NBA Power Rankings: Lakers, Celtics Back On Top

The big bad twosome that dominating the top of Outsider’s power rankings in 2008 is back at the top for the first time in ‘09. Orlando dropped three spots to number four after topping my rankings last week, while the Miami Heat have surged into the top 10 for the first time this season.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (35-8) - Fresh off a 14-point spanking of the rival Spurs, the Lakers are now completely healthy and getting big-time contributions from Gasol and Bynum to go along with Kobe. At this point, the West is pretty much theirs to lose.

2. Boston Celtics (37-9) - The C’s couldn’t have had a much better week after notching double digit wins in a back-to-back at Miami and Orlando, then capping it off by running the Mavs out of the Garden on Sunday.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (34-8) - It’s hard to believe that LeBron hadn’t notched a game winning buzzer beater as a pro until he did it for the first time last week against the Warriors. He’ll need to keep it up with Delonte now hurt.

4. Orlando Magic (33-10) - Orlando came back down to earth a little last week, losing to the surging Celtics and Heat. Their 62-win pace will be tested once again when the Cavs come to town on Thursday.

5. San Antonio Spurs (29-14) - The Spurs were no match for the Lakers in L.A. Then again, few if any teams are. Holding down second place might be tough with games against Utah, Phoenix and New Orleans on tap this week.

6. Denver Nuggets (29-15) - ‘Melo may not make the West All-Stars because of his hand injury, but Billups should at least get voted in by the coaches.

7. New Orleans Hornets (27-14) - CP3 nearly had the NBA’s first quadruple-double Monday since David Robinson did it in 1994. He was only three steals shy after putting up 27, 15 and 10.

8. Houston Rockets (28-18) - Houston has now played 31 straight games without their preferred starting lineup. That streak will finally end on Wednesday with Yao set to return vs. Philly.
 
9. Portland Trail Blazers (27-17) - Greg Oden has averaged 17 points and 10.8 rebounds over Portland’s last four. That’s nice, but where’s the blocks? Bring the D too, big fella.
 
10. Miami Heat (24-19) - Matrix has been out with a bad groin, but he hasn’t really been needed. Despite the loss to the hot C’s, Miami is playing well and got wins over Orlando and Atlanta.

11. Phoenix Suns (25-18) - The Suns wrapped up a six-game East Coast swing with a pair of victories over the Hawks and Wizards in a back-to-back to finish 3-3.

12. Atlanta Hawks (28-18) - Al Horford is targeting next Wednesday for his return to the lineup. Good news for the Hawks, who have gone only 4-5 without him.

13. Dallas Mavericks (25-19) - The Mavs went 2-2 on their four-game roadie last week, but their total point differential in those games was -35. Not a good sign for a wannabe contender.

14. Utah Jazz (25-20) - The Jazz are trudging through a hard stretch in their schedule, losing to Houston, Cleveland and Denver. It won’t end this week when they face the Spurs and Blazers.

15. Detroit Pistons (24-19) - Detroit has only won three of its last 11 games. Can they end the struggles this week against Minnesota, Boston or Cleveland? Don’t bet on it.

16. Philadelphia 76ers (21-22) - Patience, Philly fans. It’s going to take some time to ease Elton Brand back into the lineup. He won’t go scoreless two games in a row.

17. Charlotte Bobcats (18-26) - Charlotte is still a decent 7-5 in January, but the next four games of their road trip are at L.A., Portland, Denver and Utah. Larry Brown has his work cut out.
 
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (16-27) - The Wolves are the NBA’s hottest team outside of the top two. Sustaining it this week against the Pistons, Lakers and Celtics would be truly impressive.

19. New York Knicks (19-25) - The Knicks have quietly won four of five, including wins over the Suns and Rockets. The playoffs are still easily within reach.

20. Milwaukee Bucks (22-26) - Tough luck for Milwaukee sports fans, losing Favre, then Sabathia, and now Redd. The Bucks can still make the playoffs with a home-heavy second half, though.

21. Indiana Pacers (17-27) - If Indiana can get a win tonight at Orlando, they’d have their first three-game win streak since early November, the last time they were above .500.

22. New Jersey Nets (20-25) - The Nets have to have at least one All-Star, but who should it be: Harris or Carter? I say give it to Devin, who if it were up to me would start instead of Iverson.

23. Toronto Raptors (18-28) - Toronto is looking for its first three-game winning streak tomorrow against New Jersey since starting the season 3-0.

24. Chicago Bulls (18-27) - The Bulls have lost five in a row, and yet they’re only one game into their seven-game West Coast swing. Luckily they visit two softies next in the Clippers and Kings.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-35) - OKC has been pretty good in January, and they’ll complete a .500 month if they can forge at least a split with Memphis and Utah.

26. Golden State Warriors (14-31) - The Warriors have the pleasure of playing the Southwest’s top four teams in their next four games, with three of those coming on the road.

27. Memphis Grizzlies (11-32) - Lionel Hollins’ first game as Grizzlies coach is tonight against Denver. Even without ‘Melo, anyone think the Nuggets will have any trouble at all?

28. Los Angeles Clippers (10-34) - With just about all of their key guys out, Thornton and Gordon are going to have to start playing with more consistency if the Clippers want to win.

29. Washington Wizards (9-35) - Thanks to OKC’s recent surge, the Wizards are the only team left in the league still with single digit wins. No wonder Gilbert doesn’t want to come back.

30. Sacramento Kings (10-35) - I’ll set the over/under for average losing margin in the Kings’ upcoming back-to-back at Cleveland and Boston at 15 points. I’ll take the over.