NBA Power Rankings: Lakers, Celtics, Mavs and Spurs Battle for Top Spot

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BOSTON - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics directs his team in the second half against the Portland Trailblazers on December 1, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Trailblazers 99-95. NOTE TO US

Elsa/Getty Images

The NBA season is in full effect now that the calendar has flipped to December. Teams are beginning to separate themselves as contenders and others as pretenders.

Wondering which teams belong and which don't? Don't worry, B/R is here to rank all 30 NBA teams based on their showings through a quarter of the season.

Click to begin the slideshow and find out where your team lands.

30) Sacramento Kings

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Francisco Garcia #32 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a three pointer basket against the Los Angeles Lakers at ARCO Arena on November 3, 2010 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Record: 4-14

The Kings are last in the Pacific Division and already 12 games back of the Western Conference-leading Spurs. Sacramento has lost seven straight games and has a negative-7.7 scoring differential.

29) Minnesota Timberwolves

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 9: Lazar Hayward #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 9, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 99-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Record: 5-16

Minnesota is 2-8 in its last 10 games and currently way out of the playoff picture. The Timberwolves have played 12 road games already. Unfortunately they are 1-11 in those games.

28) Los Angeles Clippers

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers and Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look for a rebound at Staples Center on November 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 107-92. NOTE TO USER: Us

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Record: 4-17

The excitement surrounding Rookie of the Year candidate Blake Griffin might be the only reason the Clippers make it this high. They have young talent but, unfortunately, future promise doesn't win games.

27) Washington Wizards

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 29: Gilbert Arenas #9 of the Washington Wizards looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on November 29, 2010 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadin

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Record: 6-13

The Wizards are 0-10 on the road this season and that's really all there is to say.

26) New Jersey Nets

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Brook Lopez #11 of the of the New Jersey Nets is fouled by Danilo Gallinari #8 of the New York Knicks on November 30, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Record: 6-15

The Nets are last in the Eastern Conference and that says something. However, they do play a little defense and have won not one, but two road games.

25) Philadelphia 76ers

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 26: Guard Jodie Meeks #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to the referee against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on November 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Heat defeated the 76ers 99-90. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Marc Serota/Getty Images

Record: 6-14

Philly is struggling right now, but it does hang tough. The 76ers have the best scoring differential (-1.5) of any Eastern Conference team with a losing record.

24) Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 27: Jamario Moon #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after making a three point basket while playing the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena on October 27, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 95-87. (Photo by Grego

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Record: 7-13

The Cavs showed little anger towards LeBron last week when the King returned to his old castle to blow out his former team. Their record keeps them somewhat credible however.

23) Detroit Pistons

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Richard Hamilton #32 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a jumpshot during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2010 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Record: 7-14

Detroit hasn't been the same since Chauncey Billups was traded and now the Pistons find themselves completely irrelevant in the Eastern Conference.

22) Toronto Raptors

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Amir Johnson #15 of the Toronto Raptors dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 5, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 108-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Record: 8-13

Toronto currently holds down the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and would be first in line to play Boston if the playoffs started today.

21) Charlotte Bobcats

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 24: Tyrus Thomas #12 of the Charlotte Bobcats reacts after a play against the New York Knicks during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowled

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Record: 7-13

The Bobcats aren't exactly tearing it up on the court, but they do play some defense, ranking sixth in the eastern conference.

20) Houston Rockets

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets looks on during their opening night game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agre

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Record: 7-13

Houston has had problems this season. Please, hold the laughter. The Rockets have lost some tough ones and their negative-1.2 scoring differential speaks for itself.

19) Milwaukee Bucks

MILWAUKEE - NOVEMBER 16: Brandon Jennings #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks grabs the ball in front of Derek Fisher #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the Bradley Center on November 16, 2010 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Lakers defeated the Bucks 118-107. NOTE TO USE

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Record: 7-12

Milwaukee is just as mediocre as most of the other Eastern Conference lottery-bound teams. The Bucks own the fourth-ranked defense in the East, though, so advantage Bucks.

18) Memphis Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 20: Coach Lionel Hollins of the Memphis Grizzlies talks with Darrell Arthur #00 during a game against the Miami Heat at FedExForum on November 20, 2010 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies won 97-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly a

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Record: 8-13

Memphis has been a quality home team, but let the record show the Grizzlies have been terrible on the road, just 2-8 this season.

17) Golden State Warriors

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 21: Vladimir Radmanovic #77 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a dunk against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 117-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ack

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Record: 8-12

The Warriors have David Lee back in the lineup and it couldn't have come at a better time. Golden State struggled without the star forward.

16) Portland Trail Blazers

BOSTON - DECEMBER 01: Andre Miller #24 of the Portland Trailblazers heads for the basket as Ray Allen #20 and Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics defend on December 1, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Trailblaze

Elsa/Getty Images

Record: 9-11

Portland has struggled greatly, losing six straight games before the Trail Blazers finally stopped the bleeding. They are just 3-7 in their past 10 games.

15) Indiana Pacers

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 03: Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 3, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Pacers 105-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Record: 10-9

The Pacers are currently seventh in the east and actually have a positive scoring differential at plus-3.0. Unfortunately, who knows how long it will last.

14) New York Knicks

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Raymond Felton #2 of the New York Knicks reacts agaisnt the New Jersey Nets on November 30, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Record: 13-9

The Knicks are actually winning, and, right now, they are on a roll. New York is 9-1 in its past 10 games and on a five-game winning streak.

13) Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 03: Grant Hill #33 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a shot against the Indiana Pacers during the NBA game at US Airways Center on December 3, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Pacers 105-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackn

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Record: 11-9

The Suns have won three games in a row and are holding down the Western Conference's No. 8 seed at the moment. A veteran group with a tough schedule to start, they should improve as the season goes on.

12) Chicago Bulls

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 01: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls shoots against Rashard Lewis #9 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic at the United Center on December 1, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Magic defeated the Bulls 107-78. NOTE TO USER: Us

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Record: 10-8

The Bulls have Boozer back and are sitting pretty at fourth in the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose is a star and the Bulls are strong at home.

11) Oklahoma City Thunder

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 3: Kevin Durant #32 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives past Ryan Gomes #15 of the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on November 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, b

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Record: 14-7

The Thunder are 7-3 in their past 10 games and one of the Western Conference's likely playoff teams. Led by Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City is poised to make a run at the title this spring.

10) Denver Nuggets

DENVER - NOVEMBER 16: Ty Lawson #3 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center on November 16, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 120-118. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Record: 13-6

The Nuggets are a talented bunch, but it would seem that Carmelo's uncertain future is holding them back from being great.

9) Atlanta Hawks

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 06: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Vince Carter#15 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Amway Arena on December 6, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Record: 14-8

Atlanta is playing decent basketball as the Hawks have done the past few seasons, but something is missing and that's why they come up short.

8) New Orleans Hornets

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 28: Emeka Okafor #50 of the New Orleans Hornets makes a layup during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the New Orleans Arena on November 28, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Record: 13-7

The Hornets have lost six out of their past 10 games, but their fast start and defensive dominance keep them among the league's best. Only Dallas holds teams to fewer points out west.

7) Miami Heat

MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 06: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against the ilwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on December 6, 2010 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Record: 13-8

Miami had a coming together moment on the road at Cleveland last week, and now the Heat are in the midst of a four-game winning streak.

6) Utah Jazz

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 12: C.J. Miles #34 of the Utah Jazz against Mike Bibby #10 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on November 12, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Pho

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Record: 15-6

The Jazz have recovered from a slow start to rise to the top of the Western Conference. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and 7-2 on the road this season.

5) Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS - NOVEMBER 27: Tyson Chandler #6 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates during his team's victory over the Dallas Mavericks on November 27, 2010 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees tha

Layne Murdoch/Getty Images

Record: 16-4

Dallas is 10-3 against the Western Conference and it is the best defensive team in that conference also, only allowing 92.2 points per game.

4) Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 06: Vince Carter #15 of the Orlando Magic drives between Mike Bibby #10 and Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game at Amway Arena on December 6, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Record: 15-6

The Magic, led by Dwight Howard, are stifling opponents on the defensive end. Orlando is winning games while boasting the league's top D, allowing just 90.8 points per game.

3) Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Staples Center on November 28, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Record: 14-6

Los Angeles is coming off a rough stretch in which it lost four straight game. However, they are still very tall and the two-time defending champions.

2) Boston Celtics

BOSTON - DECEMBER 01: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trailblazers on December 1, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Trailblazers 99-95. NOTE TO USER: User

Elsa/Getty Images

Record: 16-4

The Celtics are looking like a championship contender and that surprises no one. The Eastern Conference's best team has won seven straight games and as hot as any other squad out there.

1) San Antonio Spurs

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 28: Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball over Emeka Okafor #50 of the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on November 28, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Spurs defeated the Hornets 109-95. NOTE

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Record: 17-3

Without question, the league's best team is the San Antonio Spurs. They own the NBA's best record and are a ridiculous 8-1 on the road this season. Their plus-8.9 scoring differential is also a league best.

Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.

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