1. Cleveland Cavaliers (52-15)- After crushing the Celtics in Boston again, the Cavs showed that they will have no problem facing them in round 2 of the playoffs. In fact, their probably hoping for it.
2. Orlando Magic (47-21)- Their loss to the Bobcats finally ended their 8 game win streak, as they now sit 3.5 ahead of the Hawks.
3. Dallas Mavericks (45-22)- They drop a spot because of their inexplicable loss to the Knicks. The Mavs look to get back on the right track this week vs. Chicago and Boston.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (49-18)- The Lakers move up a spot because of their 3 game win streak and the Nuggets recent loss to the Rockets. Kobe and Co. look to extend their lead in the West this week with a very easy week (Kings, T-Wolves, Wizards).
5. Denver Nuggets (45-22)- After topping the Grizzlies, Denver took a small step back by letting Houston rack up 125 points on them. Their matchup vs. the red hot Bucks on Saturday should be a good one.
6. Utah Jazz (43-24)- Even though they lost consecutive games for the first time since January, the Jazz continue to play consistent basketball. Friday night’s game in Phoenix should be interesting.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (41-24)- Russel Westbrook is emerging in to a star point gaurd, and it couldn’t be a better time for the Thunder. Their playoff push continues as they are now only 1 game back of home court advantage in the first round.
8. Atlanta Hawks (42-23)- No ESPN, us Hawks fans would not rather face Lebron James in the 2nd round. I’ll take my chances with the trigger happy Magic, even if they do have Dwight Howard.
9. Phoenix Suns (41-26)- They stumbled a bit losing their two biggest games in the last 2 weeks (Jazz and Lakers), but they look to continue their search for the #4 seed this week against Minnesota, Utah, and Portland.
10. San Antonio Spurs (39-25)- The Spurs took care of business beating three awful teams and going 3-0
for the week. This moves them up a spot, but doesn’t prove much for their playoff hopes. A win in Orlando this week could do wonders.
11. Milwaukee Bucks (36-29)- The Bucks move into the 11 spot because of the emergence of Andrew Bogut. He is finally living up to his #1 pick status, leading the Bucks to the #5 seed.
12. Portland Trailblazers (41-28)- The Blazers continue their strong play as they’re 8-2 in their last 10 games. Much like the Spurs though, many of their wins during that streak were against lottery teams.
13. Boston Celtics (42-24)- Boston had a very up and down week that included getting embarrassed by Memphis and Cleveland, yet destroying Indiana and Detroit.
Stephen Jackson has been a huge part of the Bobcats turnaround
15. Miami Heat (35-32)- The Heat continue to play better basketball, but I don’t think Wade has enough help to make them a #5 or even #6 seed this season.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (35-32)- Their win vs. the Celtics was huge, but a win vs. the Nuggets would have been even bigger. The recent loss puts them 5 games out of the #8 seed.
