Monroe's NBA Power Rankings: Jan. 4, 2009

[duncan228]

Mike Monroe's NBA power rankings: Jan. 4, 2009

TOP 10

(Last week’s rank in parentheses)

1. Lakers (2): Oh, no! Zenmaster Phil faces fact he may have to coach Western All-Star team. His response: “Hate it.”

2. Celtics (3): Losing three of four on West Coast trip accomplishes the impossible, at least according to Rajon Rondo: “It humbles us.”

3. Cavaliers (1): They would still be!No. 1, but chipped bone in Ilgauskas’ ankle is cause for major concern. Can LeBron play center?

4. Magic (4): This is scary. They beat Heat convincingly with Turkoglu missing all six 3-pointers and scoring only seven.

5. Hornets (6): They thought they could talk P.J. Brown out of retirement, but Big Easy native swears he’s not playing again.

6. SPURS (5): Only two games on schedule this week. What are they going to do with all their free time?

7. Nuggets (8): Anthony’s game-winner in OKC is no surprise. In relatively short career, he’s already made nine in final seven seconds.

8. Pistons (13): They’re not too worried about Rip’s injury, but Rasheed’s technical foul count (12) is bit of a problem.

9. Rockets (7): Can ancient Mutombo straighten out locker room Alston says is full of selfish teammates?

10. Hawks (9): OT loss in Jersey on Friday night was one of cruelest of season for any team.Ñ

THE REST

11. Mavs (11)
12. Suns (14)
13. Heat (10)
14. Trail Blazers (12)
15. Jazz (15)
16. Bucks (16)
17. Nets (18)
18. Raptors (17)
19. Pacers (25)
20. Bobcats (19)
21. Grizzlies (21)
22. Bulls (23)
23. 76ers (24)
24. Clippers (20)
25. Warriors (22)
26. Kings (26)
27. Timberwolves (28)
28. Knicks (27)
29. Wizards (29)
30. Thunder (30)

[mrspurs]

Looks about right.

[Cry Havoc]

I think we're the 3rd best team in the League right now, maybe 2nd if healthy. I don't see the Cavs beating us, and I think we will fare far better against the Lake show with our new additions, as long as Manu is healthy.

[Reck]

Magic is still too high.

[Brazil]

We should be 4.

[peskypesky]

I think we're the 3rd best team in the League right now, maybe 2nd if healthy. I don't see the Cavs beating us, and I think we will fare far better against the Lake show with our new additions, as long as Manu is healthy.

I think the only teams we have to worry about are the Lakers and the Celtics....and the way the Celtics are playing lately (losing to the lowly Knicks tonight), they're showing vulnerability.

[HarlemHeat37]

the only team that scares me is the Lakers..

I think the Celtics and Cavs are the 2 best teams in the NBA, but the Lakers just seem to have our number..

we match up very well with Boston and Cleveland, but not to much with LA..

[MarHill]

Magic is still too high.

I have to disgaree, Shadowflames!

The Magic have been playing good basketball. They have the best road record in the league right now and have done very well against the Western Conference. So they deserve their ranking right now!

But in the long term I don't think they can beat Boston or Cleveland in a 7 game series!!!

[pawe]

Magic and Cavs will falter and the universe will be balanced again.
Celtics either got bored or got complacent hence the losing.
Lakers and Spurs will be tested with tough schedules ahead.
Hornets, Mavs and Rockets - I dont care bout them since the Spurs have the number 1 spot in the division baby!

[DAF86]

Come playoff time the list will be:

Celtics
Lakers
Spurs
Cavs

And those are all the teams that matter.