News » Hoops News

NBA POWER RANKINGS

By: Jeff Meadows

HOOPSREPORT’S NBA POWER RANKINGS

As of 1/9/12

1. Miami Heat (8-1)

With LeBron shooting an incredible 61.0 from the floor and with the Heat off to its best start ever, look for the Heat to continue to play at a high level with few let downs.

2. Chicago Bulls (7-2)

Derrick Rose, Jakim Noah and Carlos Boozer continuing to put in work, last year’s best team in the regular season continue their winning ways early.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-2)

Even with their All-Pro (G) Russell Westbrook playing erratic early on, OKC Thunder led by Kevin Durant and solid play from roll players remain the team to beat in the West.

4. Portland Trailblazers (6-2)

One the most balanced teams in the NBA have finally arrived. As long as star (G) Brandon Roy stays healthy their interior players continue to dominate on both ends the Portland Trailblazers will definitely give OKC Thunder a run for their money this year in the play-offs.

5. Denver Nuggets (6-3)

After being left for dead after Carmelo’s trade demands were met, the Denver Nuggets have flourished and may have a chance to go further than they ever have during Carmelo’s tenure. Don’t be surprised if Denver makes a deep run in the play-offs.

6. Atlanta Hawks (7-3)

I never thought that I would say this but with the addition of veteran (F) Tracey McGrady, the Atlanta Hawks are looking like they just might finally have what it takes to be a real threat in the Eastern Conference.

7. Philidelphia76ers (5-2)

After having a couple of highly productive but disappointing seasons, Andrea Iguodala is receiving help from his young counterparts which has the 76ers a team to be wrecking with in the Eastern Conference.

8. L.A. Lakers (6-4)

After losing Lamar Odem to the Dallas mavericks, the L.A. Lakers still have Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Fisher which is definitely enough to remain contenders in the Western Conference.

9. Indiana Pacers (6-2)

All-Star (F) Danny Granger now has a pretty good supporting cast which is the reason why the Indiana Pacers are now a legitimate top 6 team in the Eastern Conference.

10. Orlando Magic (6-3)

After rumblings of D’Wight Howard wanting out of Orlando not much has changed as they continue their presence as a top tier team in the Eastern Conference.

11. San Antonio Spurs (6-3)

With their own version of the "BIG 3" (Tony Parker, Tim Duncan & Manu Ginobili) a year older, the San Antonio Spurs remain a dangerous team not only in the Western Conference but the NBA.

12. L.A. Clippers (4-2)

The L.A. Clippers are no longer the other team in L.A. actually the might be THE team in L.A. thanks to the edition of top (PG) Chris Paul.

13. New York Knicks (5-4)

In the off season the Knicks lost (G) Chauncey Billups but they gained exactly what they needed by acquiring (C) Tyson Chandler from the World Champion Dallas Mavericks. Look for the Knicks to be in the thick of things at the end of the year.

14. Dallas Mavericks (4-4)

After losing several key players in the off-season, the Dallas Mavericks added All-Star (F) Lamar Odem but will he be enough to get the Mavs back to glory?

15. Boston Celtics (4-5)

While having good young players and All-Pro veterans, the question becomes "Do the Celtics veteran players have enough in the tank to make another run at the NBA Championship"?