If you’re looking for regular Power Rankings that tell you the Lakers are tops just because they were last year’s champions, or that the Hawks are a scary team simply because they’re 3-0 against Boston, this isn’t the rankings for you.
Here’s an in-depth look at each team, along with their record and some quick notes on their ranking:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (30-10)
The Cavs loss to Carmelo-less Denver is nothing new, as they have lost nine of thirteen against the Nuggets. But James’ performance against Golden State proves there’s nothing to worry about.
2. Boston Celtics (26-10)
After losing twice to Atlanta last week, the Celtics are now 0-3 against the Hawks. Thankfully, they only play each other just once more this season and hopefully Garnett will be back from his injury by then. Maybe Doc Rivers can stay on the sidelines by then, too.
3. L.A. Lakers (29-9)
The best record in the league doesn’t overrule the fact that the Lakers are banged up and have lost three straight on the road. Artest is back, but the purple and yellow will need more than a hazy defender to overcome the fact that they’ve given up 100 plus points in eight of eleven games.
4. San Antonio Spurs (23-13)
Tim Duncan is back on top and the Spurs bench is getting better each week. However, the team has lost eleven of fourteen against teams .500 or better and they have only played 13 road games. Looks like another second-half run by the Spurs is on the way.
5. Dallas Mavericks (25-12)
They’re leading their division, but the Mavs still look unstable. A big win against Tim Duncan and the Spurs over the weekend isn’t going to be enough to carry this team to the playoffs.
6. Orlando Magic (26-12)
Howard is looking a little better, but he’s still a big disappointment in light of everything. With Carter out, the Magic are actually looking better, but Jameer Nelson is going to have to do better than 4.6 assists a game.
7. Phoenix Suns (24-14)
The Suns, yet again, blew a big lead against the Bucks but this is just a continuation of their pattern. After starting 10-0 at home, Miami’s loss was it fourth homeland defeat, but Nash’s consistent play is enough to make them look good.
8. Denver Nuggets (24-14)
Denver has managed to stay on top of their division despite injuries to Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, but that isn’t saying much. They have a generally weak schedule approaching but will need to stay sharp as the mid-point passes by.
9. Oklahoma City Thunder (21-16)
Quite the opposite of Atlanta, the Thunder has won eight of their last ten games after struggling early, mostly due to Durant’s 70 points in his last two games.
10. Portland Trail Blazers (23-16)
The Blazers have been the image of mediocrity with losses to the Grizzlies and the Sixers at home, but beating the Lakers in L.A. sure makes it look better. Besides, injuries don’t make winning easy.
11. Atlanta Hawks (24-13)
After starting strong at 8-2, the Hawks are 4-6 in their last ten games. A sweep of the Celtics makes it all better, though.
12. Memphis Grizzlies (19-18)
7-3 in their last ten, the Grizzlies are finally looking like a legitimate team. O.J. Mayo is coming to life even if Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph aren’t. A tough schedule over the next month will put Memphis to the test.
13. Utah Jazz (21-17)
A big road win against Dallas gave the Jazz something to celebrate this weekend, but Deron Williams’ all-star play could be enough to send the Jazz away a winner when they play the Cavaliers this Thursday.
14. New Orleans Hornets (19-17)
A loss to the Sixers isn’t the best way to end a 7-3 streak, but they still have Chris Paul. They won’t do anything special in the postseason, but Jeff Bower is certainly making an improvement.
15. Houston Rockets (21-17)
If the Rockets were in the East, this would be a completely different story. But they aren’t and the Rockets are fading from recognition in a tough Western conference. With the worst injury situation in the league, the Rockets could help their chances by dominating an easy upcoming schedule.
16. Charlotte Bobcats (17-19)
Little by little, Larry Brown is pushing the Bobcats into competitiveness. Gerald Wallace is an all-star and, with the help of Felton and Jackson, the Bobcats may leave the Houston Texans behind as the only two franchises in the four major sports who have never had a playoff berth.
17. Miami Heat (18-18)
6-2 in games decided by five or fewer points, the Heat still look awful as they erode to a menial .500. With O’Neal injured and Wayne injuring his wrist against the Jazz in a big loss, the Heat may find themselves out of the playoffs altogether.
18. Toronto Raptors (19-20)
The team is finally putting up wins, but Turkoglu is nothing more than a bust and their division is weak, so why aren’t they winning more?
19. Chicago Bulls (15-20)
There are rumors that the Bulls may actually give up Joakim Noah for Tracy McGrady, if only to free up some cap space. At this point, the team is thinking less of the playoffs and more of free agent possibilities Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.
20. L.A. Clippers (17-19)
The early season injury to rookie Blake Griffin had the Clippers doomed from the beginning, but sweeping the Blazers, Lakers, Heat each by double figures sure feels good.
21. New York Knicks (15-22)
Nate Robinson is averaging 19 points on 53 percent shooting since his return but David Lee is the real emerging star. But how do the Knicks define themselves as improving when Gallinari goes scoreless in 32 minutes against the Thunder.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (15-20)
The future of the Bucks doesn’t look good now that Michael Redd is going under the knife, but it wasn’t looking too bright anyway as they’ve only etched the surface of a difficult road schedule.
23. Sacramento Kings (15-22)
The Kings are young and full of talent, but the wins have dwindled of late and it doesn’t look like it’ll get better anytime soon with a six-game East coast road trip. At least Kevin Martin comes back soon.
24. Golden State Warriors (11-25)
Injuries won’t allow the Warriors to hold onto a consistent starting lineup, but young guys like Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette are stepping it up and Don Nelson is only twelve shy of the all-time coaching wins record (1,332).
25. Philadelphia 76ers (12-25)
Ironically, when Iverson takes less shots, he has a better average. He and Elton Brand teamed up for a combined 34 points in their win against the Hornets.
26. Detroit Pistons (12-25)
There has been no greater fall from success of late than the Pistons’. In a division that’s altogether struggling, they just can’t keep up. Twelve game losing streaks don’t look good on anyone.
27. Indiana Pacers (12-25)
The return of Danny Granger should help the Pacers bounce back, but trade talks have been circling Jeff Foster and Troy Murphy.
28. Washington Wizards (12-24)
Bad news: Arena’ stupid mistake was enough to make the Wizards look even worse than they already did. Good news: Brendan Haywood is the first player in NBA history to go six for six from the field and the foul line in the same game.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-28)
A single win in the last eight games is never good and trade talks over Jefferson and Love is ceding doubt to ‘Wolves fans. Plus, where is Ricky Rubio?
30. New Jersey Nets (3-34)
Poor Kris Humphries, he should’ve stayed in Dallas. Now that the Nets are 0-15 against the West and on a 7-75 pace, it’s hard not to wonder how long they can keep this debauchery up.
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