NBA Power Rankings: December 6th

Restricted 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)

Chris Paul is an early MVP candidate, but the rest of his teammates have been inconsistent.

The Hornets were demolished Wednesday night by the Pistons. Despite the loss, Tyson Chandler had an impressive line—scoring 17 points and grabbing 22 boards.

8. Dallas Mavericks (12-7)

Brandon Bass is a player to watch this season. Bass has gelled well with Avery Johnson's crew, averaging 10 PPG.

The Mavs lost to San Antonio—minus Duncan—on Wednesday night.

Don't get too high on this team until playoff time.

9. Los Angeles Lakers (11-8)

The Lakers have only been good enough to make the playoffs as a No. 7 seed the last two seasons.  Look for more of the same this year.

Los Angeles earned this spot by winning two games against the Denver Nuggets. Despite 51 points from Allen Iverson in the most recent contest, the Lakers were able to hold on en route to a 111-107 victory. 

Iverson scored 33 of his 51 in the first half.

Kobe Bryant scored 25 points, while Vladimir Radmanovic scored 21 off the bench for the Lakers.

10. Golden State Warriors (9-8)

The Warriors have been the hottest team in the league since the return of Stephen Jackson.  The Warriors are 8-2 in their last ten games.

Making Stephen Jackson a captain of the team was something I thought was absolutely stupid.  But Jackson is showing he has much value to this team, and he also has post season experience from his championship season in San Antonio. 

The team rebounded from a loss to Orlando by smoking the Bucks 120-90 on Wednesday night.

I don't have much faith in this team's prospects for playoff success after the pointless offseason trade that sent Jason Richardson to Charlotte. 

Note: Andris Biedrins is averaging a double-double on the year—11 points and 10 rebounds.

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