NBA Power Rankings November 29th

Say hello to the new No. 1 team. It should come to no surprise that the defending champs top this list. 

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.

2. Orlando Magic (13-3)

Rashard Lewis returned to Seattle for the first time since joining Orlando last night—but only scored nine points.

Dwight Howard however, scored a career-high 39 and grabbed 16 boards. 

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

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

3. Boston Celtics (11-2)

The Celtics are going up against the New York Knicks tonight.

The Knicks are riding a two game win streak after their upset win against Utah Monday.

The C's lost to the Cavs in a nail-biter on Tuesday night—but that has nothing to do with their fall in the rankings.

I have no choice but to put these guys at No. 3 after their loss to Orlando earlier this month. 

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.

4. Phoenix Suns (11-4)

The Suns have now lost two straight after their eight-game winning streak was snapped Tuesday.

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

 
5. Utah Jazz (11-5)

 A year after their 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 Williams.

6. Dallas Mavericks (10-5)

The Mavs snapped a three-game losing streak Wednesday when they defeated Minnesota.

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. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-7)

LeBron James left Wednesday's game in Detroit with a sprained finger.

Fortunately it was on his left (non-shooting) hand. 

Despite leaving the game in the second quarter, James still led the Cavs in scoring with 15 points—which begs the question of how his supporting cast can cope without him.

Don't know how much time James'll miss, but without him the Cavs will fall from the rankings fast. 

The Cavs are the defending Eastern Conference champs—and they're still the team to beat in the East.

LeBron leads the league in scoring, and is my top candidate for MVP. Daniel Gibson is a wonderful complement to King James at the point.

Larry Hughes has pretty much been a bust since coming to Cleveland—and the team seems to play a lot better without him.

8. New Orleans Hornets (10-6)

The Timberwolves upset the Hornets on Monday night. Chris Paul, Peja Stokajavic, and David West need to stay consistent and healthy for this team to be taken seriously.

New Orleans can't afford any more injuries, especially in the deep and talented Western Conference.

9. Houston Rockets (9-7)

Coming off an impressive 100-94 victory Wednesday in Phoenix. 

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 (9-7)

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.

The Nuggets are still waiting for Chucky Atkins to make his season debut—his contributions at the point guard will give Iverson more freedom on offense.