NBA Power Rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (41-11)

It looks like the addition of Shaq is working. Now that the Cavs have the best record in the NBA and have swept the defending champion Lakers, these guys are the favorite to win it.

2. Denver Nuggets (34-17)

Like the Cavaliers, the Nuggets have beaten the Lakers twice this season and will go for the sweep Feb. 28th on ABC.

3. Los Angeles Lakers (39-13)

Don't get me wrong, the Lakers are still contenders to win it all, Denver just has their number right now.

4. Utah Jazz (31-18)

I haven't watched Utah enough to really get a great feel for their game, but a season sweep of the Spurs and a recent win over 2nd ranked Denver, they look like contenders to me.

5. Orlando Magic (34-17)

The Magic are sort of in the same spot they were last year, kind of hovering around 2nd in the Eastern Conference with Boston just behind them, still contenders, but they have to work Vince Carter into their system a little better.

6. Atlanta Hawks (32-17)

The Hawks swept the Celtics this season, winning by an average of 8.5 points a game. Even though they have the same over all record, this is kind of a no brainer.

7. Boston Celtics (32-17)

The Celtics are starting to look like a Eastern Conference version of the San Antonio Spurs. An old defensive team that has a hard time keeping up with the younger teams in the league. Don't be surprised if they trade for some youth before the trade deadline.

8. Dallas Mavericks (31-19)

The Mavs started out strong and look like almost a lock to win thier division, unless the Spurs find some life.

9. San Antonio Spurs (29-20)

Like I mentioned a couple paragraphs ago, the Spurs look like an old defensive team that has a tough time against younger and faster teams. The Richard Jefferson trade just isn't working out at all. I think it might be a good idea to make a trade for Monta Ellis.

10. Phoenix Suns (31-21)

A solid team looking to build for the future. Not contenders, but they can make things interesting.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (29-21)

It makes me sick to hear how good these guys are doing when I know this team was stolen from Seattle. These guys will be contenders in the next couple years.

12. Portland Trailblazers (30-23)

I bet these guys wished they drafted Kevin Durant when they had the chance. These guys are solid, very good offensively. I only like them because of Brandon Roy(Former Husky). I also think it might be time for a jersey/name change. I just think Portland Blazers has a better ring to it and their jerseys are just boring.

13. Toronto Raptors (28-23)

There are only two words to describe why they are any good at all. CHRIS BOSH.

14. Houston Rockets (27-23)

No superstar to really lead the team. Yao Ming's hurt and Tracy Mcgrady is trade bait and isn't even playing. If they were playing, this team would be in the top five in the Western Conference at least.

15. New Orleans Hornets (27-24)

I had these guys going to the playoffs before they fired Byron Scott(bad idea) and Chris Paul got hurt. Not to say they don't have a chance, but without Paul, they'll probably end up being a sub .500 team.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (26-24)

A young, fast team that can keep the contenders on their toes, but lack some maturity. They'll get maturity within the next couple years.

17. Chicago Bulls (24-25)

There seems to be a spark missing from last years playoff series with the Celtics. They just seem to have a easy going vibe sometimes. They probably just figure that they'll make the playoffs anyway.

18. Charlotte Bobcats (24-25)

Another example of a young team that's not quite there yet when it comes to title contention.

19. Miami Heat (24-27)

The Heat and the fans in Miami better enjoy Dwayne Wade as best they can. Because he's gone after this season.

20. Milwaukee Bucks (23-26)

Right behind the Heat for playoff contention, Brandon Jennings is going to be a superstar.

21. Los Angeles Clippers (21-29)

I think they would be in the playoffs if Blake Griffin was playing, they're already doing much better than season's 17 win disaster.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (19-31)

These guys had another slow start like last year. Allen Iverson adds a little spark. Don't be surprised if these guys go on a win streak and somehow make the playoffs.

23. New York Knicks (19-31)

David Lee and Nate Robinson are a couple of the few bright spots on this team. I honestly don't think Mike D'antoni has the right personel to run his "run and gun" system in New York.

24. Indiana Pacers (18-33)

Other than Danny Granger, I have no hope for this team.

25. Detroit Pistons (17-32)

I can't believe how much this team has tanked. It just show's how much Chauncy Billups really does for a team. That was probably the worst trade in NBA history.

26. Washington Wizards (17-32)

They weren't very good when Gilbert Arenas was playing, his suspension just makes things worse.

27. Sacramento Kings (16-34)

I remember when this was one of the funnest teams to watch. The memories of Weber, Bibby, Turkoglu, and Stojakovic are all but dead.

28. Golden State Warriors (13-36)

Monta Ellis is this team's best player, they would probably be doing as bad as the Nets if it weren't for him.29. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-38)

This team is obviously pretty bad, but they have provided a couple of exciting upsets over Dallas, Denver, and Utah.30. New Jersey Nets (4-46)

I actually feel bad for this team, I thought this team was going to make the playoffs, not have the worst record in the league.