The MVP rankings returned to normal this week, with the Lakers and Heat returning to form, but there are a couple of new entries at the bottom of the list. Previous ranking is in parentheses. Gaps represent performance gaps between groups.
1. Pau Gasol - LAL (2) 19.8 pts, 11.6 reb, 2.1 blk
2. Kobe Bryant - LAL (3) 26.6 pts, 4.5 ast, 5.4 reb
3. Dirk Nowitzki - DAL (4) 24.7 pts, 7.5 reb, .560 FG%
4. LeBron James - MIA (5) 24.1 pts, 5.8 reb, 7.3 ast
5. Russell Westbrook - OKC (1) 23.7 pts, 8.6 ast, 2.2 stl
6. Kevin Durant - OKC (6) 27.6 pts, 7.0 reb, .920 FT%
7. Derrick Rose - CHI (8) 25.1 pts, 8.2 ast, 4.3 reb
8. Amare Stoudemire - NYK (NR) 25.7 pts, 9.1 reb, 1.9 blk
9. Manu Ginobili - SAS (9) 20.1 pts, 5.1 ast, 3.6 reb
10. Dwyane Wade - MIA (NR) 22.0 pts, 4.2 ast, 6.5 reb
Falling out: Carmelo Anthony (7), Deron Williams (10)
Close but no cigar: Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard
Pau Gasol reclaimed the top spot in this week's rankings, although it has more to do with his team winning than with his own production. His best game this week was against the Wizards, where he finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. He needs to see an increase in production if he doesn't want to be passed by Kobe and Dirk in the near future.
Kobe Bryant also didn't have the strongest week statistically, only looking strong in their win against the Wizards, when he had 32 points. There was one very good sign, though, and that was that he hit at least 50% of his shots in all 3 games this week.
Dirk Nowitzki continued his steady production, scoring at least 21 points in each game this week, and the Mavericks extended their winning streak to 11 games, the best in the league so far this year. Their next 7 games are all against playoff teams from last year, so they streak may end soon, but if not, Dirk could find himself on top of these rankings before Christmas.
LeBron James led the way in Miami's big road win at Utah with 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, while beating one of the league's hottest teams in one of the league's toughest arenas. While he's not a lock to get his 3rd straight MVP, if he continues his current pace, he'll be in the conversation at the end.
Russell Westbrook came back down to earth after his amazing week in which he shot to #1 in these rankings. He hit his scoring average only once this week, and his team lost two games. I don't think last week was a fluke, but it doesn't look like it's the norm yet either.
Kevin Durant missed another game this week, but returned with consecutive games of 28, 29, and 30 points, leading the Thunder to wins in two of the 3 games. He is currently the league leader in scoring and free throw percentage, but he's definitely dropped off from last last year's 30-point average.
Derrick Rose had an up and down week, peaking with his 30 points and 11 assists in a win against Houston, but bottoming out with his 11 points against the Thunder. The Bulls did win that matchup, which is what really matters, so D-Rose keeps his spot on the list for this week.
Amare Stoudemire makes his debut as a 2011 MVP candidate with a stretch that includes 6 consecutive games of at 31 points, all of which were wins for the Knicks. New York has now won 11 of 12, and a large part of the reason is Stoudemire, but I am a little concerned that another reason for the streak has been the low level of competition.
Manu Ginobili remains on the list this week despite having his worst week of the season, scoring 16 points against Minnesota for his best performance of the week. Despite that, Manu made all 17 of his free throws this week, and the Spurs didn't lose, maintaining their hold on the league's best record.
Dwyane Wade joins his teammate LeBron on the MVP list this week thanks to a very solid week in which he scored at least 25 every night, including 25 points to go along with 14 rebounds in their win over Milwaukee. With LeBron and D-Wade performing at this level, the Heat are very tough to beat.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Bobcats at Pacers - Pacers by 7
Knicks at Wizards - Knicks by 6
Nuggets at Raptors - Nuggets by 2
Thunder at Hornets - Hornets by 6
Lakers at Bulls - Lakers by 1
Pistons at Timberwolves - Timberwolves by 3
Rockets at Bucks - Bucks by 2
Hawks at Spurs - Spurs by 9
Blazers at Suns - Suns by 1
Magic at Jazz - Jazz by 3
Heat at Warriors - Heat by 11
College Basketball
Texas - Pan American at Washington State - Washington State by 29
Prediction Results - 10 Dec
NFL: 0/1 (.000) 29/49 overall (.592)
NBA: 2/3 (.667) 105/146 overall (.719)
College Basketball: 2/4 (.500) 60/69 overall (.870)
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