NBA Power Rankings: December 5th
News Wire
Restricted free agent Anderson Varejao finally reached an agreement with the Cavaliers, after they had to match the Charlotte Bobcats offer.
Kings guard Kevin Martin is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a groin injury.
Tim Duncan is only expected to miss a handful of games after injuring his knee and ankle Sunday.
LeBron James is still day-to-day with a sprained finger.
Note: These rankings consider both momentum and record. A hot team may get the nod over a squad with a better winning percentage.
1. San Antonio Spurs (15-3)
The Spurs will have to take the floor tonight without Duncan as they face the Dallas Mavericks.
2. Orlando Magic (16-4)
If the season ended today, Dwight Howard would be MVP. If Howard keeps producing and the Magic keep winning, the big man will run away with the award.
If I were to compare Howard to anyone right now, it'd be a young Moses Malone.
Note: While Howard and Rashard Lewis have received all the credit, Hedo Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson, and Keith Bogans have been key to the Magic's success.
3. Phoenix Suns (14-4)
It's now or never for the Suns' championship hopes.
The Suns are coming off a win Monday night against the Indiana Pacers.
Amare Stoudemire notched a season-high 42 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Steve Nash chipped in 18 points and 17 assists.
4. Boston Celtics (14-2)
Are the Celtics the best team in the East?
I'm still not convinced.
The C's travel to Philadelphia tonight to play the 76ers.
5. Utah Jazz (13-6)
The Jazz are coming off a loss to the Kings Tuesday night.
Despite Deron Williams' 30 points, Ron Artest, Kevin Martin, and John Salmons combined for 69 points en route to a 117-107 victory.
Note: Ronnie Brewer and Paul Milsap are two guys to pay attention to in Utah.
6. New Orleans Hornets (12-6)
New Orleans takes the floor tonight against the Pistons after an overtime victory against Dallas Saturday night.
Chris Paul had a huge game against the Mavs, with 33 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds.
Peja Stojakovic chipped in 22 points, and hit a three-pointer to send the game to overtime.
Paul is an early MVP candidate, but the rest of his teammates have been inconsistent.
7. Detroit Pistons (12-5)
The Pistons have won four straight games, and are 7-3 over their last 10.
Detroit has been very quiet to open the season—but beat a young Atlanta Hawks team Tuesday.
The Pistons go head-to-head against the Hornets tonight.
8. Dallas Mavericks (12-6)
The Mavs play the defending champs tonight in San Antonio.
Brandon Bass is a player to watch this season. Bass has gelled well with Avery Johnson's crew, averaging 10 PPG.
9. Golden State Warriors (9-8)
The Warriors were the hottest team in the league heading into Monday's game against Orlando.
Golden State had won six straight and nine of their last 10 before losing to the Magic in overtime.
Stephen Jackson scored 25 points in defeat. Monta Ellis added 22 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Baron Davis chipped in 19 points and nine assists.
The Warriors play the Bucks Wednesday night.
I don't have much faith in this team's prospects for playoff success after the pointless offseason trade that sent Jason Richardson to Charlotte.
Note: Andris Biedrins is averaging a double-double on the year—11 points and 10 rebounds.
10. Denver Nuggets (11-7)
The Nuggets are riding a two-game winning streak after beating Miami on Sunday, but the team is still inconsistent.
Next up for Denver are the Lakers, who crushed the Nuggets in a game two weeks ago.
Note: Linas Kleiza is a guy to watch in Denver—his three-point shooting gives the Nuggets something they've lacked.
