NBA Power Rankings Week: I don't know?
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- Created on Tuesday, 04 January 2011 23:45
- Written by Demian
Pat's back with his NBA Power Rankings and MVP race standings.
1. Spurs (29-4): The Spurs are off to a historic start and show no signs of slowing down. The Spurs are 4th in points per game, as they have changed from a half court/defensive minded team to an attacking offense who continue to play stingy defense.
2. Celtics (26-7): I'll keep the Celtics in the 2 spot, but the injuries are beginning to pile up. This team needs Kevin Garnett to be healthy, as he is their defensive leader. Big test at home on Wednesday against the Spurs.
3. Heat (26-9): The Heat, or "Heatles" as LeBron calls them, are the hottest team in the league right now as they have won 17 of their last 18 games. We knew it was only a matter of time, but I was hoping it didn't happen this quick.
4. Mavericks (25-8): I'll take the blame for the Mavs injuries as I picked them to be my team in the west this season and I'm a sports mush. Dirk will most likely be back this week, but losing Caron Butler for the season will have a strong negative impact come playoff time.
5. Bulls (22-10): Winners of 4 straight and 13 of their last 15, the Bulls are starting to show why they will be dangerous come playoff time. Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer are adjusting to one another, and when their glue guy returns (Noah) this team will really begin to hit its stride.
6. Magic (21-12): After losing 8 of 9, the Magic have bounced back to win 6 straight with impressive wins over the Spurs and Celtics. The new additions (especially Hedo) have given this team some life, and Dwight Howard is working his way into the MVP discussion.
7. Jazz (24-11): The Jazz slide in at number 7, but they continue to rely on late game pushes to get wins. Some may look at this and say it's good fortune, I'll look at it and say they continue to find ways to win, and that's what matters in this league.
8. Lakers (23-11): I sent the Mavs a wake up call early in the season, now I'm sending one to the Lakers. Luckily for them the Pacific division is horrendous this year and they are 8 games up on Phoenix, but home court advantage in the later playoff rounds could be crucial.
9. Thunder (23-12): The Thunder like to play every game over 100 points, but that usually doesn't work against the elite teams. The one good thing is they shouldn't worry about their young legs wearing down as the season goes on.
10. Nuggets (20-13): Lost a few games while Melo was with his family after losing his sister, but this team has bounced back for his return and won 4 straight. Should be able to rattle off a couple more wins with the Clippers and Kings next on the schedule.
MVP Race
1. Dirk Nowitzki - his teams recent struggles only make the case stronger for him.
2. Derrick Rose - once they get all their pieces healthy his numbers will only go up.
3. Dwight Howard - the numbers are there, the wins are coming.
4. Deron Williams - he is the catalyst for a Jazz team that is finding ways to win late.
5. Amare Stoudemire - his numbers are good, but the return of meaningful basketball in NY puts him here.
