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

4-15

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 30th

That finally happened with a convincing 25-point win over the Bulls, but more importantly, it’s been good to see Wesley Matthews returning to form. He’s averaging 21.8 points per game on 46.3 percent shooting from three-point range over his last four contests.

Nov 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors in the second half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

4-16

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 27th

In any case, we should point out that Philly’s point differential is a -11.8 in the seven games Embiid has missed, compared to -9.0 in the 13 he’s played. Not a huge distinction, but the Philly faithful will take whatever positive news they can get at this point.

Next: No. 28

Dec 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) greets center Brook Lopez (11) in the fourth quarter during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

5-14

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 29th

The other exciting news, aside from Joe Harris showing signs of life for Brooklyn’s bench, is the front office’s four-year, $37 million offer to the Rockets’ Donatas Motiejunas. After missing out on Tyler Johnson and Allen Crabbe this summer, here’s hoping the third time is the charm for the Nets in restricted free agency.

Next: No. 27

Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (right) celebrates with teammate Eric Bledsoe in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

6-14

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 28th

Unfortunately, that two-point win over a floundering Hawks team doesn’t look as great when you remember the Phoenix Suns gave up 138 to the Warriors over the weekend and need plenty of improvements for an offense ranking dead last in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Dec 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives against New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

7-13

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 21st

Despite putting up a 36-20-4-2, a 28-9-4-3 and a 36-12-4-3 stat line this week, DeMarcus Cousins was unable to carry his team to a single victory. “Fed up” probably doesn’t even come close to describing it.

Next: No. 25

Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) greets fans on the way to the locker room following an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. The Wizards won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

6-12

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 26th

The Washington Wizards are still John Wall‘s team, and this still isn’t a very good team, but Beal may actually be approaching that breakout season we’ve all been waiting on.

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots over New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and center Marshall Plumlee (40) during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

6-14

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 23rd

Clawing back from a 10-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to force — and win — overtime in Charlotte was great, but Karl-Anthony Towns‘ career night of 47 points and 18 rebounds earlier in the week was soured by a loss to the Knicks and his fellow unicorn, Kristaps Porzingis.

Next: No. 23

Dec 3, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) in the second quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

7-13

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 18th

Wilson Chandler looks like he actually gives a damn, but it’s hard to say the Nuggets have been anything more than disappointing after getting blown out at home by a Rockets team on the second night of a back-to-back, which started with a double-overtime game at Golden State.

Dec 4, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) handles the ball in front of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

7-14

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 22nd

Unfortunately, the Pelicans can ill-afford losing weeks like the one they just had, nor can they afford any missed time for the Brow, who was banged up in Sunday’s loss and reportedly underwent X-rays after the game.

Dec 3, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8), guard Goran Dragic (7) and head coach Erik Spoelstra during a break in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers won 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

7-13

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 24th

So you’ll forgive us if we take a break from our normally scheduled ranting and raving over Hassan Whiteside‘s gaudy numbers to appreciate Miami’s 6-9 record with Dragic on the court compared to their 1-4 mark without him. With Gogi averaging 18.3 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game on .455/.462/.818 shooting splits, it’s not hard to see why. Related note: Wayne Ellington‘s return has been a welcome one too.

Next: No. 20

Dec 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts after a play with forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Magic win 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

9-12

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 25th

Serge Ibaka has been playing better, Aaron Gordon had a 20-point performance with the starters and Evan Fournier continues to quietly put up consistent numbers. Is Frank Vogel’s squad finally starting to come together?

Dec 3, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dennis Schroder (17) of the Atlanta Hawk and Dwight Howard (8) head back to the bench in the third quarter at an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Raptors won 128-86. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

10-11

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 11th

Tim Hardaway Jr. has been playing well off the bench and Dennis Schroder dropped a career-high 31 in Phoenix, but Atlanta’s 27th ranked offense has become brutal to watch. Tim Hardaway highlights, anyone?

Next: No. 18

Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lou Williams (23) goes up to the basket against Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

10-12

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 15th

Despite the 1-3 week, despite the Lakers’ starters being outscored by Anthony Davis by himself in a loss to the Pelicans, and despite a 33-rout at the hands of Toronto, Lou Williams continues to impress in Sixth Man of the Year conversation. Even in a loss to the Mike Conley-less Grizzlies, his 40 points were the highlight of the week.

Nov 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) dunks the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

11-10

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 17th

The Blazers are still the league’s worst defense, but with Allen Crabbe putting up 31 points off the bench over his last two performances and Maurice Harkless showing early signs of a breakout year, offense will have to be Portland’s focus.

Dec 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson (31) reacts with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after scoring a basket in the fourth quarter during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Henson scored 20 points to help the Bucks beat the Nets 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

10-8

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 20th

It’s enough to make us lament what we might have seen from Jason Kidd‘s squad with a healthy Khris Middleton this year, but how can we not be high on the Bucks after a 17-point win against the Cavs? Oh, and speaking of which, that brings us to MORE GIANNIS!

Next: No. 15

Dec 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) dribbles the ball during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Magic win 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

11-11

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 19th

Jackson returning is great news for Stan Van Gundy’s squad, but we should give a shout-out to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for seriously expanding his playmaking duties, not to mention backup point guard Ish Smith for holding down the fort as well as he could in the meantime.

Next: No. 14

Dec 3, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and guard Troy Daniels (30) celebrate after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeats the Los Angeles Lakers 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

13-8

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 5th

On the brighter side of things, how about Troy Daniels making the most of his opportunity? His career-high 31 points off the bench was the reason Memphis enjoyed its first “blessing,” and he’s averaging 23 points per game over the Grizzlies’ last three games.

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots the game-winning basket over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

11-9

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 16th

Derrick Rose is starting to look stable again, Melo has overcome a couple of rough shooting nights with more late-game magic, and Kristaps Porzingis is one horn away from being an actual unicorn. Dare we say it, but the Knicks might be fun again.

Next: No. 12

Dec 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) guards Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

10-10

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 14th

Guys like Aaron Brooks, Glenn Robinson III and Rodney Stuckey have been stepping up off the bench, but the most important piece to the puzzle was Paul George returning for Sunday’s game, putting up a well-rounded 16-7-5-3 line in the process. Fingers crossed he stays healthy and we finally get to see what this team can do at full strength.

Dec 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

11-8

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 8th

On a more positive note, Chicago temporarily climbing into third place in the Eastern Conference standings over the weekend served as a stark reminder that after all the summer doomsday proclamations, these Bulls are a serious threat to finish with a top-four seed in the East.

Dec 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Hornets 125-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

11-9

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 9th

Frank Kaminsky has been starting lately, but he’s been proving a lot of people wrong about their “draft bust” predictions. Jeremy Lamb rejoining his old UCONN teammate on the floor has been fun to watch, and Marco Belinelli is starting to get comfortable. Blowing that 10-point fourth quarter lead against Minnesota was disappointing, but even as the Hornets gravitate closer to .500, they’ve still been a lot better than most were expecting.

Nov 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks the ball in front of Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

13-8

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 13th

With 47 career triple-doubles to move past LeBron James for sixth on the all-time list, Westbrook isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Who else could start 7-for-28 in a game against Washington before hitting the game-tying three to force overtime and THEN scoring 14 points in the extra period? #RussForPresident.

Next: No. 8

Dec 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles up the court during the second half against the Miami Heat at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Miami won 111-110. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

12-9

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 12th

However, Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert have been getting the job done in the meantime, with Trey Lyles filling in admirably. In spite of all their injury-related absences, Utah was one basket away from a perfect 4-0 week thanks to the NBA’s third ranked defense.

Next: No. 7

Dec 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) walks off the court after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

12-8

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 10th

But as he continues to rack up points — like his 37-point night to carry his team to a win over the 76ers — we should note that at this rate, IT is most certainly heading toward his second straight All-Star appearance.

Next: No. 6

Dec 3, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kyle Lowry (7) of the Toronto Raptors reacts after scoring a basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Air Canada Centre. Raptors won 128-86. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

14-6

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 7th

Their competition — Philly, Memphis, Lakers and Hawks — wasn’t great, but the Raptors are doing what good teams are supposed to do: convincingly handle inferior opponents. Plus, with Lucas Nogueira getting some run and Jakob Poeltl doing things like this, how could we not be high on Toronto right now?

Next: No. 5

Nov 27, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after hitting a three point shot during the fourth quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Rockets won 130-114. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

13-7

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 6th

In the meantime though, a more time-sensitive question needs to be answered: After offering Donatas Motiejunas a deal annually worth around $8 million, will the Rockets match Brooklyn’s four-year, $37 million offer?

Nov 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0), forward LeBron James (23) and guard J.R. Smith (5) sit on the bench during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

13-5

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 2nd

That being said, even with the Cavs mired in their first three-game losing streak of the Tyronn Lue era, they’re still in possession of the No. 1 seed in the East, and all three losses came to playoff-caliber teams. It was a down week, but Cleveland should bounce-back in no time.

Next: No. 3

Dec 2, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) controls the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Tim Frazier (2) during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. The Clippers defeat the Pelicans 114-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

16-6

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 4th

They bounced back nicely with a 19-point smackdown of the Cavaliers, but rather than build on it, they wound up splitting the next two games with New Orleans and Indiana. Perhaps we’re being overly critical, but the Clips seem like they’re destined to fall back into the same old trap.

Dec 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards small forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

16-4

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 3rd

Kawhi Leonard has been great and Patty Mills is off to a hot start, but whether it’s the Spurs’ mediocrity at home or the way they’ve played with their food far too often in games against inferior opponents, this San Antonio team feels a bit more human. At the very least, a 12-point loss to Orlando, a measly seven-point win over Dallas and a two-point escape act against Washington didn’t make for the most convincing week, even with Kawhi’s game-winner mixed in.

Next: No. 1

November 28, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Klay Thompson (11) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hawks 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

17-3

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 1st

Important question though: How many Defensive Player of the Year votes is Draymond Green costing himself with each and every new kicking incident?

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 7 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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