NBA Power Rankings - AthlonSports.com NBA Power Rankings
By Doug Word
1. L.A. Lakers (42-10) — The defensive effort against the Jazz has Kobe concerned. He doesn't want his teammates to forget what made them successful during their seven-game winning streak and before the 113-109 loss in Salt Lake City. Still, this team has put together a tremendous first half. Look for the intensity to pick up as the playoffs approach.
2. Boston Celtics (44-11) — Two solid road wins in New Orleans and Dallas give Boston the best record in the East at the break. Paul Pierce, who finished with 30 points in New Orleans, delivered 18 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter against the Mavs. Rajon Rondo was remarkable, delivering a 19-point, 15-rebound, 14-assist triple-double in the win.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (40-11) — It took the Cavs nearly four months to lose two straight games, and Tuesday's 96-95 loss in Indianapolis was debatable. Still, Mo Williams made sure Cleveland did not lose back-to-back games at home by pouring in 44 points the next night against the Suns as the Cavs improved to 24-1 this season at The Q.
4. San Antonio Spurs (35-16) — San Antonio dropped a nail-biter in Toronto right before the break, but the good news is the Spurs have just three games remaining — all winnable — on their eight-game road trip. Notoriously a strong second-half team, the Spurs will have a difficult time trying to catch the Lakers for the No. 1 seed. They currently trail L.A. by six-and-a-half games.
5. Denver Nuggets (36-17) — Don't look now, but the Nuggets are in a tussle for the second seed in the West. Think Chauncey Billups has had anything to do with the turnaround in the Rockies? Denver has reeled off nine wins in 11 games including four of five on its season-long eight-game road trip.
6. Orlando Magic (38-13) — Orlando has not looked like itself since losing Jameer Nelson. In Wednesday's 82-73 home loss to Denver, the Magic posted a season-worst 24 turnovers, shot just 30.4 percent and scored a season-low 73 points. It is undeniable that all three categories would have been aided by a healthy Nelson.
7. Portland Trail Blazers (32-20) — Oracle Arena is no easy place to play, but the Blazers need to find a consistent scoring option alongside Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge as the season progresses, particularly on the road where the Blazers are just 12-15 compared to 20-5 at The Rose Garden.
8. Dallas Mavericks (31-21) — After a rough start, Rick Carlisle has done a nice job of holding this team together. Against the Celtics on Thursday, however, he admittedly "blew it" by defending Paul Pierce one-on-one down the stretch. The Mavs also missed Jason Terry's scoring in the fourth quarter, and they'll have to find a viable second and third option to Dirk moving forward.
9. New Orleans Hornets (30-20) — The bad news is the Hornets lost in Memphis and at home against the Celtics last week, but the good news is Chris Paul is back and looks to be near full strength. It will be interesting to see what New Orleans gets in return if the organization decides to part ways with Tyson Chandler before the Feb. 19 trade deadline.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (27-24) — Red-hot entering the break, Philly is suddenly just three-and-a-half games out of the fourth spot in the East. The Sixers have won four straight and are simply a better team without Elton Brand. It will be an interesting offseason to say the least, but Philly could make a charge in the interim.
11. Atlanta Hawks (31-21) — Sure the first half hasn't been perfect for Atlanta, but give Mike Woodson the option of 31 wins at the All-Star break, and odds are he would have taken it. The big road win this team had been looking for came in Detroit on Wednesday. It was the first of six straight, so let's see how the Hawks respond.
12. Miami Heat (28-24) — The big name in the Shawn Marion deal was Jermaine O'Neal, but Jamario Moon is also a big-time acquisition for Miami. His shot-blocking, 3-point shooting and overall athleticism will be a nice fit in South Beach.
13. Utah Jazz (30-23) — Look for Utah to build off of the big win over the Lakers on Wednesday night and turn it around in the second half. Injuries have beset this bunch, but a healthy Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko will jell nicely with the role players that have seen increased playing time in their absence.
14. Houston Rockets (32-21) — A first half filled with injuries and locker room issues have thus far spoiled an excellent opportunity to win a title. Tracy McGrady's left knee injury has been the subject of controversy all season long, and his production will be worth monitoring in the second half.
15. Milwaukee Bucks (26-29) — Milwaukee has claimed rights to the eighth seed in the East at the All-Star break while pouring in an average of 122.3 points over its last three contests. Filling in for the injured Luke Ridnour, Ramon Sessions has been the catalyst with an average of 28.3 points, 12.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds in those three games.