ESPN’s Marc Stein released his first edition of the 2016-2017 NBA power rankings on Friday morning. The Portland Trail Blazers made a jump versus their finishing position last year. However, they were not the top team in the Northwest division.
The Utah Jazz were ranked #7 on the power rankings – two spots ahead of Portland. The Oklahoma City Thunder dropped to one spot below the Trail Blazers at #10. Rounding out the Northwest Division – the Minnesota Timberwolves earned a #16 ranking while the Denver Nuggets dropped to #26.
A couple weeks ago, we discussed how the Thunder were listed as clear favorites according to Las Vegas NBA championship odds.