News WireRestricted free agent Anderson Varejao finally reached an agreement with the Cavaliers, who matched an offer by the Charlotte Bobcats.
Kings guard Kevin Martin is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a groin injury.
Note: These rankings consider both momentum and record. A hot team may get the nod over a squad with a better winning percentage.
1. Phoenix Suns (15-4)
It's now or never for the Suns' championship hopes.
The Suns are coming off a high-scoring victory against Toronto Wednesday night. Phoenix notched a season-high 136 points.
Leandro Barbosa came off the pine to score 35, while Amare Stoudemire chipped in 25.
2. San Antonio Spurs (16-3)
The Spurs fell from the No. 1 spot despite their victory Wednesday night. Even without Tim Duncan, San Antonio notched a surprise win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Manu Ginobli scored 37 points. Tony Parker added 23.
Without Duncan, though, the Spurs can't strike a very strong claim to the top spot.
3. Orlando Magic (16-4)
If the season ended today, Dwight Howard would be MVP. If Howard keeps producing and the Magic keep winning, the big man will run away with the award.
If I were to compare Howard to anyone right now, it'd be a young Moses Malone.
Note: While Howard and Rashard Lewis have received all the credit, Hedo Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson, and Keith Bogans have been key to the Magic's success.
4. Boston Celtics (15-2)
Last season it took until February for Boston to win 15 games.
The C's are coming off a win Wednesday night against Philly. James Posey and Eddie House delivered 17 and 15 points off the bench, respectively.
But are the Celtics the best team in the East?
I'm still not convinced.
5. Utah Jazz (13-6)
The Jazz are coming off a loss to the Kings Tuesday night.
Despite Deron Williams' 30 points, Ron Artest, Kevin Martin, and John Salmons combined for 69 points en route to a 117-107 victory.
Note: Ronnie Brewer and Paul Milsap are two guys to pay attention to in Utah.
6. Detroit Pistons (13-5)
The Pistons have won five straight games, and are 8-3 over their last 11.
Detroit is coming off a 91-76 win over the New Orleans Hornets Wednesday.
7. New Orleans Hornets (12-7)
5 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Patrick Houston about 1 year ago
You're right, Boston is get a little too much credit for their easy schedule. I really like Phoenix this year, this maybe the year.I thought that Grant Hill wouldn't fit in with the team but he's looking pretty damn good.
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Matt DeNicola about 1 year ago
Phoenix is an underachiever. I have spent quite some time on this site comparing them to the Kings form the early 2000s ... you remember ... Webber, Bibby, Peja, Vlade, etc etc. High octane offense, good enough defense, and enough weapons to drive you crazy. People don't remember now, but those teams were scary ... and they were supposed to compete for the championship every year. The reason no one remembers is because they always lost ... to the Lakers. This Suns team may be able to beat the Lakers, but they can't beat the Spurs. I want a plaque made and sent to me when the Suns never win a championship through this whole run, and fizzle away into history just like those Kings.
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Michael Whittenberg about 1 year ago
Of course I remember that Kings team,I am a die hard Kings fan.
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Ben Gunby about 1 year ago
I dont know how sold on the Mavs I am right now, they just have not impressed me very much lately. I agree though about New Orleans and Golden State, I like both of those teams. The Warriors have been especially stout since the return of Stephen Jackson. Cleveland, with Lebron, is still one of the 10 best teams in the NBA, IMO.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Hmmm. Lakers will be 7th see, yet 9th best in the L? The East isn't THAT bad.
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