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NBA Power Rankings: Are the Detroit Pistons for real?

By Ian Levy

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 23: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 23: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Clippers. 9. team. 77. . 4-2. Previous: 14th

The Clippers surged up the rankings this week, taking a respectable loss from the New Orleans Pelicans and then pounding the Rockets and Wizards in quick succession, each by 20+ points. The Clippers have now beaten Oklahoma City and the Rockets (twice), all wins that should look better and better as those two ice cold franchises progress towards the mean. If the Clippers can build on the momentum they’ve established these first few weeks, they could make a surprising entry into the Western Conference playoff picture.

Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari have been essential, each capable of carrying the offense with true shooting percentages hovering around 60 percent. That pairing would seem to present some defensive problems but they’ve been holding opponents to a very respectable 100.3 points per 100 possessions when they’re on the court together. Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has also been playing key minutes as a defender and offensive cog. If he continues to play well a mid-season trade for some additional firepower could solidify the Clippers’ position further.

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