Now that the NBA season is a month old, it’s time for a new edition of our NBA Power Rankings.
TOP FIVE:
1. Utah Jazz (14-4)
It’s true that they’ve lost three of their last five, but they still have the best record in the league and deserve the top spot. That is, until they play the Mavs next Monday.
2. Dallas Mavericks (12-4)
After starting 0-4, the Mavs have won 12 in a row and are the hottest team in the league. Next Monday’s game in Utah will give the team a chance to make a statement, but they still have four games to play this week.
3. San Antonio Spurs (12-5)
The Spurs are 6-4 in their last 10 and have lost Manu Ginobili for a few games. In the next seven days they play the Warriors, Bobcats, Lakers and the Clippers twice.
4. Orlando Magic (13-5)
The Magic won six of their last seven and are 8-2 in their last 10, making them the hottest team in the East. They are 3-1 on a West Coast road trip (including a win at Utah) that wraps up tonight against the Kings.
5. Houston Rockets (11-5)
Two games against the Lakers next week will provide a better picture of which team is the fourth best in the West.
BOTTOM FIVE:
26. Charlotte Bobcats (5-12)
The ‘Cats are 2-4 in their last six, but the two wins were against the Pistons and Nets. Gerald Wallace needs to pull his head out of his ass.
27. Philadelphia 76ers (5-11)
After starting 3-0, the Sixers dropped 11 of their next 13, and it looks like the team may fall apart at the seams.
28. Portland Trailblazers (6-12)
The Blazers have lost five in a row, four at home. Ouch. The team needs Brandon Roy back in a bad way.
29. New York Knicks (6-13)
The Knicks have lost seven of their last nine. When do the wheels come off?
30. Memphis Grizzlies (4-12)
The Grizzlies are 3-7 in their last 10, but should be getting Pau Gasol back before the New Year.
