NBA Power Rankings: Lakers Still Leading The Way

Written February 26, 2009 by Jay Horne

1. L.A Lakers (47-10)
Los Angeles keeps the top spot after a stellar week of basketball winning 5 straight games including a 107-93 most recent win over Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Kobe Bryant kept up his incredible play dropping 36 points to lead the Lakers in their 12th win in the last 13 games.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (44-11)
The Cavaliers have also won 5 straight games fresh off a 94-79 win over Memphis on Tuesday. Cleveland will now take a 4 game road trip that is highlighted by match-ups with Houston and San Antonio. Cleveland has won 9 of their last 11 games and owns the best winning percentage (80%) in the Eastern Conference. Bet the Cavs this season with BetUS.

3. Boston Celtics (46-12)
Boston has put together two dominating wins over Phoenix and Denver, but due to the 3 losses in the 6 games prior they still find themselves at the number 3 spot. Rajon Rondo posted a season high 32 points in the Celtics win over Phoenix and is averaging 20 points in the last 4 games to give the defending champs a boost.

4. San Antonio Spurs (38-17)
The Spurs should have taken a hit with the loss of Manu Ginobili 2-3 weeks due to a stress reaction in his right leg. Tim Duncan was also bit by the injury bug with a leg injury and is listed day to day. However, San Antonio has kept rolling with 4 straight wins and despite Houston’s 5 game winning streak they still hold a 3 game advantage in the Southwest.

5. Houston Rockets (36-21)
The Houston Rockets have won 5 straight games with their latest victory over the Heat on Tuesday 98-94. Ron Artest has really stepped up during that stretch averaging 21 points per game as the Rockets try to narrow the gap in the Southwest. Houston has a big battle tonight as they host Cleveland to try and extend the winning streak to 6 straight.

6. Orlando Magic (42-15)
The Magic have still yet to put any impressive streak together with the absence of Jameer Nelson like they did for so much of the first half of the season, but they still have a demanding lead in the Southeast. Hedo Turkoglu has picked up much of the slack posting 24 points over the last 4 games including 33 last night to lead the Magic over the Knicks 114-109.

7. Utah Jazz (35-23)
The Jazz scored their 6th straight victory last night as they knocked off the Minnesota. The win marked the 9th win for Utah in the month of February with only one loss. Deron Williams emergence over the past few games has contributed to a large part of Utah’s success in recent weeks and they have really closed some ground as they are only 3 games back to Denver after being 6 games back a week ago. Bet on the Utah Jazz with SportsBook.com.

8. Portland Trailblazers (35-21)
The Trailblazers suffered their 2nd straight loss last night to San Antonio, but they are still only 2 games back to Denver due to the Nuggets struggles of late. Portland will have to find a way to perform better on the road if they plan to make any noise given that make the postseason as they are only 12-17 on the road this season.

9. Dallas Mavericks (34-23)
The Mavericks knocked off Milwaukee in a big way last night. However, they have only split their last 6 games and still sit in 4th place in the Southwest. Meaning Dallas must really turn it on and make some things happen because time is running out. The Mavs could make up some ground with match-ups with San Antonio and New Orleans in the near future.

10. New Orleans Hornets (34-22)
New Orleans pulled out a close win over Detroit last night 90-87 to give them their 2nd straight win after losing back to back previously. David West led the Hornets with 30 points last night and Tyson Chandler has 17 rebounds in just his 2nd game back with the team. The Hornets really will be tested as they take the road in their next 6 out of 8 games.

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