The All-Star break has come and gone, which means the NBA is about two-thirds the way through the season, making it a great time to update our power rankings.
TOP FIVE:
1. Dallas Mavericks (44-9)
Since our last update in January, the Mavs have gone 19-2. Remember, they started the season 0-4, which means they’ve posted an amazing 44-5 record since.
2. Phoenix Suns (39-13)
They’ve struggled a bit lately, going 1-3 without Steve Nash in the lineup. But the Suns are still solidly in the #2 spot.
3. Utah Jazz (35-17)
Without Carlos Boozer, the Jazz won six straight heading into the break, which puts them a half game ahead of the Spurs in the West.
4. San Antonio Spurs (35-18)
The Spurs have gone 5-5 in their last ten even though they’re pretty healthy. Are the Spurs starting to slip?
5. Detroit Pistons (32-19)
The Rockets probably deserve this spot, and they’ll get it once Yao returns to the lineup. For now, the newly acquired Chris Webber has the Pistons on a roll.
BOTTOM FIVE:
26. Milwaukee Bucks (19-34)
41 wins might get you a playoff spot in the East, which means the Bucks need to go 22-7 down the stretch. Even with Michael Redd coming back, that’s a long shot. As a Bucks fan, I’d actually like to see them pack it in.
27. Charlotte Hornets (19-33)
The Hornets look poised for yet another top five pick. Do you think they’re regretting taking Adam Morrison (13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 38% shooting) over Brandon Roy (15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 43% shooting) last summer? With Raymond Felton, Roy and Gerald Wallace, the Bobcats would have something going.
28. Philadelphia 76ers (17-36)
With Greg Oden and Kevin Durant on the horizon, are Sixers fans rooting against their team? On the bright side, Andre Iguodala is averaging 22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in February.
29. Boston Celtics (13-38)
Paul Pierce’s return means this team is going to win 40% of their games, making it much more difficult to land a top three pick.
30. Memphis Grizzlies (14-40)
The Grizzlies are trying to transition from a plodding attack to an up-tempo, Suns-like offense. Good luck with that. Oh, and Pau Gasol wants to be traded. Things are bad in Memphis.
