Now that it’s the New Year and the NBA season is two months old, it’s a good time to revisit our Power Rankings.

TOP FIVE:

1. Dallas Mavericks (25-7)
The Mavs started 0-4, which means they’ve won 25 of their last 28. That Finals hangover sure didn’t last long. Dirk Nowitzki is on the short list for league MVP.

2. Phoenix Suns (23-8)
In November and December, the Suns rattled off 15 straight, and have won 22 of their last 25. If that’s not enough good news, Amare Stoudemire is looking great. The Suns are going to be a tough out in the playoffs.

3. San Antonio Spurs (23-10)
The Spurs went 12-3 in December, but have dropped two close ones in January against the Cavs and Timberwolves. Tim Duncan is healthy and playing well.

4. Utah Jazz (23-9)
After a red-hot start, a 9-5 December indicates that the Jazz have fallen back to Earth. Utah is probably the team most hurt by the Allen Iverson trade (except, of course, for the Sixers).

5. Chicago Bulls (19-13)
Sure, they’re in third place in their division, but after starting 3-9, the Bulls have won 16 of their last 20 and are establishing themselves as the class of the East. Scott Skiles moved Ben Gordon to the bench and he is the frontrunner for Sixth Man honors, averaging 23.1 points in December.

Falling out: Orlando Magic (19-14), Houston Rockets (20-12)

BOTTOM FIVE:

26. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (12-19)
First they lose David West and Peja Stojakovic. Now Chris Paul is out. The Hornets are in trouble.

27. Memphis Grizzlies (8-25)
The return of Pau Gasol is enough to move the Grizzlies up three spots, but I don’t see the Grizzlies competing for a playoff spot this season.

28. Philadelphia 76ers (9-23)
Trading away AI should allow AI2 (Andre Iguodala) to develop into a star, but it’s going to be a few seasons before the Sixers are competitive again.

29. Atlanta Hawks (9-20)
After a great start (by Atlanta standards), the Hawks have dropped nine of their last ten and they just lost Josh Smith to injury.

30. Charlotte Bobcats (9-22)
Brevin Knight is out with injury, allowing Raymond Felton to assist up a storm, but Bobcat wins are hard to come by.

Rising above: Portland Trailblazers (13-20), New York Knicks (14-21)