| Rank |
Team |
Last Week’s Rank |
Record |
Why We Ranked Them Here |
| 1 |
Dallas Mavericks
|
3 |
44-21 |
For the first time this season the Dallas Mavericks take the top spot in out power rankings. Many people may say Cuban is “buying” this one, but isn’t that what it’s all about anyways? The Mavs have won twelve straight games and the acquisition of Butler at the deadline is proving to be huge. Don’t be surprised if they give the Lakers a run for their money in the West. |
| 2 |
Orlando Magic |
4 |
45-20 |
A big win Sunday against L.A combined with an injured Lebron contribute to the Magic jumping up to second in this weeks rankings. Remember that these guys are the defending Eastern Conference champions. When it comes down to it you can expect these guys to compete with anyone. |
| 3 |
Cleveland Cavaliers  |
2 |
50-15 |
Lebron James’ tender right ankle will be the most attended to ankle in Cleveland sports history. No Lebron= No chance at raising the Cavs first championship banner, simple as that. With Shaq also battling injuries this team will have to overcome some adversity to prove they belong back at the top of the rankings. |
| 4 |
L.A Lakers |
1 |
47-18 |
The Lakers are currently battling through one of their worst stretches of the season. Before a late game winner by Kobe last night against Toronto the Lakers had lost three straight games. If it weren’t for Kobe’s heroics this team would be chasing down Dallas and Denver in the West. |
| 5 |
Denver Nuggets |
6 |
42-21 |
With the Lakers struggles as of late the Nuggets have been able to close the distance between the two teams. They currently sit four games back and have won 7 of their last 10. Whether or not they can catch L.A remains up in the air. One thing that is for certain though is that the Lakers do not want to play Denver in the playoffs. |
| 6 |
Atlanta Hawks |
5 |
40-23 |
The Hawks really aren’t doing anything special, but they continue to stay in the top half of the Eastern Conference. Jamal Crawford seems to be coming back down to earth and is bringing his team along with him. With this being said please don’t sleep on them. This young and scrappy team could surprise anyone come playoff time. |
| 7 |
Utah Jazz |
7 |
41-22 |
The Jazz have won 20 of their last 26 games and unfortunately have nothing to show for it. They still remain in fourth place in the Western Conference, five games out of first. I’ve said the before and I’ll say it again, I really don’t understand how the Jazz continue to play so well. It will be interesting to see what they can do when it really matters. |
| 8 |
Boston Celtics |
9 |
40-22 |
The Celtics had a four game winning streak going before a tough loss Tuesday night to Milwaukee. The bad news for the C’s is that they looked far from impressive in three of those wins. As good as this team looks on paper, they have yet to prove they have what it takes on the court. We will just have to hope come playoff time they play with more fight and focus. |
| 9 |
Phoenix Suns |
10 |
40-25 |
The Suns dominant offense continues to come through for them. Behind our first place team this week and the Bucks they are the third hottest team in the league. Do yourself a favor and don’t sleep on this team, they are good. |
| 10 |
Milwaukee Bucks |
N/R |
34-29 |
Since the trade deadline has passed the Milwaukee Bucks have suddenly come out of nowhere. They have won 9 out of their last 10 including a huge two point victory over the Celtics on Tuesday night. They currently sit at fifth place in the Eastern Conference and don’t look like they will be settling down anytime soon. |
