Monroe's NBA Power Rankings: Jan. 18, 2009

[duncan228]

Mike Monroe's NBA power rankings: Jan. 18, 2009
Express-News

TOP 10

(Last week’s rank in parentheses)

1. Magic (3): Their six-game winning streak includes road victories in SA and L.A., and that’s as hot as it gets.

2. Cavaliers (1): Brown’s a Pop protégé, but he’s emulating Zenmaster Phil, letting Cavs work through problems on their own.

3. Lakers (2): Suddenly, Bynum no longer seen as second coming of his mentor, Kareem, as seven boards in three games attests.

4. Celtics (8): Rivers says skid may have been just what defending champs needed. A three-game winning streak is Exhibit A.

5. SPURS (4): Blowout loss in Philly was inau ious beginning to the Austin Croshere era.

6. Nuggets (9): They’re 3-1 against elite teams without Carmelo Anthony, so they deserve a bump upwards.

7. Hornets (5): Temper, temper: Paul tossed from Cavs game. Or maybe he just didn’t like awful throwback uniform.

8. Jazz (15): They’ve learned to live without Boozer. Winning four of five put them back in playoff position in West.

9. Rockets (6): Finally, they know what they’re going to get from McGrady — zippo for at least two weeks.

10. Pistons (7): Do they have problem sharing ball? They’re 8-2 without Hamilton, but 0-3 since his return.

THE REST

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

[Cry Havoc]

If Bynum doesn't straighten his game out, there will be no championship for LA this year. They absolutely need a bruiser inside to get boards in the playoffs, and outside of Gasol, they have no height at the rim. When playoff basketball arrives, the game will slow down, and rebounds will be at a premium. If the Lakers do not have a viable C come playoff time, they are going to get chewed up by the Western Conference. Teams will focus on boxing out Gasol, and that will lower the looks L.A. gets.

I've been VERY quiet about Bynum until now, but I think at this point even Laker fans should be concerned about his ability to produce over a season. I just don't see Bynum stepping up in the playoffs. His game is very rugged, and not in a good way. I think the season is taking a toll on him. If his production falters, I have to think the Spurs are the favorites in the conference. The Lakers NEED him to board. If he doesn't it's going to cause a lot of problems for that lineup.

[m33p0]

If Bynum doesn't straighten his game out, there will be no championship for LA this year. They absolutely need a bruiser inside to get boards in the playoffs, and outside of Gasol, they have no height at the rim. When playoff basketball arrives, the game will slow down, and rebounds will be at a premium. If the Lakers do not have a viable C come playoff time, they are going to get chewed up by the Western Conference. Teams will focus on boxing out Gasol, and that will lower the looks L.A. gets.

I've been VERY quiet about Bynum until now, but I think at this point even Laker fans should be concerned about his ability to produce over a season. I just don't see Bynum stepping up in the playoffs. His game is very rugged, and not in a good way. I think the season is taking a toll on him. If his production falters, I have to think the Spurs are the favorites in the conference. The Lakers NEED him to board. If he doesn't it's going to cause a lot of problems for that lineup.

he seems to be made from the same mental mold as amare.

[Lakers_55]

the rankings look right. top five teams will continue to rotate while those knocking on the door will try to crash the party. thanks for posting.

[mrspurs]

If this POs started today, we would only have it easy against the Nuggets. Only because they have noone who can handle Timmy. Other then that, we better pray for alot of 3s.

[DarrinS]

I can't really argue against Orlando at #1.

[tlongII]

The rankings are fairly accurate, although Utah is way too high.

[Bartleby]

If this POs started today, we would only have it easy against the Nuggets. Only because they have noone who can handle Timmy. Other then that, we better pray for alot of 3s.

Depends on which Nuggets team shows up. Seems they usually play either really well or really crappy.

[HarlemHeat37]

we own the Nuggets, they don't worry me at all..if we get the Suns, Nuggets, or Jazz, it should be an easy series for us in the 1st round..