Frank Zicarelli’s weekly NBA power rankings:
1. Chicago Bulls (31-8)
The D in D-Rose stands for dominant.
2. LA Lakers (23-14)
Watch out for this group as Kobe has his mojo back.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (29-8)
Kendrick Perkins piling up technicals with alarming regularity.
4. Miami Heat (28-9)
Surprise, surprise, Heat said to be in market for a big.
5. San Antonio Spurs (25-12)
Canadian PG Cory Joseph sent to D-League for valuable minutes.
6. Orlando Magic (22-14)
Jameer Nelson playing with more aggression.
7. LA Clippers (22-13)
Jury still out if Lob-City translates into post-season success.
8. Dallas Mavericks (22-16)
Emotionally disengaged Lamar Odom clearly pines for a return to L.A.
9. Indiana Pacers (23-12)
Surprise team continues to surprise many pundits and foes.
10. Boston Celtics (19-17)
Team needs to take full advantage of current run.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (22-15)
Marc Gasol playing at a higher level than celebrated sibling Pau.
12. Denver Nuggets (21-17)
Poised to make a run after enduring a rough stretch.
13. Houston Rockets (21-17)
Need to rebound from a losing weak.
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (19-19)
Rick Adelman once again proving his coaching mettle.
15. Philadelphia 76ers (22-16)
Still unable to beat good teams in close games.
16. Atlanta Hawks (22-14)
Joe Johnson and his hefty contract said to be on trading block.
17. New York Knicks (18-19)
That silence you hear is the Linsanity buzz slowly popping.
18. Portland Trail Blazers (18-19)
Losing slide has exposed a lot of baggage and turmoil.
19. Utah Jazz (17-19)
Big win versus Heat underlined how dangerous this team can be.
20. Phoenix Suns (17-20)
One of many teams capable of good things when timing is right.
21. New Jersey Nets (12-26)
When D-Will is going off for 50-plus, Nets can be lethal.
22. Golden State Warriors (14-20)
Not good when Raptors are able to play lock-down defence.
23. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-22)
Anderson Varejao drawing plenty of attention leading up to trade deadline.
24. Milwaukee Bucks (14-23)
Team said to be in market for a serviceable big to come off bench.
25. Toronto Raptors (12-25)
DeMar DeRozan showing good signs, but needs to be consistent.
26. Sacramento Kings (12-25)
Dark clouds over new arena deal appear to have cleared.
27. Detroit Pistons (12-26)
There’s capable talent, but no consistency.
28. Washington Wizards (8-28)
See above.
29. New Orleans Hornets (9-28)
Team has moments when it plays hard, but it’s wins that are hard to get.
30. Charlotte Bobcats (4-31)
A team that clearly merits its cellar dweller status.
(*records do not include Monday’s results)
