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NFL CANADA





Zicarelli's NBA power rankings
By Frank Zicarelli, QMI Agency


The Oklahoma Thunder have usurped the Chicago Bulls as the NBA's No. 1 ranked team this week. (REUTERS)


Frank Zicarelli's weekly NBA power rankings:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (40-12)

Leaving foes Thunder-struck and at times awe-struck.

2. San Antonio Spurs (36-14)

No team has a deeper bench than this veteran-laden unit.

3. Chicago Bulls (42-12)

Not good when coach’s future gets added to rumour mill.

4. Miami Heat (37-14)

Air of arrogance on road must be addressed in coming weeks.

5. Los Angeles Lakers (33-20)

Andrew Bynum thinks he’s the second coming of Glen Rice.

6. Orlando Magic (32-21)

Completely different team when Dwight Howard can’t suit up.

7. Boston Celtics (30-22)

Avery Bradley filling in nicely as Rajon Rondo’s backcourt mate.

8. Los Angeles Clippers (31-21)

Embattled head coach Vinny Del Negro given vote of confidence.

9. Indiana Pacers (31-21)

A losing week exposed flaws, but remain playoff worthy.

10. Atlanta Hawks (31-23)

Hitting their stride at the right time; team worth watching.

11. Dallas Mavericks (30-23)

Owner Mark Cuban had a sit down with under-performing Lamar Odom

12. Philadelphia 76ers (29-23)

Suddenly in pursuit of Celtics.

13. Memphis Grizzlies (25-21)

Gilbert Arenas averaging close to 16 minutes.

14. Denver Nuggets (29-24)

Need to clean up porous play within division.

15. Houston Rockets (26-23)

Current four-game trip may determine playoff fate.

16. New York Knicks (27-26)

Baron Davis now running the show at the point; Ouch!

17. Utah Jazz (27-26)

End-of-season sked has Jazz playing one Eastern team, Orlando.

18. Phoenix Suns (26-26)

Steve Nash denies he’s upset team did not re-acquire Boris Diaw.

19. Portland Trail Blazers (25-28)

GM search has officially begun in Rip City.

20. Milwaukee Bucks (24-28)

Need to hold court during critical five-game homestand.

21. Minnesota Timberwolves (25-29)

Basketball world watches as Kevin Love tries to replicate his magical March.

22. Golden State Warriors (20-31)

Steph Curry’s ankle problems may impact his long-term potential.

23. Cleveland Cavaliers (17-33)

Sliding quickly, which is not surprising given team’s youth.

24. Sacramento Kings (18-34)

Defence remains huge concern as opponents routinely crack 100 points.

25. Toronto Raptors (18-35)

Take away poor start and a rough ending and this team held its own vs. Heat.

26. Detroit Pistons (19-33)

Feasted on league’s lightweights, which tells you all you need to know about Pistons.

27. New Jersey Nets (19-35)

So irrelevant that no reporters are following team on West Coast trip.

28. New Orleans Hornets (13-40)

Kudos to ex-Raptors PG Jarrett Jack for playing through ankle pain.

29. Washington Wizards (12-40)

Ridding themselves of JaVale McGee has done wonders.

30. Charlotte Bobcats (7-43)

Owner Michael Jordan has apparently read management the riot act.

(records do not include Monday’s games)




Which team is your pick to win the NBA championship this season?
  Heat
  Spurs
  Thunder
  Clippers
  Grizzlies
  Nuggets
  Knicks
  Nets
  Pacers
  Another team


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