NBA Power Rankings (Week 10)

2007-2008 Record: 29-3

1. Boston Celtics

Hoops IQ says:

The Celtics stay on top of our rankings. Plus they avenged their December loss to the Pistons by pulling out a tightly contested affair in Detroit , 92-85. After watching the first two meetings between Boston and Detroit, it's cause to be excited about the Eastern Conference. Ok, excited might be a little strong, but there is at least some intrigue.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 97-93 Houston
W 100-96 Memphis
W 92-85 @ Detroit

2007-2008 Record: 26-8

2. Detroit Pistons

Hoops IQ says:

Guess this is what you could call a tough three game stretch? After losing to Boston, on Saturday the Pistons head out on the road to face the Mavericks (Wednesday) and Spurs (Thursday), both in the heart of Texas . They conclude their four game road trip with another back-to-back on the weekend against Charlotte and New York.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 114-69 Milwaukee
W 106-93 @ Washington
W 101-85 @ Toronto
L 85-92 Boston

2007-2008 Record: 23-9

3. San Antonio Spurs

Hoops IQ says:

The Spurs had their big three back on the court together Sunday but will it be short-lived? Duncan suffered what initially is being described as a minor injury to his knee after colliding with the Clippers Corey Maggette late in Sunday's game. Popovich has shown that he has no intention of playing his stars when they're hurt so keep an eye on Duncan 's knee over the next couple of games.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 77-80 @ Denver
W 97-93 New York
W 88-82 @ LA Clippers

2007-2008 Record: 23-11

4. New Orleans Hornets

Hoops IQ says:

The Hornets have things rolling. Even the game time scratch of David West didn't slow New Orleans down against the Suns. Winners of three straight and eight of their last nine, the Hornets will need to continue their high-level of play this week against the Lakers and Mavericks if they want to keep pace in the Southwest Division.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 92-97 Toronto
W 95-81 @ LA Clippers
W 116-104 @ Golden State
W 118-113 @ Phoenix

2007-2008 Record: 23-10

5. Phoenix Suns

Hoops IQ says:

No Western Conference team has more wins than the Suns plus they're on top of the Pacific Division, so why the concern? This summer's trade-rumors started the ball rolling, then Shawn Marion's discontent helped create an uneasy feel in Phoenix heading into the season. Since then the major cause for concern is a 1-6 record against the best teams in the Western Conference.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 104-96 Seattle
L 113-118 New Orleans

2007-2008 Record: 23-11

6. Dallas Mavericks

Hoops IQ says:

For the second time this season Dallas took care of business against the Golden State Warriors, this time on their home floor. Wednesday they face the Detroit Pistons on ESPN in what will be their toughest test for a couple of weeks. If they can get past the Pistons the Mavs shouldn't be tested until a meeting with the Wizards on January 21.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 121-99 Golden State
W 94-89 Miami
W 101-78 @ Minnesota

2007-2008 Record: 21-11

7. Los Angeles Lakers

Hoops IQ says:

Home games against the road weary Sixers and the slumping Pacers were exactly what the Lakers needed to get things back on track. After being held to eight points and two rebounds by Boston, Andrew Bynum has started the new year off with a bang. In January Bynum is averaging 20 PPG and 14.5 RPG and oh yeah 3.5 blocks per contest.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 124-93 Philadelphia
W 112-96 Indiana

2007-2008 Record: 21-13

8. Portland Trailblazers

Hoops IQ says:

We find power rankings that are set to themes tacky but we couldn't resist. Go back and look at the Blazers results it's fun trust us, 0-3 to start the season, then 4-0, followed by a 1-9 stretch and now 16-1 in their last 17 games. Will Ferrell as Frank Ricard in Old School said it best, "We're going streaking." Two games this week, at home against Golden State then to Canada for a Sunday matinee against the Raptors.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 101-111 @ Utah
W 90-79 @ Minnesota
W 115-109 @ Chicago
W 103-89 Utah

2007-2008 Record: 22-13

9. Orlando Magic

Hoops IQ says:

After losing two home games by a cumulative total of three points the Magic might welcome this week's four game road trip. Orlando raced out to a 22-14 record last season before coming back to earth could this be an encore performance? Obviously, Orlando has pieces to build around but they are still a player away. With the point guard situation in flux might Orlando make a move before the trade deadline?read more »
Weekly Results:
W 112-110 @ Chicago
L 95-96 New Jersey
L 94-96 Houston

2007-2008 Record: 21-12

10. Denver Nuggets

Hoops IQ says:

Denver when healthy is as talented as any team in the league. Last week they were healthy and took care of business against the Spurs, Wolves and Sixers. Although the biggest win should have been against the Spurs, it actually came Sunday against Allen Iverson's former team the 76ers. Why? Egos, unfortunately that's the nature of professional sport.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 80-77 San Antonio
W 118-107 @ Minnesota
W 104-90 Philadelphia

2007-2008 Record: 19-15

11. Golden State Warriors

Hoops IQ says:

The reason no Western Conference team has more than 23 wins is because of schedule nightmares similar to what the Warriors are currently undertaking. During this brutal seven game stretch the Warriors opponents combined winning percentage is .637 and that includes Houston's 17-17 mark.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 112-95 @ Houston
L 99-121 @ Dallas
L 104-116 New Orleans

2007-2008 Record: 17-15

12. Washington Wizards

Hoops IQ says:

The Wizards are a much better basketball team with Antonio Daniels on the floor and have won two of three since his return. Washington hosts Houston on Tuesday then finishes the week with a difficult back-to-back at Atlanta and then return home to face the Boston Celtics. If the Wizards can continue to post 2-1 weeks they should position themselves nicely for the post season.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 93-106 Detroit
W 101-77 @ Milwaukee
W 108-86 Seattle

2007-2008 Record: 18-17

13. Utah Jazz

Hoops IQ says:

The Jazz recorded their first winning week since the end of November. The roster hasn't changed, the coaching staff is still in tact, so what's the matter in Utah? Giricek is gone but we don't think it's enough to improve what we view as a splintered locker room. The Jazz are not playing with the same type of fire that we saw from them last season, it must change soon or they will miss the post-season.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 111-101 Portland
W 110-107 Philadelphia
L 89-103 @ Portland

2007-2008 Record: 17-17

14. Cleveland Cavaliers

Hoops IQ says:

Don't sleep on LeBron and the Cavs. 17-17 is hardly cause for celebration but with three winnable games this week the Cavs could conceivably hold the fourth best record in the East come weeks end. However, even with the recent turn around we still expect Cleveland to be major players at or before the trade deadline.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 98-94 Atlanta
W 97-93 Sacramento
W 93-90 @ Toronto

2007-2008 Record: 17-16

15. New Jersey Nets

Hoops IQ says:

The Nets are winners of five straight and likely will extend that mark to seven before being tested by the Celtics on Friday. Similar to both Cleveland and Chicago the Nets have finally started to play basketball at or close to the level expected of them heading into the season. Oh by the way Jason Kidd now has nine triple-doubles this season.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 96-95 @ Orlando
W 102-96 Charlotte
W 113-107 @ Atlanta

2007-2008 Record: 17-17

16. Houston Rockets

Hoops IQ says:

The Rockets are 4-2 in their last six games without Tracy McGrady, what should that tell you? Nothing, the Rockets are a better team with McGrady healthy and playing regardless of their record without him. The four wins have come against Memphis, New York, Toronto and Orlando. The Magic are struggling and Toronto was playing the second game of a back-to-back, facing the Spurs the night before.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 95-112 Golden State
L 93-97 @ Boston
W 96-94 @ Orlando
W 103-91 New York

2007-2008 Record: 17-17

17. Toronto Raptors

Hoops IQ says:

The Raptors beat the Hornets in New Orleans to finish their long road trip on a high note, but returned home to lose games against Detroit and Cleveland. These are not bad losses but with the Bulls turning things around it will be important for the Raptors to do a better job defending their home court.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 97-92 @ New Orleans
L 85-101 Detroit
L 90-93 Cleveland

2007-2008 Record: 15-16

18. Atlanta Hawks

Hoops IQ says:

They almost fooled us into believing again. However, not even a 9-4 month including a five game winning streak could lure us in this time. In all seriousness, this team doesn't understand how to handle success. When comparing the talent on this team with the rest of the East there is no reason for this team to be play sub .500 basketball. It's time for Joe Johnson to step up and lead this team.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 94-98 @ Cleveland
L 91-113 @ Indiana
L 107-113 New Jersey

2007-2008 Record: 16-19

19. Indiana Pacers

Hoops IQ says:

Prior to Christmas the Pacers were playing good basketball especially on the offensive end of the court. However, since Christmas the Pacers are 1-6 and struggling without their floor general Jamaal Tinsley. Factor in four difficult games on the West Coast this week and it's not unrealistic to think the Pacers will 16-23 when next weeks power rankings are published.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 103-107 @ Charlotte
L 72-90 Memphis
W 113-91 Atlanta
L 96-112 @ LA Lakers

2007-2008 Record: 13-19

20. Chicago Bulls

Hoops IQ says:

Although the timing of Skiles firing was tough to understand it may have been the right decision. Since the coaching change the Bulls are 4-3 but they have been playing noticeably better over that stretch. But to solely blame Skiles for this mess is naive. The front office and players should also be held accountable for their disastrous start.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 110-112 Orlando
W 109-97 @ Charlotte
L 109-115 Portland
W 94-93 Sacramento

2007-2008 Record: 14-20

21. Philadelphia 76ers

Hoops IQ says:

The road trip is finally over and not a minute too soon. Sunday's disappointing loss to Denver put a nice, neat cap on this six game trip. It is easy to see, the Sixers don't have much scoring and what they do have wore down, especially against the Lakers and Nuggets. It's time to start Miller and Iguodala in the backcourt and make room for Thaddeus Young in the starting line-up.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 98-90 @ Seattle
L 107-110 @ Utah
L 93-124 @ LA Lakers
L 90-104 @ Denver

2007-2008 Record: 13-20

22. Milwaukee Bucks

Hoops IQ says:

A 2-2 week doesn't look bad especially with Michael Redd missing action. But could the losses have been any uglier? A 114-69 loss to Detroit, but it was in Detroit. Ok? How about being down 79-49 through three quarters to the Wizards; in Milwaukee. But why dwell on the past? Plus, 2-2 isn't bad considering they were without their best player. This week could be a mirror image of last week, two winnable games and two that could get ugly fast.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 69-114 @ Detroit
W 103-98 @ Miami
L 77-101 Washington
W 93-89 @ Charlotte

2007-2008 Record: 12-20

23. Sacramento Kings

Hoops IQ says:

The Kings need players to get healthy, not to come back and play but to become tradable assets. Mike Bibby and Ron Artest should never again wear a Kings jersey. Sacramento is 1-6 since winning back-to-back games on the road in mid-December and there is no hope for a post-season appearance. Why keep veterans when they want out? Until the front office agrees on a common direction expect more losses.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 107-97 @ New York
L 93-97 @ Cleveland
L 93-94 @ Chicago

2007-2008 Record: 11-21

24. Charlotte Bobcats

Hoops IQ says:

How long can the Bobcats avoid inserting Nazr Mohammed back into the starting line-up? It seems someone within the Charlotte organization is steadfast on playing an up-tempo game even though their roster lacks the big men to play at that pace. Sure Raymond Felton can push the action and their two wings can finish but without capable bigs it all breaks down. Okafor is playing too quick and is struggling as a result.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 107-103 Indiana
L 97-109 Chicago
L 96-102 @ New Jersey
L 89-93 Milwaukee

2007-2008 Record: 10-21

25. Los Angeles Clippers

Hoops IQ says:

The consensus in Los Angeles is that the Clippers should tear it apart and start over. Normally we would disagree but this knee-jerk reaction does have some validity. The Clippers are going no where this season. Brand may stay because of his injury, but Corey Maggette will test the free agent market this summer, why not get something done now? Play rookie Al Thornton at his natural small forward position and take a look at Josh Powell at power forward.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 91-82 Minnesota
L 81-95 New Orleans
L 82-88 San Antonio

2007-2008 Record: 10-23

26. Memphis Grizzlies

Hoops IQ says:

Hey look the Grizzlies went 2-1 and almost upset the Celtics in Boston. Anyone want to bet they will go 0-4 this week? They should defeat a beat up, under-manned Kings team but probably won't, such is the way of the Grizzly. Forget Pau wanting out of Memphis, forget the recent push to get David Lee out of New York, Hoops IQ is starting the "Free Mike Miller Campaign" effective immediately.read more »
Weekly Results:
W 90-72 @ Indiana
L 96-100 @ Boston
W 101-94 Miami

2007-2008 Record: 9-24

27. Seattle Sonics

Hoops IQ says:

Kevin Durant only missed one game unfortunately it was the Sonics most winnable game of the week. Unless the Sonics can pull off an upset on the road in Cleveland or New Jersey the Not-So-Supersonics will put together back-to-back winless weeks of basketball. In most years a 9-27 record would put you in the drivers seat for a bunch of lottery balls but this year the competition is fierce at the bottom.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 90-98 Philadelphia
L 96-104 @ Phoenix
L 86-108 @ Washington

2007-2008 Record: 8-24

28. New York Knicks

Hoops IQ says:

How can there be professional organizations performing worse than the Knicks? Although a record of 8-24 combined with the second highest payroll in the NBA does speak volumes about the management capabilities of James Dolan, Isiah Thomas and the remainder of the Knicks brain-trust. You know what's even more comical than the Knicks performance? All of those media folk who thought bringing in Zach Randolph for Steve Francis and Channing Frye was a steal.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 97-107 Sacramento
L 93-97 @ San Antonio
L 91-103 @ Houston

2007-2008 Record: 8-26

29. Miami Heat

Hoops IQ says:

No Shaq, not surprising. Wade off the bench, surprising. No Wright, does it matter? Wait, let us get this straight, this team won the NBA Title in 2005-06 and Sunday it started a line-up consisting of: Chris Quinn, Daequan Cook, Ricky Davs, Udonis Haslem and Mark Blount? Really? How does anyone in Miami's front office still have a job? A lot of questions and no answers in Miami.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 98-103 Milwaukee
L 89-94 @ Dallas
L 94-101 @ Memphis

2007-2008 Record: 4-29

30. Minnesota Timberwolves

Hoops IQ says:

Randy Foye is reportedly close to returning to the court. Rashad McCants is averaging 20.3 PPG in January on 61.8% shooting and Al Jefferson is averaging 23 PPG and 14 RPG on 48.3% shooting over that same period of time. However, the Wolves finished 0-3 again this week. Fret not Wolves fan(s) We don't actually know any so we're unsure about what tense to use? Miami comes to town next week.read more »
Weekly Results:
L 82-91 @ LA Clippers
L 79-90 Portland
L 107-118 Denver
L 78-101 Dallas