Rockets, Grizzlies Rising in the West, Lakers Plummet Amid Losing Streak

The NBA is buzzing with pre-Thanksgiving excitement as teams shift positions in the latest Power Rankings. While some teams are riding high, others are struggling to find their footing. Let’s dive into the latest updates, where the Rockets and Grizzlies shine, but the Lakers stumble hard.

1. Houston Rockets: Rising Stars Amid Controversy

The Houston Rockets have surged to the No. 4 spot this week, thanks to a strong start to the season. However, tensions boiled over during their recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers, with Fred VanVleet stealing the headlines for an ejection-worthy tirade against the officiating crew.

Despite the setback, the Rockets are proving to be a formidable force, even if sportsbooks like FanDuel give them +2400 odds to win the Western Conference.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Gaining Momentum

The Memphis Grizzlies are another team on the rise, climbing exactly four spots in the rankings. Their recent performances suggest they’ve found their rhythm, making them a team to watch in the Western Conference.

3. Los Angeles Lakers: A Rough Week in L.A.

The Lakers have taken a dramatic tumble, dropping eight spots to No. 14 after a painful three-game losing streak. This slump was sparked by Franz Wagner’s game-winning 3-pointer for the Orlando Magic.

The loss is a stark contrast to the Lakers’ earlier six-game winning streak. Can LeBron James and his squad rebound from this mid-season challenge?

4. Denver Nuggets: A Tough Love Approach

After an embarrassing blowout loss to the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back, calling out his team with a harsh critique.

Despite the hiccup, the Nuggets remain strong contenders, while the Knicks’ impressive showing has earned them +1000 odds to win the NBA Finals, according to FanDuel.

5. Other Movers and Shakers

Several teams made notable jumps this week:

• Orlando Magic, L.A. Clippers, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks each climbed four spots, finding form as the season progresses.

Key Takeaways

• Rockets and Grizzlies are thriving in the Western Conference.
• The Lakers face a critical moment as their losing streak continues.
• Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks remain strong contenders, with the latter earning praise for their consistency.

Looking Ahead

With the season heating up, all eyes are on teams like the Rockets and Grizzlies to see if they can maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, the Lakers will be desperate to turn their fortunes around as the standings tighten.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check out FanDuel for the latest NBA odds and promo codes.