NBA POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 13

What's up hoop fans? We are back with this week's NBA Power Rankings, so check them out if you get a chance. Doing this week's rankings will be myself (Docksquad), Justin D(of Connection Papers and Tribune fame) and Amar Panchmatia (formerly of Cavalier Attitude).

Tip-Off:

 

1. (1) Cleveland Cavaliers (34-11)

• Just in case things couldn't look any better for the Cavs after they bullied the Lakers yet again on Thursday night, ESPN.com's John Hollinger flies in and declares Anderson Varejao as his Defensive Player of the Year for this season. Oh, along with LeBron as the MVP. Not good enough still? Then throw in a trade rumor about the Cavs wanting Amar'e Stoudemire and we'll call it a week. (AP)

2. (2) Los Angeles Lakers (33-11)

• Kobe or Lebron? Lakers or Cavs?  No matter who you like, if you're a fan of the game, you have to admit that the Lakers Cavs game last week was awesome.  Here is hoping to a Lakers / Cavs Finals. I would love to watch 7 more games just like the one we saw last week.  Hopefully with the Lakers coming out on top.  Kobe fo!  (VC)
  

3. (5) Denver Nuggets (29-14)

• The Nuggets have used a recent slew of home games and a healthy ‘Melo to reel off six straight wins over quality teams. Billups is playing as good as ever and Anthony seems to be spurred on by his recent starting role in the all-star game. They have finally added themselves to the elite contender category. They play five Western Conference playoff teams in the next two weeks so they’ll either completely distance themselves with only the Lakers or they’ll show their vulnerability. (JD)
  

4. (4) Boston Celtics (28-13)

• How much help do you need to beat half a Portland team that was missing its star player in Brandon Roy? Apparently regulation and KG's return weren't enough as the C's needed an extra five minutes. At home, no less. Scarier part is that they should have lost that game. Why are they even ranked this high? (AP)

5.  (6) Atlanta Hawks (28-14)

• After a little rough patch, the Hawks are now back to playing the kind of ball they are capable of.  They are putting up points, and JC is doing his best to wrap up the sixth man of the year Award.   But with that being said, a ton of their latest victories have come at home. They are now heading out on the road to play a bunch of tough games, so let's see how they do.  (VC)
  

6. (3) Dallas Mavericks (29-15)

• The Mavericks are hanging around the top because they play consistent, but pulling off a lucky win against the Wizards might be more discouraging than the 50 point record-setting-win against the Knicks.  After all, they did lose to the Lakers by 35 earlier this month. Still, it’s hard to beat a 7 foot German with balance and a J. (JD)
  

7. (8) Orlando Magic (29-15)

• Looked more and more like the Orlando Magic we know and love (unless you're a Cavs fan) with three straight punishing victories. Cooling off the red-hot Bobcats is far more of a feat this year than it would be in year's past, but these Magic are still battling for their lives for the Southeast Division crown with Atlanta. (AP)

8. (7) Portland TrailBlazers (27-18)

• What's crazy is that even with all these injuries to the Blazers, they are still hanging around in the top ten.  This team is going to be really scary when they have all their pieces in place.  But the big question does remain for the Blazers.  Do they stick with this roster and core, or trade some of their young assets for a Star?  GWS.  (VC)
  

9. (15.) Utah Jazz (25-18)

• Considering their style of play is very similar to that of San Antonio, the road win against the Spurs was all that more impressive. The beat down of the Nets? Icing on the cake. Utah keeps climbing. (JD)
  

10. (12) Memphis Grizzlies (23-19)

• If the Grizzlies were a stock, you'd be kicking yourself for not buying them a month ago. They keep flying up the charts. If you're a Grizzlies fan at this point, you just hope your ownership and front office can keep these young guns like O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, and Marc Gasol all at once while paying Zach Randolph max money. (AP)

11. (9) San Antonio Spurs (25-17)

• After the Spurs caught fire for a few weeks, they have cooled off big time.  And the reason for that is their D.  Their D has really been un-Spur-like.  Coach P ripped into them, so let's see if they can get back on track.  (VC)
  

12.  (11) OKC Thunder (24-20)

• Losing by 1 to the Cavs is nothing to be ashamed of but Durant’s shooting percentage is. He’s turning into a legit scorer, but on how many shots? At some point he’s going to have to put aside his personal improvements and try to help the team make the playoffs.(JD)

13. (13) Houston Rockets (24-19)

• If the Grizzlies can be compared to a rising stock, the Rockets are just that down-to-Earth girl that isn't about the flash, big city, or bright lights. But she'll make a good wife, cook you warm meals every night, raise your kids right, and give you stability as her life partner for the rest of your life. Sometimes you'll wish you had more. But other times you'll remember how fortunate you are after thinking of those who have far less. (AP)

14. (14) Charlotte Bobcats (21-21)

• I've been talking about GWEEZY for years, so it's about time people are finally giving him props. And if he doesn't make the All Star game, it's going to be a shamockery!  I've also got to give the Bobcats some props. They are playing solid basketball, and it is their D that is propelling them.  Coach Brown should be a COY candidate.  (VC)
  

15. (10) Pho Suns (26-19)

• The Suns were just decimated on a road trip against teams they should be beating. They need to right the ship quickly or they might miss a run with Nash in his possible last season in Phoenix. Letting Derrick Rose make a highlight reel on their foreheads doesn’t help things either.  (JD)
  

16. (16) New Orleans Hornets (23-20)

• Herm Edwards once declared that "you play to win the game!" So if winning championships is the goal, then the Hornets need to realize that this team isn't winning a championship. Ever. If I'm Jeff Bower, I would try to trade David West -- who is about 2-3 years older than Emeka Okafor -- for an explosive shooting guard or small forward who can pair up with CP3 for years. Andre Iguodala, anyone? (AP)

17.  (17) Toronto Raptors (23-22)

• Everyone keeps saying that Chris Bosh is on the move for sure, but with the Raps playing good ball of late, will they deal him for sure?  In the end, I think the Raps HAVE to trade Bosh. They can not take a chance on having him bail without getting anything back for him.  They should be able to get a ton of value right now, so they need to pick up the phone and deal.  Let's see if the Bulls get into the bidding.  (VC)
  

18. (18) Miami Heat (23-20)

• After getting absolutely embarrassed by Charlotte on the road, they bounced back to beat up on the Wizards and the Kings. A meeting with Lebron and company tonight will shed more light on whether the Heat are pretenders or contenders.(JD)

19. (20) Chicago Bulls (20-22)

• Upon the pleading of others on this committee, the Bulls will move up a spot in this power poll. D-Rose's bonk on the Suns was that nasty, though, and the Bulls put together some impressive road wins at Phoenix and Houston last week that seemed improbable for this squad to do just a few weeks ago. Still, I can't stop thinking about blowing a 35-point lead to the Kings at home when I think about this squad. Sorry. (AP)

20.  (19) Los Angeles Clippers (20-23)

• Baron Davis and Chris Kaman are balling right now, and the word on the street is that a lot of teams are inquiring about trading for Kaman.  He is playing at an All Star level, so they should be able to get some good value for him.  (VC)
  

21. (22) Milwaukee Bucks (18-24)

• Without Michael Redd the Bucks are going to need some help to make the playoffs. They are only the ninth seed right now, but with Brandon Jennings put up nights where he is 5-21 shooting, like he had against the Raptors last week, they might be better off with Luke Ridnour running the show. (JD)
  

 22. (27) Philadelphia 76ers (15-28)

• Wait, the Sixers got put this high here this week? Really? Hmmm...let me think of some reasons to back this up (besides somehow beating Dallas on Friday to inspire the Mavs' horrific and X-rated dismantling of the Knicks two nights later). Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. I got nothing. (AP)

23. (24) Indiana Pacers (15-29)

• The on again, off again Pacers were off again last week.  Until they can learn how to play defense, expect that to continue.  (VC)
  

24. (21) New York Knicks

• The only thing the Knicks can be happy about is that they held Kobe to under 61 points, and that’s mostly because he has a broken finger and tired legs after playing the Cavs. Losing to the Mavs at home by 50 points is inexcusable. And the fact that they are doing everything they can to keep David Lee shows that they don’t know how to make things any better. (JD)
  

25. (23) Detroit Pistons (15-28)

• Poor John Kuester. Life was good when he was the Cavs' "offensive coordinator" drawing up plays for LeBron. Hope those extra dollars are worth it for trying to organize plays around chuckers like Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva on a lottery team. (AP)

26. (25) Sacramento Kings (15-28)

• The Kings have cooled off big time after starting off red hot.  They have a young squad, so I guess it was somewhat expected.  While Tyreke Evans is a stud, it doesn't look like he can play with K Mart.  Maybe that is why the Kings are supposedly trying to trade him right now.  I think if the Kings can get some expiring salaries or picks, K Mart will be gone. (VC)
  

27. (26) Golden State (13-29)Warriors

• The Warriors are just awful. Yet, I’m still excited because we are entering the Give-Curry-The-Ball-25-to-30-Times-A-Game phase and watch him light teams up. Yay. (JD)
  

 28. (28) Washington Wizards (14-29)

• There were reports this week that the Wizards were upset about the garbage offers they were getting for Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. Pardon other GMs for mistaking the Wizards' affinity for garbage after watching the way Ernie Grunfeld has put together that roster. AJ and CB deserve better, and here's hoping they get it by the February 18th trade deadline. (AP)

29. (29) Minnesota Timberwolves (9-36)

• The TWolves are struggling, but hey at least they got Jonny Flynn right? The kid is nasty, but he is flying under the radar because he is playing on the Wolves.  Who knows what will happen with the supposed Love/ Jefferson beef, and the proposed Jefferson trade.  I guess we will find out soon. (VC)
  

30. (30) New Jersey Nets (3-40)

• The Nets are barely trying anymore. They’ve long since locked up the worst record in the league but now they’re playing their bench players nearly as much as their starters. Don’t expect many upsets from them from here on out.  (JD)
  

Hit us up with what you think...