Power Rankings, Week 9: Rockets, Pistons and Knicks move up

The Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets have risen in this week's NBA Power Rankings Top 10, while the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have fallen. The New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson's performance, advanced to the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals alongside the San Antonio Spurs.

The league schedule remains affected by the in-season tournament, with a light schedule of only 36 games over a 10-day period, with normal activity resuming on Thursday. Additionally, Monday marked the opening of the trade season, as numerous players who signed new contracts in the offseason became eligible to be traded. Last year's trade activity around this date was noted, though no obvious major moves are anticipated imminently this season, with teams potentially waiting for larger moves closer to the February 5 trade deadline.

The article also includes weekly analytical sections such as Plus-Minus Players of the Week, Teams of the Week, an East vs. West comparison, schedule strength through Week 8, movement in the rankings, and the Week 9 Team to Watch.