Deposit Instantly Using Your Credit Card at Sportsbook.com!

NBA Power Rankings: Bean Town’s Back

Written by Jimmy Boyd

nba-power 1. Boston Celtics (38-9)
Boston’s 2-7 stretch that had everyone scratching their head is now long gone as the Celtics have won nine in a row since. Boston clearly looks like the team to beat again, if you saw Sunday’s nationally televised rout of the Mavs, I’m sure I’ll get no argument.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (35-9)
Are we shaping up to see a Lakers/Celtics NBA Finals rematch? It certainly looks that was at this point. A home loss to Charlotte in its last game was unexpected but LA has won four of five with two of those wins coming over the Cavs and the Spurs. If LA makes it back to the Finals, Andrew Bynum could be the difference. He was injured during last year’s Finals and has taken his game to a whole new level.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (35-8)
The Cavs have appeared to have weathered the storm after losing 2 of 3 in the middle of the month and have now won 4 in a row despite being without Big Z and Delonte West. LeBron James has carried the load and Mo Williams has picked up his scoring as well. Cleveland is 21-0 at home this season so my advice to Boston is not to let the Cavs get home court. Cleveland is a 5-point underdog tonight at BetUS.

4. Orlando Magic (34-10)
The Magic have dropped three spots from the top spot from my last NBA power rankings report but they have a chance to move up again if they can beat Cleveland tonight at home. A major key for the Magic could be the return of Mickael Pietrus, who scored 27 in his first game back from a fractured wrist.

5. San Antonio Spurs (30-14)
The Spurs could not take down the Lakers for the second time this season last Sunday. Still, they have won five of 6 and are clearly the second best team in the West right now. San Antonio is a 1.5-point underdog tonight at BetUS.

6. Denver Nuggets (30-16)
The Nuggets have managed to keep winning while Melo remains sidelined with an injury, but they are expected to get him back soon. The injury could prove to be a blessing in disguise as it has Chauncey Billups playing at a very high level in an increased scoring role.

7. New Orleans Hornets (28-14)
The Hornets just beat the Nuggets at home, but with Denver getting healthier sooner, I have it edging out New Orleans here. Injuries have plagued this team as well, and like Chauncey Billups, CP3 has elevated his play. The Hornets have a chance to make a statement against the Spurs Saturday.

8. Houston Rockets (28-19)
The Rockets have lost 2 in a row but I’m not ready to boot them out of the top 10 yet. With Golden State and Chicago at home in their next two games, the Rockets should get back on track.

9. Portland Trail Blazers (28-17)
The Blazers move up a spot this week thanks to 3 straight wins. Portland is 17-5 at home but most show improvement on the road to continue to move up.

10. Atlanta Hawks (26-19)
Like the Blazers, the Hawks have been terrific at home at 17-5 this season. They have lost three in a row, including one against division rival Miami, but they remain No. 2 in the Southeast. And, their upcoming schedule should get them back on track. Few teams are as athletic and we all saw the hell they put Boston through in last year’s playoffs.

Jimmy Boyd’s NBA picks will get you the NBA betting results you have been looking for. He is on a 26-13 run (67%) against the NBA odds at the time of this report and ready to start making you some major bank.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

Written by Jimmy Boyd on January 29, 2009 · Filed Under NBA Betting Articles, News & Previews

Comments

Got something to say?