NBA Power Rankings: December 1st

It's still hard to determine the NBA's top 10 teams so early in the season.

Phoenix's victory against Orlando Friday helped them move up in the rankings, while the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets dropped off the radar.

The Denver Nuggets make their way back into the Top 10 after a one-day absence, and the Detroit Pistons make their first appearance on the list.

Here's a look at the best of the best...

 
1. Phoenix Suns (12-4)

What a game it was at the US Airways Center, where the Suns pulled off a 110-106 victory against Orlando on Friday.

The Suns came out on top despite Dwight Howard's huge night. Leandro Barbosa finally came to life for Phoenix, scoring 17 points off the bench.

The Suns are currently second in the league in scoring, averaging 108 PPG. Grant Hill seems to fit nicely with this team.

Keep an eye on the slumping Boris Diaw.

2. San Antonio Spurs (14-3)

Not much to say about the champs—unless they go on a losing streak. 

San Antonio will stay at the top of the rankings all season—and hardly anyone will care. 

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 postseason series this spring.

3. Orlando Magic (14-4)

The Magic's four-game win streak was snapped Friday night. 

Despite Howard's gaudy stats—30 points and 23 rebounds—the Magic dropped a close one to the Suns.

4. Boston Celtics (13-2)

After thumping the New York Knicks by 45 points on Thursday night, the Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 95-85 on Friday.

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.

5. Utah Jazz (12-5)

The Jazz are coming off a win against the Lakers Friday night, minus Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. 

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

Okur and Andrei Kirilenko both need to step it up.

6. Dallas Mavericks (11-5)

The buzz around the league is that no one's afraid of the Mavericks anymore.

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 (11-6)

Still not quite sold on these guys yet.

The Hornets started off 9-2, but have gone 5-5 their last ten games. 

Chris Paul is still the man, averaging a double-double—but David West and Peja Stokajovic have been slipping as of late.

8. Golden State Warriors (8-7)

The Warriors 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.

9. Detroit Pistons (9-5)

The Pistons are the newest addition to the Top 10 list.

Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Rasheed Wallace have all battled injuries. The Pistons could use Chris Webber, but I doubt he's coming back.

Detroit has made it to the Eastern Conference Finals each of the last five years, but their streak might come to an end this season.

10. Denver Nuggets (10-7)

Until they become more consistent, Denver will fall in and out of the rankings.

Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson seem overly focused on being their own individual stars.

J.R. Smith, on the other hand, has looked good as of late, as has Marcus Camby.

Linas Kleiza is a guy to watch for in Denver—his three point shooting gives the Nuggets something that they've lacked.