NBA Power Rankings: November 30th
The Golden State Warriors have made their way into today's power rankings, knocking out the Denver Nuggets.
Here's a look at the top 10 teams in the NBA...
1. San Antonio Spurs (13-3)
Not much to say about the champs—unless they go on a losing streak.
It should come as no surprise that they 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)
Tonight we will see Dwight Howard goup against Suns Amare Stoudamire.
This willl be a good matchup, as well as a great game tonight.
Dwight Howard is coming off a career-high 39 points Wednesday against Seattle.
3. Boston Celtics (12-2)
The Celtics dismantled the New York Knicks Thursday night, winning 109-56...WOW.
The Knicks were riding a two-game win streak.
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 go up against the Orlando Magic tonight.
Amare vs. Howard: A battle between two of the league's dominant big men.
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 nicely with this team as well.
One thing to watch for is the slumping Leandro Barbosa.
He's been terrible as of late, and has been shooting a low percentage.
5. Utah Jazz (11-5)
Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer are the best point guard-power forward duo in the league.
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 Boozer and 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)
The Cavs are still here....for now
But watch out, a few losses from them without LeBron, and the Lakers or Bucks will make their way into the rankings.
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)
Not quite sold on these guys yet.
The Hornets started off 9-2, but have gone 4-5 their last nine games.
Chris Paul is still the man, averaging a double-double—but David West and Peja Stokajovic have been slipping as of late.
9. Golden State Warriors (8-7)
The Warrior have snuck their way into the rankings by winning their last five games, including a victory over the Rockets Thursday night.
Baron Davis has been incredible this year, averaging 24 points and 8.5 assists per game.
The return of Stephen Jackson to the lineup is also a big part of Golden Stat's recent success.
If Davis can stay healthy, look for these guy to make a splash in the playoffs once again.
10. Houston Rockets (9-8)
The Rockets are coming off a beatdown from Golden State Thursday night.
They need to be more consistent if they want to meet my expectations of their making the Western Conference Finals.
