NBA Power Rankings: Cavs Jump To #1 Over The Lakers
Written March 5, 2009 by Jay Horne
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-12)
The Cavaliers improved their winning streak to 4 games last night in their 91-73 win over Milwaukee. The win improved Cleveland to the 27-1 mark at home this season and they are becoming even scarier in terms of the playoff picture. If the Cavs win the home court advantage, which means someone has to beat them at home to win the series.
2. L.A Lakers (49-12)
Kobe Bryant dropped 31 points in the Lakers victory over Memphis on Tuesday night. The win followed back to back losses from Los Angeles as they fell to both Phoenix and Denver. The Lakers have the best winning percentage in the NBA at 80.3% but the losses hurt their number 1 position. Bet the Lakers with BetUS this season!
3. Boston Celtics (48-14)
The Celtics have only split their last 4 games while holding the second best record in the Eastern Conference. Perhaps Kevin Garnett’s absence is holding the team back a bit on the defensive side of the ball. However, Boston is probably still the most feared team in terms of the playoffs this season.
4. Utah Jazz (38-23)
The Jazz explosive run continues after a big win last night over the Houston Rockets 101-94. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer both added 20 point performances as Utah is looking more like last year’s team that was so dangerous. The Jazz have now won 9 straight games moving themselves into solid playoff contention.
5. Orlando Magic (44-16)
The Magic scored an impressive victory over Phoenix on Tuesday night 111-99. Rashard Lewis scored 29 points in the winning effort while Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu each scored 20 plus points. The Magic have concreted at the number 3 position in the Eastern conference and that will likely be where they finish the regular season as well.
6. Houston Rockets (39-23)
The Rockets had won 8 of the last 9 games heading into the showdown with Utah. Unfortunately, Houston came up short on Wednesday night as Ron Artest scored 25 points in the losing effort. Houston is among the 5 teams in the Western Conference that are only separated by 3 games from the 3-8 positions.
7. New Orleans Hornets (37-22)
The Hornets knocked off Philadelphia on Monday night 98-91. David West knocked down 30 points to lead the Hornets to their 5th straight win. New Orleans gets a two game stint at home against Dallas and Oklahoma City before taking to the road for four straight games.
8. San Antonio Spurs (40-20)
The Spurs were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks 107-102 on Wednesday night. Tony Parker had yet another big night with 37 points in the losing effort. Despite the 40-20 mark, the Spurs have just been too questionable in the big games this season. Bet on the Spurs at Sportsbook.
9. Portland Trailblazers (37-22)
The Trailblazers have racked up two straight wins heading into last nights late game with the Pacers. Portland’s Brandon Roy is having another stellar season leading the Trailblazers with 22.4 points per game. Portland along with Utah is now just one game back to Denver in the Northwest standings.
10. Dallas Mavericks (37-24)
Dallas scored a solid win over San Antonio last night as Josh Howard led the Mavericks with 29 points. The Mavs were impressive from the floor knocking down 54% of the team’s shots. Dallas is the number 8 team in the Western Conference right now and must continue to win these type games to stay in the playoff picture.
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