NBA Power Rankings: Top 10

A look at the top 10 teams in the NBA...

The Lakers were surprisely in my top five last week, but the play of Cleveland last week knock them off.

It was alot harder to determine the top ten this week.

1. Boston Celtics (11-1)

The Big Three have faced an easy road so far—but they've knocked down just about all comers.

When the Celtics' stars are all on, the team is nearly impossible to beat.

 

2. San Antonio Spurs (12-3)

Terrible game Monday night against Sacramento but nothing to worry about.

The Spurs are too "boring" to get much love in the regular season—but they always deliver come playoff time.

I really can't see Tim Duncan and Co. losing a playoff series this spring.

3. Phoenix Suns (11-3)

The Suns quietly won eight striaght games before losing to against Golden State Monday night in a high scoring shootout. 

Phoenix currently leads the league in scoring averaging 108 ppg, and Grant Hill seems to fit in nicely with this team.

 
4. Orlando Magic (13-3)

Howard is coming off a season-low nine points Monday night, but Hedo Turkogu and Rashard Lewis picked up the slack against Portland.

Dwight Howard is a man-child who's only going to get better. He's gotten plenty of help from newcomer Rashard Lewis, as well as the underrated Hedo Turkoglu.

Don't be surprised if you see the Magic still playing come May.

5. Utah Jazz (10-5)

Coming off a upset loss to New York Monday night...WOW 

A year after a run to the Western Conference Finals, the Jazz are looking better than ever.

Ronnie Brewer has come out of nowhere with his scoring and defensive ability—and is a great complement to Carlos Boozer and Deron Wiliams.

6. Dallas Mavericks (9-5)

Three straight losses for Dallas moved them down a spot in the rankings.

Hard to believe a 67-win team from a year ago can be this far down the list.

Let's wait and see how the Mavs rebound from last year's embarrassing playoff exit.

 
7. New Orleans Hornets (10-6)

Another upset victory for a bad team as Minnesota defeated them Monday night 

Chris Paul, Peja Stokajavic, and David West, need to stay consistent and healthy for this team to be taken seriously.

This team can't afford any injuries, especially in the deep and talented west conference.

Speaking of health issues—Peja Stojakovic is one of the top shooters in the league when he's healthy, and can dominate a game with his three-point accuracy.

 
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (8-6)

The Cavs weren't in the top ten last week, but LeBron and the Cavs seem to be turning it around.

LeBron now leads the league in scoring, and is coming off back-to-back triple-doubles.

Daniel Gibson is a wonderful compliment to LeBron at the point as well.

Larry Hughes has pretty much been a bust since coming to Cleveland, but if could play to his potential that makes Cleveland that much better. 

9. Houston Rockets (8-7)

Don't be fooled by their record—the Rockets lost a few games when Tracy McGrady went down with an elbow injury.

New head coach Rick Adelman has brought a more potent offense, and T-Mac and Yao Ming will continue to dominate if they can stay healthy. Also look for Bonzi Wells to play inspired basketball under Adelman, whom Wells is very fond of.

I see the Rockets making the Western Conference Finals.

 
10. Denver Nuggets (9-5)

George Karl has his team playing solid defense, and critics underestimate Denver's ability to score.

We know what Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson bring to the table—but it's the play of guys like J.R. Smith, Marcus Camby, and even Linas Kleiza that has the Nuggets looking like contenders.

Still waiting for Chucky Atkins to make his season debut, his contributions at the point guard will give Allen Iverson more freedom on offense.

Teams to watch:

Golden State Warriors- Impressive win over the Suns Monday night.

With Stephen Jackson back this team can make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. 

Detroit Pistons- health's been a factor thus far-but this group of veterans will get it going soon

Milwaukee Bucks- Michael Redd and the Bucks always start well, so don't buy this just yet.

Washington Wizards- They seem to playing better without their star Gilbert Arenas.

Caron Butler is putting the team on his back along with Antwan Jaminson.