Blazers Drop In Week 23 NBA Power Rankings

The Portland Trail Blazers dropped in the latest round of NBA Power Rankings after an 0-4 week (Through Monday, when most Power Rankings go live) that included losses to the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.

Last week, the Blazers mostly ranged from 18-21. This week, they placed from 19-22.

Marc Stein of ESPN.com ranks the Blazers No. 22 (down from No. 20).

Blazermaniacs who loathe the committee (of one) will be pleased to hear that their team ruined our Sunday night. The fourth-quarter rally that merely put an almighty scare into Dallas also prevented Dallas' 10-day signee Josh Akognon out of Cal State Fullerton from making his NBA debut.

John Schuhmann of NBA.com ranks the Blazers No. 22 (down from No. 21 last week).

If there's any good news for the Lakers right now, it's that we can confirm last week's notion that the Blazers, who play L.A. on Wednesday (and are done with the Jazz) have let go of the rope. Will Barton, who had 22 points, 13 boards, six assists and three steals in Sunday's loss to Dallas, may still be engaged, but it will take more than the rookie to avoid a season-ending, 13-game losing streak.

Matt Dollinger of SI.com ranks the Blazers No. 21 (down from No. 20 last week). Note: this one was posted last Friday.

The Blazers are ending the season with a bit of a thud, losing their last six by an average of 17.2 points. The loss of LaMarcus Aldridge, who has missed Portland's last four games, is partially to blame, but the team's problems run deep. Portland was outrebounded in all six of those losses and committed an average of 22.5 turnovers while forcing just 9.5. The Blazers' lack of rebounding (21st in league) and defense (25th in efficiency) has been their crux all season, but they've been particularly vulnerable of late, leading to them limping to the finish line.

Kurt Helin of ProBasketballTalk.com ranks the Blazers No. 22 (down from No. 21 last week).

Losers of eight games in a row, but you know they will be up for the game Wednesday and the chance to play spoiler for the Lakers. At least the fans will be.

Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports ranks the Blazers No. 19 (same as last week).

A month ago, the Blazers were trying to sneak into the playoffs. Now they're in the midst of an eight-game losing streak.

Matt Moore of CBSSports.com ranks the Blazers No. 21 (down from No. 19 last week).

Is Lillard-Batum-Aldridge a core you can build a title contender around?

John Hollinger (formerly) of ESPN.com ranks the Blazers No. 20 (down from No. 18 last week).

According to Hollinger's team stats, the Blazers ranked...

• No. 13 (down from No. 12 last week) in offensive efficiency
• No. 26 (down from No. 25 last week) in defensive efficiency
• No. 19 (down from No. 17 as last week) in rebound rate
• No. 18 (up from No. 19 last week) in pace

Hollinger's Playoff odds: 0.0 percent (same as last week)

Basketball-Reference.com Playoff Forecast: 0.0 percent (same as last week)

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter