NBA POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 7

Unfortunately the committee was busy this week, so I'll try to spit out these Power Rankings myself.

Remember these teams are ranked for their performance through last Sunday, and the previous week's ranking will be listed after these initial rankings...

Tip-off:

1. (1) Los Angeles Lakers (18-4) - The Lakers have looked great so far, but they have their first big test coming up. They finally take an extended road trip vs. some teams they should be able to beat. Let's see if they can keep up their winning ways.

2. (3) Boston Celtics (19-4) - The Celtics are playing some amazing basketball right now and are gunnin' for that number 1 spot. One thing I noticed was that their defense definitely looks better than the Lakers, right now. I know everyone talks about the big three, but Rondo and Perkins are too sick.

3. (7) Atlanta Hawks (17-6) - The Hawks offense is on fire! I mean of course it helps when you play the Bulls, Raptors, and Nets in a week, but they still look good. If the Bulls don't get the bigger named free agents, I hope they go after Joe Johnson.

4. (2) Orlando Magic (17-6) - The Magic struggled a little last week, but I see them getting back on track this week. They just looked tired playing that many games away from home, but they are coming home now, which should translate to some wins.

5. (5) Denver Nuggets (17-7) - The Nuggets are a strong and dangerous squad, but that loss to the Pistons kind of surprised me. Melo also seems like he is slacking a little on the defensive end. Billups is the man, but this squad will only go as far Melo can take them.

6. (4) Cleveland Cavs (17-7) - I'm sure you guys know this by now, but I am a Cavs hater. That is why that loss they had to the Grizzlies last week made me so happy. This team to me, still does not look like a championship contender.

7. (8) Dallas Mavs (17-7) - I got to give the Mavs some props, I did not think they would be this good this year. And this was all without one of their best players out with injury, in Josh Howard. Dirk is quietly putting together another MVP season.

8. (6) Pho Suns (16-8) - The Suns struggled last week, and I was close to dropping them to 9, but their overall record speaks for itself. They play 8 out of their next 11 games at home, and they do seem like a completely different team at home as opposed to the road, so they should rack up some W's.

9. (9) Utah Jazz (14-9) - We all know how talented this team is, but they always seem to be injured. It looks like they finally have everyone back healthy, and it is showing. They knocked off the Lakers, Magic, and Spurs last week. And don't look now, but DWill, one of my favorite players, is playing at a MVP level!

10. (12) Rockets (13-10) - I don't know how this team keeps winning, but they do! They remind me of those strong Pistons teams that were led by Billups, and of those Bulls squads of a few years ago that just played scrappy basketball, and made the playoffs.

11. (14) Thunder (12-10) - This team is one of my favorite teams to watch, with one of my five favorite players to watch in Kevin Durant. But that being said, they are struggling right now, and are slowly coming back down to earth. Watch out for them next year!

12. (13) San Antonio Spurs (12-9) - Even though they look like they have lost a step, they are getting healthier and it looks like they are getting assimilated with their new parts.

13. (10) Miami Heat (11-11) - The Heat are struggling as of late, and I am secretly rejoicing. For some reason I think DWade will want to come to Chicago if the Heat have a bad year. I can only wish...

14. (11) Portland Blazers (14-11) - I like the guy, so I feel bad for Greg Oden, who goes down with another season ending injury. The Blazers also seem to be missing his presence in the middle. Can they sustain his loss?

15. (18) Memphis Grizzlies (10-13) - The Grizzlies are climbing the charts! They are getting quality wins (CAVS MAN), and they look like they are playing as a team. Their D and rebounding is solid. Let's see if they can keep it up though.

16. (16) Charlotte Bobcats (9-13) - Larry Brown quietly has this team playing well. GWeezy is doing his thing as usual.

17. (15) Sacramento Kings (10-12) - The Kings are playing some great basketball right now, and my pre-season choice to win the ROY, is leading the way. If you have not seen Tyreke Evans play yet, get NBA Season pass, or watch the Kings play online. The kid is money.

18. (19) Milwaukee Bucks (11-11) - Young Money is slowing down a little, but the kid is still legit and fun to watch. Him and Redd should definitely put up some points, but I still think the key to this squad is Bogut.

19. (24) Detroit Pistons (11-12) - The Pistons are another squad I hate, but I got to give them some props this week too. They are playing scrappy basketball and are winning despite injuries at different times to all of their good players. That tells me that their new Coach is earning his check. Wish I could say the same about the Bulls coach!

20. (20) New Orleans Hornets (10-12) -The Hornets played well without CP3, so maybe his injury might have been what this team needed to get back on track. Let's see what they can do with a healthy CP3 and Peja in the upcoming week.

21. (17) Los Angeles Clippers (8-13) - We are in the 20's now, so I will keep these short. I just want to know one thing, when is Blake Griffin coming back?

22. (21) Toronto Raptors (11-15) - The Raptors are playing a little bit better, but they don't look like a contender, even with that much talent up North.

23. (25) NY Knicks (8-15) - Surprisingly, the Knicks have won four in a row! I don't know how that is possible with Chris Duhon leading the way, but I swear I am not lying!

24. (23) Bulls (8-14) - The Bulls keep dropping, and in reality they should probably be lower on this list, but this is my list and I will rank them wherever I want! But really though, right now I am at a loss of words for my squad. The reality is that even if they do fire VDN(which they should still do immediately), I still don't see this squad doing anything big. 2010, please come fast!

25. (27) Indiana Pacers (8-13) - It seems like every time this squad seems to get a player back from injury, another player gets injured. This time it's their best baller,Granger, who went down. They will be raw next year!

26. (26) GState Warriors (7-16) - The Warriors and the Bulls are really struggling with injuries right now, so it is logical that both squads are racking up the L's. Monte Ellis is ballin on cats, but he can't do it alone.

27. (22) Washington Wizards (7-14) - Someone put some lighter fluid on the Hibachi. This squad can't even win at home right now. Sad foo...

28. (28) Philly 76ers (5-18) - AI is back, but their losing ways continue. They have lost 12 in a row, and this squad to me, is a major disappointment with all the talent that they have there.

29. (29) Minn Timberwolves (3-21) - I'm glad Love is back for this squad, because they really need him. JFlynn is getting better and better, and he is always a fun player to watch.

30. (30) NJ Nets (2-22) - I called it last week that this squad would start winning some games soon with DHarris coming back. And to top it off, of course they had to beat my Bulls! SAD FO!

I'm outtie for now. Thanks for reading and take care playaz. Stop in with your comments when you get a chance...