Okay, here’s a review of the provided NBA power rankings excerpt, wiht verification of claims, corrections of errors, and updates as of today, January 21, 2024. I will present the original text, followed by my analysis and corrections. I will also note where information is highly likely to change quickly (like trade rumors).
Critically important Note: NBA standings and situations change very rapidly. This analysis is accurate as of my knowledge cut-off date (early January 2024) and the information available up to today, January 21, 2024.
Original Text & Analysis
26. Brooklyn Nets
(12-29,last week No. 25)
He’s on the bubble, but I have Michael Porter Jr. as an All-Star Game reserve for the East. What is most likely going to keep him out of the ASG in Los Angeles? Getting traded to a team in the West – Porter remains one of the most likely players to be dealt before the NBA trade deadline. Porter has missed a few games recently, but that is more about Brooklyn tanking than any health concerns.
Analysis: This is riddled with errors. Michael Porter Jr. plays for the Denver Nuggets, not the Brooklyn Nets.The All-star Game is in Indianapolis, not Los Angeles, this year. The idea of Brooklyn tanking is plausible, given thier record.
Correction: “He’s on the bubble, but Michael Porter Jr. (of the Denver Nuggets) is a potential All-Star Game reserve for the west. What is most likely to keep him out of the ASG in Indianapolis? Getting traded to a team in the West – porter remains one of the most likely players to be dealt before the NBA trade deadline. Porter has missed a few games recently, but that is perhaps due to health concerns, or the team managing his workload.” (I’ve softened the “tanking” claim as it’s speculative).
Current Record (as of Jan 21, 2024): 13-28. They are 14th in the Eastern Conference.
27. Utah Jazz
(14-29, last week No. 27)
While Lauri Markkanen deserves to be in the All-Star Game as a reserve,the struggles of the Jazz this season likely keep him on the outside looking in. Utah is 0-9 this season in games Markkanen has missed, and expect that number to climb as Utah makes sure it’s well-positioned heading into the NBA Draft Lottery again this year.
Analysis: The statement about Markkanen deserving an All-Star spot is a matter of opinion, but a reasonable one. The 0-9 record without Markkanen is a notable statistic. The expectation of lottery positioning is also accurate, given their record.
Correction: No major corrections needed. Perhaps rephrase “makes sure it’s well-positioned” to “continues to evaluate its draft position” to sound less intentional about losing.
Current Record (as of Jan 21, 2024): 14-27. They are 12th in the Western Conference. Lauri Markkanen was named as a reserve for the All-Star game.
28. Indiana Pacers
(10-34, last week No. 28)
The Pacers won 4 of 5 and showed some real grit in wins against the Heat and Celtics last week (even if Boston rested Brown for that game). Having mentioned that, Indiana is 0-2 to start a five-game road trip and it doesn’t get easier with boston and Oklahoma City up next.
Analysis: The win streak and the wins against Miami and Boston (with the Brown caveat) are accurate as of the time of writing. The upcoming schedule is indeed difficult. The record is outdated.
Correction: “The Pacers recently won 4 of 5, showing grit in wins against the Heat and Celtics (Boston rested Brown for that game). Though, Indiana has