Ok, when last updated on Dec 27, we were ranked #6 by Hollinger's automated power ranking. At the time I said that #6 was as high as we would probably go. I stand corrected.... As of our win against Atlanta... Rating : 105.201 Strength of Schedule : 0.546 Average Scoring Margin : 2.0 Scoring Margin (Last 10) : 7.4 Strength of Schedule (Last 10) : 0.607 Ranking : #5 Play Off odd : 90.4% http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings We are currently rated ahead of Miami, Memphis, Knicks, Golden State, Pacers and the Lakers. Clippers, Spurs, Thunder, Denver and the Rockets round out the top 5. Not too shabby for a roster full of kids. :grin: Once again, this is Hollinger's so take it with a grain of salt. And January is a killer road schedule (though there's a LOT of Eastern Conference teams there ). Enjoy it while you can guys. Once again, I really don't expect us to stay rated this high for the rest of the season.
What is the reason for such a high ranking from us, what is this automated ranking system based on? And why is Denver ranked so highly??
It's based on point differential, strength of schedule (unadjusted opponent win percentage), and a weight based on the number of home vs number of road games, with extra weight given to the last 10 games played. Hollinger's formula: (((SOS-0.5)/0.037)*0.67) + (((SOSL10-0.5)/0.037)*0.33) + 100 + (0.67*(MARG+(((ROAD-HOME)*3.5)/(GAMES))) + (0.33*(MARGL10+(((ROAD10-HOME10)*3.5)/(10)))))
Hollinger's formula weighs the performance in the last 10 games more heavily. Given that HOU has had a good number of blowout wins against decent teams of late, it is not surprising the formula ranks them highly.
This year's team is a completely different kettle of fish from last year's team. http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets Though interestingly enough, 31 games in, the Rockets were also 17-14 last year. Weird how that works...
As of now I enjoy watching this team very much. I don't expect much in the playoffs if they make it. At this point I want to see if they can find out what they have after giving the team a full season to play together and gel. Unless some super can't pass up blockbuster deal falls in Moreys lap. If after the season they need to make a few moves then do so knowing what you already have. I just hope the rookies get some meaningful minutes to show their worth if there is some before it's too late.
We are the anti-Pacers Rockets - 2nd in points/game, 30th points allowed Pacers - 28 in points/game, 2nd points allowed
Now David Aldridge doesn't even have the Rockets in the top 15 in his rankings. He has Utah, Minny, Bucks in there...
Denver is ranked so highly because they're 17-15 despite only playing 10 at home and 22 on the road. For the rest of the season they get 31 games at home and only 19 more on the road. I know George Karl is ecstatic at being over .500 despite the brutal road-heavy early schedule they had. They're licking their chops at rising in the standings over the back half of the season.
Not bad for a team of 5 B's - Lin the Brain - Parsons the Bang - Harden the Beard - Asik the Bull - Royce the Baby
