 Derrick Rose is back after dealing with a sore back, an issue that may resurface. (REUTERS/Jim Young) |
Frank Zicarelli's weekly NBA power rankings:
1. Miami Heat (27-7)
Unstoppable when turning teams over and playing in transition.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (27-7)
They should take a run at Pau Gasol if Lakers are serious about a makeover.
3. Chicago Bulls (27-8)
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Derrick Rose is back after dealing with a sore back, an issue that may resurface.
4. San Antonio Spurs (24-10)
As always, weren’t affected by the annual rodeo tour that forces team to play on road.
5. Dallas Mavericks (21-13)
Beginning to find their stride; as long as they stay healthy, they’ll contend.
6. Orlando Magic (22-13)
Held a close-door meeting to clear some air; Dwight Howard rumours won’t disappear.
7. L.A. Clippers (20-11)
Chris Paul making noise that he wants to begin negotiating a contract extension.
8. Houston Rockets (20-14)
A team that doesn’t get much pub, but it’s a team that’s been playing well of late.
9. Indiana Pacers (21-12)
Just when you thought bubble will burst, Pacers doing just enough to win games.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (19-15)
Have potential to rekindle last spring’s post-season run, assuming no more injuries.
11. L.A. Lakers (20-14)
Hard to take seriously with questions at point guard, small forward and bench.
12. Philadelphia 76ers (20-14)
Limped into all-star break; need to get back to their solid team play.
13. Atlanta Hawks (20-14)
Much-needed break for injured all-star Joe Johnson.
14. New York Knicks (17-18)
There’s some quality talent in the Big Apple.
15. Portland Trail Blazers (18-16)
One team that needs to make a trade to take that next step.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (17-17)
Michael Beasley’s name being bandied about in trade whispers.
17. Denver Nuggets (18-17)
They’ve hit a plateau, in part because injuries have hit.
18. Boston Celtics (15-17)
Entering a critical stage that could result in deep changes to roster.
19. Utah Jazz (15-17)
A team in reverse that needs to reverse its sliding fortunes.
20. Golden State Warriors (13-17)
This is one team worth following as the season’s second half begins.
21. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-18)
Rookie point guard Kyrie Irving continues to play like a seasoned veteran.
22. Phoenix Suns (14-20)
Steve Nash’s loyalties are noble, but he should be pining for a trade.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (13-20)
Andrew Bynum’s injury absence beginning to catch up.
24. New Jersey Nets (10-25)
A major player in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.
25. Toronto Raptors (10-23)
Only the delusional believe Wilson Chandler would play in Hogtown.
26. Sacramento Kings (11-22)
March 1 looms as a big day for franchise’s future.
27. Detroit Pistons (11-24)
Just another bad team among a sea of bad teams.
28. Washington Wizards (7-26)
See above.
29. New Orleans Hornets (8-25)
Ownership situation may soon come to an end; at least that’s the hope.
30. Charlotte Bobcats (4-28)
Some injured bodies will be back; as if that’ll improve team’s lot.