POWER RANKINGS:
1. L.A. Lakers (11-1): Off: 111.8 (3), Def: 97.8 (1) -- The Lakers are cruising so far with Kobe Bryant averaging less than 34 minutes per game, Andrew Bynum getting more consistent and Vladimir Radmanovic hitting 10-for-13 from downtown in the last three games. It's time to start talking about the '95-96 Bulls, because the schedule looks pretty easy for the next few weeks.
2. Boston Celtics(13-2): Off: 106.5 (17), Def: 98.5 (2) -- We're ready to take back what we wrote about the Celtics' offense last week. They've got a 115.3 rating over their current five-game winning streak, and that's with Kevin Garnett missing one game and Paul Pierce scoring just 32 total points over the last three.
3. Cleveland(10-3): Off: 115.0 (1), Def: 105.8 (11) -- Multiple sources have told NBA.com that LeBron James still plays for the Cavaliers and, not coincidentally, they're a pretty good team. LeBron struggled a bit offensively in Detroit on Wednesday and the Cavs' winning streak came to an end at eight games. That loss also makes them 0-2 against the Celtics and Pistons, but the schedule over the next few weeks promises another winning streak.
4. Houston(9-5): Off: 105.3 (20), Def: 101.7 (5) -- The Rockets had a pair of injury scares this week and clearly missed Yao Ming in Wednesday's loss to the Mavs, but the big man was back two nights later. Then he kept Dwight Howard in check and hit a huge shot down the stretch as Houston picked up a nice road win in Orlando on Saturday.
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14. San Antonio(6-6): Off: 107.2 (14), Def: 107.6 (18) -- After a few narrow wins and a 10-point loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday, the Spurs had an offensive explosion against the Jazz on Friday with Roger Mason and George Hill combining for 52 points. But there's no truth to the rumor that both Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are now on the trading block.
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What can i say? Lakers still at the top. Their schedule looks pretty easy in the next few weeks.
Houston is right where they should be.
Spurs should be going up a few spots soon with the return of Ginobli.
Peace