Frank Zicarelli’s weekly NBA power rankings:
1. Chicago Bulls (36-9)
Going strong, but not as strong minus Derrick Rose (groin).
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (33-10)
Inactivity on trade deadline day may come back to bite team in playoffs.
3. Spurs (28-13)
If any coach can handle Stephen Jackson, it’s Gregg Popovich.
4. Miami Heat (31-11)
Teams leads by 27 at halftime in Philly, only to score 27 in second half.
5. Orlando Magic (28-16)
Now that The Indecision is behind it, Magic can focus on its playoff push.
6. Los Angeles Lakers (27-16)
An under the radar move was acquisition of athletic big Jordan Hill.
7. Boston Celtics (23-19)
Official countdown to the end of the Big 3 era is now on.
8. Indiana Pacers (25-16)
Sweep by Knicks raises concerns, but Pacers still evolving.
9. Los Angeles Clippers (24-18)
More you watch them, more you realize playoff failure is inevitable.
10. Dallas Mavericks (25-20)
Hard to tell whether reigning champs are title worthy this spring.
11. Philadelphia 76ers (25-18)
Continue to show signs that any deep playoff run is virtually impossible.
12. Memphis Grizzlies (24-17)
OT loss to Raptors, at home no less, showed lack of focus.
13. Milwaukee Bucks (19-24)
Fear the Deer may once again be fashionable with Monta Ellis on board.
14. Houston Rockets (24-20)
Unable to move Kevin Martin at deadline for someone more versatile.
15. Atlanta Hawks (24-19)
Another rumoured name not to get moved is Josh Smith.
16. Denver Nuggets (24-20)
Not sure what team sees in JaVale McGee that no one else has seen.
17. New York Knicks (19-24)
Mike Woodson era has a decided Carmelo Anthony flavour.
18. Phoenix Suns (21-22)
Inched closer to playoffs, but are years from making post-season run.
19. Golden State Warriors (18-22)
Even though he’s hurt, Andrew Bogut makes Warriors a dangerous foe.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (22-22)
Trying to discover themselves in floor general Ricky Rubio’s absence.
21. Portland Trail Blazers (20-23)
Season gone awry took yet another turn for the worse.
22. Utah Jazz (21-22)
There was some interest in C.J. Miles, but no trade got done.
23. Detroit Pistons (16-27)
Lawrence Frank’s tight rotation has produced some quality wins.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (16-25)
Antawn Jamison eligibile for free agency; betcha he can’t wait.
25. New Jersey Nets (15-29)
Plenty of nice pieces, but no stud to keep Deron Williams happy.
26. Toronto Raptors (14-29)
Stop us if you’ve heard this before: team lacks mental toughness.
27. New Orleans Hornets (10-34)
Monty Williams deserves credit dealing with so much uncertainty and change.
28. Sacramento Kings (14-29)
Headed for yet another lottery.
29. Washington Wizards (10-32)
See above.
30. Charlotte Bobcats (6-36)
Too bad they can’t play Raptors more often.
Records do not include Monday’s games
