NBA Power Rankings Week 7

1. Boston Celtics (25-2) (1)

With home games against the Knicks and Sixers (who have losing records) the winning streak could hit 19 by their Christmas day showdown with the Lakers

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (22-4) (2)

The Cavs' blowout win in Denver is a real statement and a testament to the team's improvement. When LeBron left the game in the second quarter, the Cavs built the lead to 20 and effectively put the game out of reach.

3. Los Angeles Lakers (21-4) (3)

Not playing at an elite level after struggling at home to beat the Knicks and losing on the road to the Heat, LA must turn up the defense as the schedule gets a lot tougher with road games against the Magic and Hornets and a road game against the Celtics.

4. Orlando Magic (20-6) (4)

Winning in Utah without Howard?? I'm becoming more and more convinced that last year was no fluke and the start of a period of domination in the Southeast Division.

5. New Orleans Hornets (15-7) (7)

Protect the ball at all times around Chris Paul. His consecutive-games-with-a-steal streak hit 106 against San Antonio, setting an all-time record.

6. Houston Rockets (17-9) (8)

With Battier and TMac finally healthy, Adelman is experimenting with his lineup by bringing Artest off the bench. So far, the results have been excellent.

7. Utah Jazz (17-11) (11)

If Boozer wants a bigger contract, this is not the way to go about doing it. Don't say you're "opting out" when you're hurt and your backup is outplaying you.

8. Denver Nuggets (17-9) (5)

Remember when Carmelo's teams used to beat LeBron's? Those days are a distant memory, as LeBron's Cavs have improved to the point where their talent dwarfs that of Denver's and LeBron has evolved into a full-blown superstar and phenominal two-way player while Carmelo is still a decent jump shooter who doesn't rebound or play defense.

9. Portland Trail Blazers (17-10) (6)

Roy just keeps getting better and better as he was unstoppable in an amazing 52-point effort against Phoenix.

10. San Antonio Spurs (15-10) (9)

The offense of the Spurs is still too inconsistent to get it done in close defensive struggles, as they lack a pure shooter to win games in the 4th quarter.

11. Atlanta Hawks (16-10) (14)

It would have been a perfect week if not for an emotionally draining loss at home to the Celtics, with whom the Hawks are trying to establish a strong rivalry.

12. Detroit Pistons (14-10) (16)

The Pistons need Maxiell to make more of an impact if they want to compete in the Eastern Conference.

13. Phoenix Suns (15-11) (15)

The Suns' defense is still bad with the coaching change, but the rebounding has also gotten worse.

14. Miami Heat (13-12) (12)

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