NBA Power Rankings: Who's Hot, Who's Not After 5 Weeks

The NBA got off to a rough start when owners and players couldn't agree on a new collective bargaining agreement, causing the league to enter a lockout.  

After countless meetings and weeks of the season missed, the NBA's owners and players agreed to get back onto the hardwood.  With only a 66 game season, many teams are vying for a playoff spot.

After five weeks into the season, we have a good idea of where teams stand in their conference.  Here is a list of 10 teams of who's hot and who's not.

Who's Not: Charlotte Bobcats

Earning the worst record in the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats are 3-18, including losses in their last eight in a row.

The Bobcats rank 29th overall in points allowed, 26th overall in points per game, 25th overall in rebounds per game and 18th overall in assists per game.

Michael Jordan has a lot to do to bring this team back to the playoffs, and with a recent loss to the Washington Wizards, who have the second worst record in the league, he shouldn't be enthused about it happening anytime soon.

Who's Not: Washington Wizards

With a record of 4-17 and recently firing former coach Flip Saunders, the Washington Wizards aren't having the change they wanted with their new team colors and uniforms.

Losing the first eight games of the regular season didn't help the Wizards' case for change.  Loaded with young talent, the Wizards never fully gelled together to form any chemistry.

Nick Young and John Wall lead the team in scoring, with each having 16 points per game.  The team ranks 27th overall in points per game, at 88.  With replacement coach Randy Wittman having a career record of 100 wins and 207 loses, the future doesn't seem to bright for the young Wizards.

Who's Not: Detroit Pistons

A 1-9 road record certainly doesn't help a team who ranks 30th overall in both points and rebounds per game.

Losing their last six games, giving them a 4-19 record, the Pistons aren't looking forward to playing anytime soon, especially on their current road trip.

Averaging a league low 81.4 points per game on the road, the Pistons needed four weeks to finally break the 100 point scoring mark.

Who's Not: New York Knicks

Losing their last nine out of 11, the Knicks' "Big Three" have been quite small.  

Carmelo is leading the team in scoring, with 23.6 points per game, while Amare is averaging 17.7 and Tyson Chandler is averaging 10.7 points per game.

With minimal point guard play, the Knicks haven't had a chance to develop a flow in their offensive game.  

With Baron Davis still injured, the Knicks have much to work on before thinking about the playoffs.

Who's Not: New Orleans Hornets

After losing their all-star point guard Chris Paul in a trade to the Clippers, the Hornets were left without a leader.

Losing Paul left the hornets without a play-maker and scorer.  The Hornets are averaging a dismal 87.4 points per game, which is 29th in the league.

In their past 12 games, the Hornets walked away with one victory.  They just aren't getting the production at the point that they use to have with Paul.

The Hornets will certainly be in a rebuilding stage for the next few seasons.

Who's Hot: Indiana Pacers

Losing to the Chicago Bulls in the NBA playoffs last year, the Indiana Pacers said they would be back.  They are certainly backing it up.

Sitting at 14-6 on the season, the Pacers rank second overall in the league in rebounds and fourth overall in points allowed, at 90.4.

With wins over the Lakers and Bulls, the Pacers look to be on pace at reaching postseason play and currently stand fifth in the Eastern conference, two and a half games back of Chicago.

Who's Hot: Philadelphia 76ers

Possibly the biggest surprise this year, the 76ers are proving that they are for real in the Eastern Conference.

With eight wins by 20+ points, the 15-6 76ers are first in the Atlantic division by four and a half games and are fourth overall in the Eastern conference. 

Their defense has been stout all season long, causing them to be ranked first in the league, allowing only 86.1 points per game.  Their offense has been potent as well, being ranked seventh overall in scoring 97.5 points per game.

After being tossed out of the playoffs in the first round by the Miami Heat last year, I'd look for Philadelphia to make a deeper run come May.

Who's Hot: Chicago Bulls

With an 18-5 record and sitting atop the Eastern Conference by one game, the Chicago Bulls look to be a top contender in representing the East in the Finals this season.

Reigning MVP Derrick Rose is averaging 23.3 points and 7.8 assists per game.  Their defense ranks second in the league in allowing only 87.4 points per game and is first in the league in rebounds per game.

I expect the Bulls to be in the same position as last year with a rematch against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Who's Hot: Oklahoma City Thunder

All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are combining for 48.1 points per game, giving the Thunder one of the best duos in the NBA.

Their high-flying offense has them averaging just over 100 points per game and gives them a two and a half game lead in the Western Conference.

Going 11-2 in their last 13 games, the Thunder are rolling with confidence.  They are a clear leader to represent the Western Conference in the Finals, and after locking down all-star point guard Russell Westbrook with a five year $80 million contract, expect the Thunder to be atop the Western Conference for the next few years.

Who's Hot: Miami Heat

Losing in the NBA Finals to the Dallas Mavericks last season, the Miami Heat are on a mission.  This season, the Miami Heat have a 16-5 record and are second in the league in scoring with 104 points per game.

The trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are putting up 70.2 points per game.  James is having another MVP-caliber season with 29.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game.

Beating the Lakers, 76ers, and Bulls so far this season, the Heat have shown they are on a direct plan to reach the finals.  

Receiving production from their point guard play this season with Mario Chalmers and rookie Norris Cole, the Miami Heat are more of a complete team than they were a season ago.  My prediction is a Miami vs. Oklahoma City NBA Finals.