Another week is in the books, so it’s time for another Power Rankings. In an attempt to make everyone angry sort through what should be a competitive season, we’ll be ranking each team based on a number of factors: results, quality of play, strength of schedule and so on. Results aren’t everything, otherwise we’d just copy and paste the league standings into here.
23. Celtics Crossover Gaming (0-11)
Fun fact: Boston point guard oFab scored 39+ points in 3 out of 5 games last week. This resulted in zero wins. In fact, Fab averaged 50+ points per game during the series with Pistons GT a few weeks ago, but Celtics Crossover was swept nonetheless. Boston lacks impact players to surround its superstar, and the defense is borderline unwatchable, creating a recipe for disaster.
22. Lakers Gaming (2-10)
If Lakers Gaming can take anything out of its 2020 season, it’s that Sav is absolutely the team’s point guard of their future. The rookie out of Canada continues to play quality 2K, despite his team’s shortcomings.
21. 76ers GC (2-8)
Another team with what seems like a lost 2020 season, despite high expectations, 76ers GC split its two matchups last week. Despite losing against Orlando, Breadwinner turned in a near quadruple-double, recording 21 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists and 7 steals. In addition, we saw a classic Radiant vs. Fab duel, in which the Philly point guard looked like his old self at times while grabbing the series win in a thrilling three-gamer.
20. Pistons GT (2-8)
“Facility Pistons GT” was supposed to be the dawn of a new era, and while the team is no longer winless, Ramo knows he’s capable of much more. Even though Detroit’s playoff chances have all but disappeared for the second straight year, this isn’t a group I’d take lightly.
19. Heat Check Gaming (3-7)
The boys in South Beach have turned up their compete level since the start of the Tipoff tournament, going 5-8 in individual games. The highlight was a shocking 2-0 sweep of the Gen.G Tigers, in which Glenn looked like a true No. 8 overall pick.
18. Pacers Gaming (4-6)
Indiana has struggled since its signature win over the defending champs back in week six, including a demoralizing loss against Lakers Gaming. It’s never a good sign to see a team experimenting with the most important position on the court at this stage of the season, especially when that position was supposed to be filled by the No. 4 overall pick.
17. Bucks Gaming (5-4)
The Bucks have taken care of business when expected but have failed to break through that next tier of teams. With the Nets, Jazz, Warriors and Kings up next for Milwaukee, validation and chances of securing the franchise’s first playoff spot hangs in the balance.
16. Grizz Gaming (5-5)
It’ll be exciting to have season three’s turnaround team return from its bye week. Memphis has gone 5-1 in its last six regular season games and had a solid showing with money on the line during Tipoff week. The question now is, can the Grizzlies keep it going after a week off?
15. Magic Gaming (4-7)
With wins over the Warriors and Kings, there is some sneaky upset potential whenever Magic Gaming takes the court. The problem is that Orlando is unable to execute consistently. If they can build some chemistry with the return of DT, the Magic could make a surprise run.
14. Hawks Talon GC (3-5)
Since starting the season at 3-1, Atlanta has dropped four games in a row, not including going 1-3 during the Tipoff Tournament. The silver lining is that their string of losses have come at the hands of an elite group of teams that stands a combined 49-15.
13. Cavs Legion (4-5)
Something has changed in Cleveland, and it’s evident on the court. Strainer has stood up for his squad, both on and off the virtual hardwood, while Doza is reminding people why he’s a high-level scorer. Based on their last two meetings, Washington would prefer not to matchup with the pesky Cavs.
12. Knicks Gaming (6-6)
The Knicks continue to prove they are the safest best in the league, beating teams they should and losing to teams they are not on par with. Do they have another gear to hit? If so, New York could complicate things in the early playoff rounds.
11. Blazer5 Gaming (5-5)
Portland was finally able to stop the bleeding, putting a halt to its five-game losing streak with an impressive win over Mavs Gaming. Up next is a gritty matchup with the Grizzlies, who sport a deceiving .500 record.
10. Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai (5-7)
Throw out Gen.G’s record—it’ll just confuse everything. Outside of a 2-0 loss to Jazz Gaming, the Tigers have taken at least a game from every top team they’ve matched up against. On the flip side, Gen.G has also lost games that top contenders shouldn’t be dropping, notably a sweep at the hands of Heat Check in week eight.
9. T-Wolves Gaming (6-5)
It’s been an odd season for the defending champions. Reigning Finals MVP BearDaBeast hasn’t been playing point guard, but with JMoney struggling in the team’s recent loss to Brooklyn, perhaps a change back is on the horizon?
8. NetsGC (5-4)
After dismissing the Cavs during a recent episode of Freak Show, Choc and the rest of the Nets put up a stinker against Cleveland. To their credit, they were able to bounce back against T-Wolves Gaming, and Choc was named the league’s Player of the Month for June. Regardless of predictions or suspensions, the Nets have the talent to stay in the race the rest of the way.
7. Hornets Venom GT (7-4)
Charlotte, a team surrounded by many questions due to an obvious, er, type of reasons, split its two matchups last week. A win against an Orlando team that specializes in upsets paired with seven-win season thus far keeps the Hornets afloat in our top-7.
6. Warriors Gaming Squad (8-3)
Golden State finally put an end to its three-game skid, winning week eight matchups against both Hornets Venom GT and Hawks Talon GC. With Gradient on a new build, the 2019 No. 2 overall selection averaged 26 points per game while also being a key cog in the team’s defensive gameplan.
5. Mavs Gaming (8-4)
Dallas has steadily been a top-five team since the season’s tipoff. Between Sherm, Dimez and Pete, the team possesses three talented offensive options for which opposing teams must account. Despite their recent loss to Portland, we’re safely slotting the Mavs within the top five once again.
4. Kings Guard Gaming (7-3)
If it weren’t for Toronto’s defensive dominance, we’d all be debating who has the best defense league-wide. Here’s your hypothetical answer: Kings Guard Gaming. Sacramento drafted Crush third overall, retained Yusuf, traded for Shotz, and in return boasts a game-changing defense.
3. Wizards District Gaming (8-2)
Washington had a couple of opportunities last week, winning its matchup with Cavs Legion GC but disappointing against Jazz Gaming. This loss marks just their second of the season, and the team still flaunts talented players one through five. Washington’s sky isn’t falling, but their DIMER power ranking is (slightly).
2. Jazz Gaming (9-1)
Utah, with just one blemish through 10 series, added a pair of wins last week, including an impressive showing against Wizards District Gaming. Comp put together one of the league’s most complete starting fives, headed by 2019 No. 1 overall pick Ria. With the win against Washington, we can comfortably slot Jazz Gaming at two, as the team continues to improve weekly.
1. Raptors Uprising GC (12-0)
Toronto has been in a tier of its own since virtually the opening week of the season. Last week, the team continued its dominance, knocking off both Heat Check Gaming and Gen.G (again). Oh, and they broke another record, becoming the quickest team to clinch a playoff berth in league history with 12 wins through 12 series.
