NBA Power Rankings: The Raptors are having a December to remember

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 01: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors brings the ball down the court against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

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The Knicks had an exciting win over the Celtics, but was it enough to move them up in the power rankings? Which Western Conference team is the best team in the league, the Houston Rockets or the Golden State Warriors?

It was a busy week for the NBA, as teams prepared for the Christmas games with a six-day schedule for the entire league. It was a fun week, with James Harden scoring over 50 points in back to back losses and Russell Westbrook returning to his MVP form and hitting a game-winner against the Atlanta Hawks.

This is my first edition of power rankings for FanSided, so there aren’t any “last week rankings.” My hope is that you’ll return next week for that exciting feature.z

(Ed. Note — All stats and records are current through 12/24)

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks went 2-2 this week, winning their matchup against the Heat and Mavericks while dropping their games against the Pacers and the Thunder. Taurean Prince got burned by Russell Westbrook for a game-winning 3-pointer, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. What does John Collins need to do to get more minutes? Since returning from an injury, he’s averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds, and most importantly, he’s only averaging 1.7 personal fouls per game over that six-game stretch. Give the young big more minutes Coach Bud! The world needs to see what he can do before the Hawks get a top-five pick in the draft.

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