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NBA Power Rankings: Lakers Surge

Written February 14, 2009 by Jay Horne

1. L.A Lakers (42-10)
The Lakers had a big week with two of the most impressive wins of the season. Los Angeles went on the road beating the Cavs ending the 23 game home streak then turned around and took down the Celtics on the road. Those two wins made a huge statement considering how well both Boston and Cleveland play at home. Despite last night’s loss to Utah, we still keep the Lakers on top after winning 7 straight prior the defeat.

2. Boston Celtics (43-11)
The Boston Celtics lost twice in the same week at home. Mark that on the calendar because it will not likely happen again for some time to come. Instead the Celtics will take the road for a 5 game stretch. The Celtics will need to put together another impressive run to retake the NBA’s best record back from the Lakers.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (40-11)
Well the home streak is over thanks to the Lakers, but the Cavaliers will a big threat this year in the playoffs despite how the finish out the season. Cleveland dropped back to back losses against Los Angeles and Indiana. Now they look rebound in a fairly light stretch throughout the rest of February.

4. Denver Nuggets (36-17)
Despite one of the biggest losses in recent memory from the Nets, Denver has won 8 out of the last 10 and is emerging as a legitimate contender in the West. The Nuggets have extended their lead in the Northwest to 3 ½ games and they get Philadelphia next who has also been playing well. Carmelo is posting nearly 24 points over the last 5 games as the Nuggets continue to roll.

5. San Antonio Spurs (35-16)
The Spurs suffered bit of a setback last night falling to Toronto 91-89. However, over the last few weeks San Antonio has made some comfort room in the Southwest thanks to the Hornets struggles and now hold a healthy 4 game advantage over Dallas.

6. Orlando Magic (38-13)
The Magic continues to struggle without Jameer Nelson in their latest outing with Denver last night resulting in a 82-73 loss. Orlando is going through one of their toughest stretches of the season at a 5-5 mark in the last 10 games. However, one bright spot is Dwight Howard has picked up some of the slack with 15+ points and 15+ rebound performances in his last 3 outings.

7. Dallas Mavericks (31-20)
The Mavericks are one of the hottest teams in the league right now winning 5 of their last 6 games. Dirk Nowitzki is having a big year averaging 25.7 points that ranks 4th best in the league. Dallas goes on the road tonight in a big contest against Boston looking to avenge the 24 point loss from the Celtics back at the end of January.

8. Philadelphia 76ers (27-24)
The 76ers have knocked off 4 straight wins with their only loss in February coming by a one point heart breaker against the Celtics. Despite the 14-20 start, the 76ers can still make the playoffs and they have been performing well over the last two weeks. Andre Iguodala is posting right at 20 points in the last 5 outing and has really given Philadelphia the boost they have needed.

9. Portland Trailblazers (31-19)
Portland has won 6 of their last 8 games and has an easy portion of their schedule ahead of them. However, Portland was beaten by Dallas and a very disappointing two nights later to Oklahoma City. The Trailblazers would definitely love to take care of the next couple of struggling opponents and cut into Denver’s lead in the Northwest.

10. Houston Rockets (32-21)
Luckily for Houston in this poll, everyone else has dropped off the map. The Rockets have been pretty consistent at mediocre this year and have slit their last 10 games at a 5-5 mark. Yao Ming is nearly posting double-double type averages with 19.7 points and 9.8 rebounds in the Rockets attempt to make a run at the post season.

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