Bet On NBA Basketball
Each week during the heart of the NBA season, and once or twice during the NBA Preseason, we’ll gather the troops around the roundtable and hash out the NBA Power rankings.
Miami Heat (18-6)
- – I know it is irritating to see these guys at the top but they are in a nice groove right now. Since D-Wade came back from injury they seem to be playing with better flow, but with their Big Three they can survive a major injury better than probably any team in the league.
Chicago Bulls (20-6)
- – Another team where getting a key player back from injury is providing a boost. Luol Deng is no Wade but might be more important to the Bulls then Wade is to the Heat, err maybe just as important. Anyone know why they aren’t using Taj Gibson like they have in the past?
Oklahoma City Thunder (18-5)
- – With Durant and Westbrook playing the way they do this team may have an unconventional look but they are very good. They lost a couple of times last week on the road but this team is still playing the best in the West.
Denver (15-9)
- – With the intense scheduling it seems that teams just aren’t going to go on the crazy runs we have seen in the past. Denver lost the last two of a back to back to back proving they are mortal. Still lots of reasons to like this team and the way Karl has them playing.
Philadelphia 76ers (17-7)
- – I still don’t see it but that record is too good to ignore. I assume that the scheduling is still unbalanced this year as per usual. Must be nice having lots of game against the Raptors to look forward to.
Atlanta Hawks (16-8)
- – They seem to get overshadowed in the Southeast by Miami and Orlando but this team is good and they are amassing a solid record even though Al Horford has been out three weeks already, and will be out for more. Joe Johnson will never earn that contract but he can be dynamic in spurts.
L.A. Clippers (14-7)
- – You know it is a weird season when the Clippers are in this rarified air. I am curious to see what the pickup of power forward Kenyon Martin really gives them. Toughness they could certainly use as someone is bound to put Blake Griffin on his ass one of these days…or should.
San Antonio Spurs (16-9)
- – Assuming Manu Ginobili comes back and contributes this team can be a contender. In fact having a player of that calibre that is actually well rested might prove to be a legitimate strategy. Seeding doesn’t matter for this veteran group, just getting into the tournament at the end.
Indiana Pacers(16-7)
- – Another team that I can’t punish too harshly for exceeding expectations record wise. I like the makeup of this squad but feel it is a little premature for them to really make some noise. They have to finish in the top 4 in the East to have a shot although they have been really good on the road winning 6 of their last 7. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Boston Celtics(13-10)
- – The Celtics are finally showing something having won 8 of 9. The way this season is grinding down teams you have to wonder how long they can keep it up but they are certainly very good when they put their best players out there. Typical Rondo 5 points with 14 assists the other night.
Los Angeles Lakers (14-10)
Dallas Mavericks (14-11)
Portland Trailblazers (14-10)
Orlando Magic (15-9)
Minnesota Timberwolves (12-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (12-12)
Houston Rockets (13-11)
Utah Jazz (13-9)
Milwaukee Bucks(10-13)
Cleveland Cavaliers (9-13)
Sacramento Kings (8-15)
New York Knicks (10-15)
Golden State Warriors(8-13)
Phoenix Suns (10-14)
New Jersey Nets (8-18)
Toronto Raptors (8-18)
Detroit Pistons (6-20)
Washington Wizards(5-20)
New Orleans Hornets(4-21)
Charlotte Bobcats (3-21)
