Power Ranking the Eastern Conference If Magic Honor Dwight's Request to Stay

The latest rumored message from Dwight Howard is that he won't opt out of his contract at the end of this season, which seemingly puts to rest much of the trade deadline buzz concerning him.

If this message from Howard is true, it's undoubtedly influential in the Eastern Conference race. The Magic have been playing some impressive basketball as of late and figure to be a contender in the East as long as Superman is there.

Where do they rank amongst the rest of their Eastern Conference foes?

It's time for an updated Eastern Conference power rankings after this latest news from D12.

8. Atlanta Hawks

With Al Horford down with an injury, the Hawks aren't nearly as competitive.

Yes, they still have some quality players in Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, but their squad doesn't have the depth to do major damage come playoff time.

They'll make the playoffs but it's tough to foresee this bunch escaping the first round.

7. Milwaukee Bucks

The acquisition of Monta Ellis make the Bucks a formidable Eastern Conference team.

Ellis and Brandon Jennings form a fearsome back court. If they're hot, they'll be able to beat anybody on a given night.

Expect the Bucks to make it to the playoffs and even put up a fight in their first round series, even if it's against a team like Miami or Chicago.

6. Indiana Pacers

Earlier in the season, the Pacers were 16-6, but they've gone 8-10 since that point.

It's safe to say that while they've made strides, they're still not a legitimate contender.

For Indiana, it will be a successful season if they make the playoffs and move past the first round. This would be quite an accomplishment, because it will likely consist of them ousting a team like Orlando.

It would be much better for the Pacers to draw Philly or Boston in the first round, which gives them incentive to finish the season strong and secure the No. 4 or 5 seed.

5. Philadelphia 76ers

Similar to the Pacers, they've made major steps in the right direction, but do they have the firepower to actually contend in the East?

They're an admirable team because so many players contribute, which testifies to the job coach Duug Collins has done in Philly.

But it's premature to conclude they can bang with the big boys in the East. They may get past the first round, but will then be stopped by either Miami or Chicago.

4. Boston Celtics

Yes, they are currently the 7th seed, but we all know what this team is capable of. Quite frankly, do they even care about the regular season?

While the Celtics appear too old to contend for a championship (unless they make a deadline deal), it's hard to envision up and coming teams like the Pacers or Sixers ousting them come playoff time.

One thing is for sure: the Celtics know how to play in the playoffs and will not go down easy. If they stay healthy, they can give anybody a run for their money.

3. Orlando Magic

Even with Dwight sending the message concerning his desires to stay in O-town, it's still unlikely that the Magic can represent the East in the Finals. But you never know.

With Howard in the middle, the Magic surely have a chance to knock off Miami or Chicago, but their other players will really have to step up.

Lately, we've seen them step up, as the Magic have recently beat both the Bulls and the Heat. But can those players do that for a whole playoff series?

That's the big question, and it's premature to say that answer is yes.

2. Chicago Bulls

They're so close to eclipsing Miami, but there remain questions. Can Carlos Boozer produce effectively enough in the playoffs? Will Rip Hamilton be healthy? Do they simply have the firepower to hang with Miami?

If the answers to those questions prove to be yes, then the Bulls will oust the Heat and likely win the NBA crown.

But until then, the Heat still have the advantage over Chicago, and they will until Chicago takes it from them in the playoffs.

1. Miami Heat

They're without question the most feared team in the league and they're on a mission this year.

Last year, they learned the hard way in the NBA Finals and they're determined to not fall short this time.

Plus, newcomers Shane Battier and Norris Cole have helped and could prove pivotal come the playoffs.

All the pieces are in place for the reigning Eastern Conference Champs. Can they reach the NBA pinnacle this season? There's no reason to think they can't.