 Derrick Rose and his Chicago Bulls are on top of this week's NBA power rankings. (REUTERS) |
Frank Zicarelli’s weekly NBA power rankings:
1. Chicago Bulls (46-14)
D-Rose’s long-awaited return key for playoff push.
2. San Antonio Spurs (42-16)
Rare dunk from Matt Bonner rallies team.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (44-16)
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Home court not essential, but it doesn’t hurt, either.
4. Miami Heat (42-17)
Missed free throws will haunt Heat.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (39-22)
Never missed a beat in Kobe Bryant’s injury absence.
6. Indiana Pacers (38-22)
Leandro Barbosa proving his worth in reserve role.
7. Los Angeles Clippers (37-23)
Need to address defence and rebounding as season draws to its end.
8. Boston Celtics (36-25)
Very porous performance in Toronto against resilient Raptors.
9. Memphis Grizzlies (35-25)
Marc Gasol’s knee an issue that must not linger.
10. Atlanta Hawks (35-25)
So much talent, so few results Sunday vs. visiting Raps.
11. Dallas Mavericks (34-27)
Now that Lamar Odom is out, Mavs can focus on winning.
12. Orlando Magic (35-25)
Dwight Howard’s bad back too daunting to overcome.
13. Denver Nuggets (33-27)
Playing well to make playoffs, but not good enough to make noise.
14. Houston Rockets (32-28)
Losing week speaks to a team not ready for playoff success.
15. Philadelphia 76ers (31-28)
One and done once post-season begins.
16. New York Knicks (31-29)
Tyson Chandler’s knee latest as injuries mount.
17. Phoenix Suns (31-29)
Time running out as push for playoffs likely to fall short.
18. Milwaukee Bucks (29-31)
Lost control when couldn’t beat Knicks at home.
19. Portland Trail Blazers (28-33)
Team is poised to make off-season splashes.
20. Utah Jazz (31-30)
Barring a huge run, will be on the outside of playoffs.
21. Minnesota Timberwolves (25-36)
Misery mounting as the losses continue to pile up.
22. Detroit Pistons (22-38)
Maintained level of relevance when playing at home.
23. Toronto Raptors (22-39)
No one could have envisioned a 20-win season.
24. New Jersey Nets (22-39)
It’s the dawn of another off-season of change.
25. Golden State Warriors (22-37)
Assistant Michael Malone hottest coaching commodity.
26. Sacramento Kings (20-41)
Arena issue has once again turned ugly.
27. New Orleans Hornets (18-42)
Been playing decent and at times winning basketball.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers (20-39)
Lottery here we come.
29. Washington Wizards (14-46)
See above.
30. Charlotte Bobcats (7-52)
Imagine the embarrassment if 82 games were played.
(*records do not include Monday’s games)