The Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 10)

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Here's our weird NBA season in a nutshell: Five days after the hottest team in the league basically conceded a game to an opponent and lost by 40, we get one of the most competitive All-Star Games ever (at the end at least), complete with one superstar breaking another superstar's nose. But as wacky as the season's been (Jeremy Lin, yup we totally saw that one coming), it's also been predictable: the Heat, Thunder, and Bulls are good; the Bobcats aren't. Second half storylines? The trade deadline is March 15, two weeks from Thursday, and we'll know a lot more then. This week the Knicks go back to training camp, the Sixers, Pacers, and Hawks fight to see who could possibly vie with the Bulls and Miami for ascendancy in the East, the Magic try to hold onto Superman, and one sleeper team in Texas looks to crash the party in the West; all that and more in the Complex NBA Power Rankings.

30. Charlotte Bobcats

Record: 4 - 28
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: L vs. Indiana 88-102, (Wed)
This Week: @ Detroit, Wednesday (2/29); @ San Antonio, Friday (3/2); @ New Jersey, Sunday (3/4)

Michael Jordan and everyone affiliated with the Charlotte Bobcats cannot wait till April 27th. That is when the season will officially come to an end and the front office can start working out a plan to address the team's many needs. Until then, it's going to be a long two months. Sooner or later, the traditional trash bag over the head look will become a staple in the Time Warner Cable Arena. Ironically, Jordan will probably be the one to start the trend. —Jose Martinez

29. Washington Wizards

Record: 7 - 26
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: L @ Phoenix 88-104, (Mon); L vs. Sacramento 107-115, (Wed)
This Week: @ Milwaukee, Tuesday (2/28); vs. Orlando, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Cleveland, Saturday (3/3)

With the season already a wash for the Wizards, maybe it's time to let the real JaVale McGee loose. After all, what do you guys have to lose...other than a hell of a lot more games? Then, you can run promotions like "Bring Your Glove to the Game Day" where JaVale will try to swat as many basketballs into the crowd as possible before the refs eject him from the game themselves. Hell, call me crazy but at least it'll be more entertaining than watching this team play on a daily basis. —Jose Martinez

28. New Orleans Hornets

Record: 8 - 25
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: L @ Oklahoma City 93-101, (Mon); L @ Indiana 108-117, (Tue); W @ Cleveland 89-84, (Wed)
This Week: @ Chicago, Tuesday (2/28); vs. Toronto, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Dallas, Friday (3/2); vs. Indiana, Saturday (3/3)

Baby steps NOLA, baby steps. When the Hornets drop games, they do so in bunches with losing streaks of 6, 8, and 11 this season. So when they dropped their first two games this last week, it looked like another nosedive for the Western Conference bottom feeder. That is until Center du jour, Chris Kaman, dropped 21 points in a win over the Cavs. In the last two weeks the Hornets have been able to manage a modest three game winning streak and proved an ability to regroup by grabbing a win after back-to-back losses. The Hornets may be busted up and completely void of talent, but they're definitely coachable, so there's that.—Sean Evans

27. Toronto Raptors

Record: 10 - 23
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: W vs. Detroit 103-93, (Wed)
This Week: @ Houston, Tuesday (2/28); @ New Orleans, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Memphis, Friday (3/2); @ Golden State, Sunday (3/4)

Toronto should have Bargnani back tomorrow night against Houson. Their win over a hot Pistons team was their only game this past week. Toronto withstood a a 30 and 14 night by Greg Monroe. Let's see if the Raps can turn their season around with a healthy squad. —Angel Diaz

26. Detroit Pistons

Record: 11 - 24
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: L @ Cleveland 101-100, (Tue); L @ Toronto 93-103, (Wed)
This Week: vs. Philadelphia, Tuesday (2/28); vs. Charlotte, Wednesday (2/29); @ Memphis, Saturday (3/3)

Ah, now that's more like it, Detroit! After winning a handful of games and nearly pulling yourself out of the basement in the Central Division, you lost to Cleveland and Toronto last week. Cleveland...and Toronto. Yeah, it's been one of those years. That said, it's clear you're trying hard, and Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight look like they could be the foundation of your team for the next decade or so. So it's not all bad news—even if it might seem like it right now.—Chris Yuscavage

25. New Jersey Nets

Record: 10 - 25
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: W @ New York 100-92, (Mon); L vs. Orlando 91-108, (Wed)
This Week: @ Dallas, Tuesday (2/28); @ Boston, Friday (3/2); @ Charlotte, Sunday (3/4)

The Nets had an interesting week. Deron Williams embarrassed the Knicks with 8 threes (the Nets hit 15 of 'em) and 38 points. They followed that up with a not-so-subtle homecoming to Dwight Howard, completely disregarding that he played for the other team. Fireworks, all that shit. Can you blame them? He could make this season look like a success as soon as he puts on a Net jersey. —Angel Diaz

24. Sacramento Kings

Record: 11 - 22
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: L @ Miami 108-120, (Tue); W @ Washington 115-107, (Wed)
This Week: vs. Utah, Tuesday (2/28); vs. LA Clippers, Thursday (3/1); @ LA Lakers, Friday (3/2); @ Phoenix, Sunday (3/4)

Things pretty much went according to plan for Sacramento this week as they lost to the Heat and saved themselves from embarrassment by beating the Wizards. A bit of off-the-court drama arose as Jimmer Fredette's brother ripped interim head coach Keith Smart on Twitter for not giving his famous bro more playing time. Yup, that's a Twitter fail. #stayinyourlane —Ralph Warner

23. Golden State Warriors

Record: 13 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: W vs. L.A. Clippers 104-97, (Mon); W @ Phoenix 106-104, (Wed)
This Week: @ Indiana, Tuesday (2/28); @ Atlanta, Wednesday (2/29); @ Philadelphia, Friday (2/2); @ Toronto, Sunday (3/4)

The Warriors were perfect this week! Yeah, only two games were played but they were able to steal a game from the division-leading Clippers before mugging some old heads in Phoenix a couple days later. The MVP was Monta Ellis who averaged 29 points and shot 49% from the field over two games. The highlight of the week also came from Ellis whose fadeaway jumper over Grant Hill secured the 106-104 victory for Golden State. Sure, fans of this team didn't have any All-Star representatives and haven't had one since Latrell Sprewell back in '97, but the last few days weren't all bad. #glasshalffull —Ralph Warner

22. Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 13 - 18
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: W vs. Detroit 101-100, (Tue); L vs. New Orleans 84-89, (Wed)
This Week: vs. Boston, Tuesday (2/28); @ New York, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Chicago, Friday (3/2); @ Washington, Saturday (3/3)

All Kyrie Irving does is win, win, win. He did it in high school. He did it during his (very) brief stay at Duke. And, on Friday night, he did it during the Rising Stars game when he took home the MVP award for Team Chuck (Charles Barkley's squad). It's one of the reasons why—despite the sub-.500 record—Cavaliers fans should still have hope for their team. This guy has been a winner at every level. So, why should we believe the NBA will be any different? Just be patient, Cleveland. It'll take some time, but the Cavs are really building something here.—Chris Yuscavage

21. Milwaukee Bucks

Record: 13 - 20
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: L vs. Orlando 90-93, (Mon); L @ Chicago 91-110, (Wed)
This Week: vs. Washington, Tuesday (2/28); @ Boston, Wednesday (2/29); @ Atlanta, Friday (3/2); @ Orlando, Saturday (3/3)

Good news, Bucks fans: Andrew Bogut won't need surgery on his injured left ankle! However, that doesn't mean he'll be back anytime soon (he's still expected to miss 8-12 weeks total) and, if things keep trending downwards the way they are right now, there's a chance he might not come back at all this season. And, we hate to say this, but can you really blame him if he decides to stay on the bench for the rest of the year? It's not like he has a whole hell of a lot to look forward to coming back to.—Chris Yuscavage

20. Phoenix Suns

Record: 14 - 20
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: W vs. Washington 104-88, (Mon); L vs. Golden State 104-106, (Wed)
This Week: vs. Minnesota, Thursday (3/1); vs. LA Clippers, Friday (3/2); vs. Sacramento, Sunday (3/4)

Few teams were as appreciative of the All-Star break as the old head ballers known as the Phoenix Suns. They picked up an expected victory against the terrible Wizards on Monday but lost a heart-breaker to Golden State just two nights later. The loss to the Warriors came down to Golden State's Monta Ellis hitting a game-winning fadeaway jumper with one second remaining but the game was really lost in the first quarter. The Suns' lackluster start resulted in them facing a 22-39 deficit heading into the second quarter. They came back but didn't have enough to keep up with the Golden State young'ns. We'll see whether a full week off with rejuvenate these old men out West.—Ralph Warner

19. Utah Jazz

Record: 15 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: L vs. San Antonio 102-106, (Mon); L @ Minnesota 98-100, (Wed)
This Week: @ Sacramento, Tuesday (2/28); vs. Houston, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Miami, Friday (3/2); @ Dallas, Saturday (3/3)

The feel-good Utah Jazz stories can stop now. With two more losses heading into the All-Star break, they're two games below .500, and in the basement of the Northwest Division. And the fact that those two losses came by a combined six points is no real consolation. With the condensed season there's no time to lick their wounds, either — the post-break week sees four games, including a back-to-back set against the Heat and the Mavericks. Good luck with that, fellas. —Russ Bengtson

18. Boston Celtics

Record: 15 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: L @ Dallas 73-89, (Mon); L @ Oklahoma City 104-119, (Wed)
This Week: @ Cleveland, Tuesday (2/28); vs. Milwaukee, Wednesday (2/29); vs. New Jersey, Friday (3/2); vs. New York, Sunday (3/4)

Boston stumbled into the break with five straight losses and now sit two games under .500. Rondo's bone-headed ejection and subsequent two-game suspension is to blame. They didn't have a chance against the Mavs and the Thunder without him. Thank goodness they have what should be an easy week coming out of the break with the Cavs, Bucks, and Nets on the docket. —Angel Diaz

17. Minnesota Timberwolves

Record: 17- 17
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: L @ Denver 101-103, (Mon); W vs. Utah 100-98, (Wed)
This Week: @ LA Clippers, Tuesday (2/28); @ LA Lakers, Wednesday (2/29); @ Phoenix, Thursday (3/1); @ Portland, Saturday (3/3)

The good news is that the Timberwolves are still at .500, after splitting a pair of in-division games before the break. And 25 and 14 guy Kevin Love comes back to the squad as an All-Star Game winner AND the newest three-point champ. One would assume the victories would give him some more confidence — which they may need, as their next four are on the road, including both Staples stops and the division rival Blazers. —Russ Bengtson

16. Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 18 - 16
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: L @ LA Lakers 92-103, (Mon); W vs. San Antonio 137-97, (Tue)
This Week: @ Denver, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Miami, Thursday (3/1); vs. Minnesota, Saturday (3/3)

Remember the bipolar Portland Trail Blazers who lost to the sorry-ass Wizards before beating the Hawks by 20? Welp, they're still here. The Blazers went into the break by losing to the Lakers by 11, then turning around and crushing the San Antonio Spurs by 40. Fundamental changes occurred after the Lakers game, as Raymond Felton was benched in favor of Jamal Crawford. And while we're not saying it made all the difference, the Blazers scored 7 first-quarter points against the Lakers, and 41 against the Spurs. This might end Jamal's Sixth Man of the Year campaign, but we imagine he'll be OK with that. The true test comes Wednesday, as the Miami Heat come to the Rose Garden. If things stay true to form, the Blazers will win by 50 — then lose to the Timberwolves. —Russ Bengtson

15. New York Knicks

Record: 17 - 18
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: L vs. New Jersey 92-100, (Mon); W vs. Atlanta 99-82, (Wed); L @ Miami 88-102, (Thu)
This Week: vs. Cleveland, Wednesday (2/29); @ Boston, Sunday (3/4)

The Knicks had a roller-coaster week. They had impressive wins against the Mavs and the Hawks, but got embarrassed by the Nets and the Heat. Jeremy still has trouble with turnovers and the Knicks are 1-2 since Melo returned. New York has only one game scheduled for the week vs. the Cavs and Mike D'Antoni mentioned they will be holding a mini-training camp during all that free time. Let's see if it works. —Angel Diaz

14. Denver Nuggets

Record: 18 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: W vs. Minnesota 103-101, (Mon); L @ LA Clippers 95-103, (Wed); L vs. San Antonio 99-114, (Thu)
This Week: vs. Portland, Wednesday (2/29); @ Houston, Friday (3/2); @ San Antonio, Sunday (3/4)

That #struggle life continues for the Denver Nuggets, whose early-season success seems like it was some sort of fever dream. Only a two-point win over the division rival Timberwolves kept them from an 0-3 week, and things don't get any easier next week with games against Portland (who've already passed them in the division standings), Houston, and the resurgent Spurs. Injuries have played a large role, as only Al Harrington and Andre Miller have played in all 35 games, but at some point the Nuggets need to rise above. —Russ Bengtson

13. Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 19 - 15
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: L @ Houston 93-97, (Mon); W vs. Philadelphia 89-76, (Tue)
This Week: vs. Dallas, Wednesday (2/29); @ Toronto, Friday (3/2); vs. Detroit, Saturday (3/3)

Last season, Memphis proved they were dangerous when they knocked off the top-seeded Spurs in the playoffs. This year, the rag-tag Grizzles are proving that they're pretty damn tough. When Zach Randolph went down, the question mark for Memphis was whether or not they could keep pace until he came back. Well, if the postseason started today, the Grizzlies would be in. And in more good news for Memphis, Randolph's on schedule to return to the team this month. With 7 of their next 11 games against teams under .500, look for Rudy Gay & Friends to continue their improvised assault on the Western Conference. —Sean Evans

12. Atlanta Hawks

Record: 20 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: L @ Chicago 79-90, (Mon); L @ New York 82-99, (Wed); W vs. Orlando 83-78, (Thu)
This Week: vs. Golden State, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Milwaukee, Friday (3/2); vs. Oklahoma City, Saturday (3/3)

In the words of Dennis Green, the Hawks "Are who we thought they were." Atlanta is a mirror image of their team from last season, a competitive and solid squad cruising along under the radar. Yeah, they dropped two out of three this week but we'll just blame that on Josh Smith's poor play. Dude must still be pissed over that All-Star snub. That's still no reason to shoot 35% from the field though. #justsayin' —Jose Martinez

11. Houston Rockets

Record: 20 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: W vs. Memphis 97-93, (Mon); W vs. Philadelphia 93-97, (Wed)
This Week: vs. Toronto, Tuesday (2/28); @ Utah, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Denver, Friday (3/2); vs. LA Clippers, Sunday (3/4)

It would probably surprise the casual NBA fan to learn that if the Playoffs began today, Houston would be the Western Conference's #5 seed. The Rockets have been winning against quality opponents, and until Chase Budinger air-humped the back of Diddy's head , they've done it without anyone really noticing. While it may be a bit early to declare this Houston's coming out party, they do play three playoff-caliber teams this week. If they ball as hard coming out of the break as they did going into it, we won't be the only ones hyped on the Rockets. —Sean Evans

10. Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 20 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: L @ Memphis 76-89, (Tue); L @ Houston 87-93, (Wed)
This Week: @ Detroit, Tuesday (2/28); vs. Oklahoma City, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Golden State, Friday (3/2); vs. Chicago, Sunday (3/4)

The second half of the season is where we separate the contenders from the pretenders. The "wet behind the ears" 76ers have lost five straight and hold a 3.5 game lead in the Atlantic (they got robbed in Minnesota!). With the surging Knicks and a tested Celtics team on their heels, it's not looking so peachy for Philly anymore. They face a Pistons team that's been playing like professionals as of late, the contending Thunder, and a dangerous Warriors squad this week. —Angel Diaz

9. Indiana Pacers

Record: 21 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Orleans 117-108, (Tue); W @ Charlotte 102-88, (Wed)
This Week: vs. Golden State, Tuesday (2/28); @ New Orleans, Saturday (3/3)

Thanks to matchups against the Hornets and Bobcats last week, the Pacers were able to right the ship after faltering a couple of times the week prior to that. And they should be able to keep that winning streak going with a pair of games against the Warriors and Hornets this week. That's the name of the game right now for Indy—winning the games that they should win, keeping pace with the Bulls in the Central Division, and staying in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference playoff race. It doesn't always have to be pretty, guys. Just keep stacking wins in the second half of the season by any means necessary.—Chris Yuscavage

8. Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 20 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: W vs. Portland 103-92, (Mon); W @ Dallas 96-91, (Wed); L @ Oklahoma City 85-100, (Thu)
This Week: vs. Minnesota, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Sacramento, Friday (3/2); vs. Miami, Sunday (3/4)

Dwight Howard? Nah. Deron Williams? Nope. Rasheed "Nearly as old and twice as crazy as your great uncle" Wallace? Hell yes! The Lakers picked up two Ws in the three games played this week but it was this surprising signing that kept them in the headlines. Ironically, Wallace's last NBA game came in Game 7 of the 2010 Finals when he was on the Celtics playing against the Lake Show. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em a year and a half later? On top of all that, Kobe Bryant became the leading scorer in All-Star history and broke his nose on Sunday. *cues the soundtrack* —Ralph Warner

7. Orlando Magic

Record: 22 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: W @ Milwaukee 93-90, (Mon); W @ New Jersey 108-91, (Wed); L @ Atlanta 78-83, (Thu)
This Week: @ Washington, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Oklahoma City, Thursday (3/1); vs. Milwaukee, Saturday (3/3)

So far, so good for the Orlando Magic. They posted a solid record going into the All-Star break, they have remained a solid playoff-bound contender and they still have Dwight Howard. If Orlando can remain in the hunt, there will be an interesting fork in the road: Trade Superman before the deadline or continue rolling with him even though he may hightail it leaving you with nothing once the season is through? Pimpin' and the life of a GM ain't easy. —Jose Martinez

6. Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 20 - 11
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: L @ Golden State 97-104, (Mon); W vs. Denver 103-95, (Wed)
This Week: vs. Minnesota, Tuesday (2/28); @ Sacramento, Thursday (3/1); @ Phoenix, Friday (3/2); @ Houston, Sunday (3/4)

The Clippers went 1-1 in their short week heading into the All-Star break giving themselves a 1.5 game lead over the Lakers in the Pacific. At the beginning of the season, many were skeptical as to whether the Clippers would be a legit contender or just a flashy team full of highlight reel material and they've proven to be both thus far. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul put on for their city and conference in the All-Star game with CP3 racking up 12 assists and Blake Griffin going 9-12 for 22 points in the West's victory over the East. It's back to grind time now though as the Lob City crew will play 20 games over 31 days in March. —Ralph Warner

5. Dallas Mavericks

Record: 21 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: W vs. Boston 89-73, (Mon); L vs. LA Lakers 91-96, (Wed)
This Week: vs. New Jersey, Tuesday (2/28); @ Memphis, Wednesday (2/29); @ New Orleans, Friday (3/2); vs. Utah, Saturday (3/3)

Are this year's Mavericks better than the team that knocked off the Heat in last year's Finals? Maybe. Rick Carlisle is orchestrating a defensive masterpiece, allowing only the Knicks to score over 100 points in the last month and their holding opponents to a .416 shooting percentage—the lowest in the NBA. If Lamar Odom continues to play like a heart-broken runaway that misses Kobe, then look for more consistent minutes from Brandan Wright. The pine-riding forward out of UNC has shown flashes of brilliance in limited minutes and may be what Dallas needs to sure up their struggling front court. —Sean Evans

4. San Antonio Spurs

Record: 24 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: W @ Utah 106-102, (Mon); L @ Portland 97-137, (Tue); W @ Denver 114-99, (Thu)
This Week: vs. Chicago, Wednesday (2/29); vs. Charlotte, Friday (3/2); vs. Denver, Sunday (3/4)

The Spurs only lose when they want to. Their 11-game winning streak was snapped this week when they sat Tony Parker and Tim Duncan and essentially ceded a game to Portland. Over the past month, San Antonio has gone from honorable mention to elite and looks as title-worthy as any team in the NBA. The Spurs close out an 11-1 February against Chicago Wednesday and their 8-1 stretch on the road marks their best since 2003. Well rested, relatively healthy, and with an abundance of home games in March, Tim Duncan & Co. are set up to continue their regular season dominance. —Sean Evans

3. Chicago Bulls

Record: 27 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: W vs. Atlanta 90-79, (Mon); W vs. Milwaukee 110-91, (Wed)
This Week: vs. New Orleans, Tuesday (2/28); @ San Antonio, Wednesday (2/29); @ Cleveland, Friday (3/2); @ Philadelphia, Sunday (3/4)

There's one way—and only one way—that the Bulls won't make it to the Eastern Conference Finals this season: If Derrick Rose continues to get injured and isn't at or close to 100 percent when the playoffs roll around. So the most important member of the Bulls team in the second half of the season is head coach Tom Thibodeau. He needs to mix and match the lineup on a nightly basis to get D-Rose enough rest AND make sure the Bulls continue winning games at the same pace that they did during the first half of the year. If he can do that, it'll definitely be Bulls/Heat in the ECF—and we're definitely looking forward to that. —Chris Yuscavage

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 27 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Orleans 101-93, (Mon); W vs. Boston 119-104, (Wed); W vs. LA Lakers 100-85, (Thu)
This Week: @ Philadelphia, Wednesday (2/29); @ Orlando, Thursday (3/1); @ Atlanta, Saturday (3/3)

The Oklahoma City Thunder may have slipped down to No. 2 here behind the surging Heat, but the way they're playing, they won't stay No. 2 for long. They spent their time pre-All-Star break winning three straight at home; scoring over 100 points per in each game. Then Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant headed south for the big game, where Westbrook dunked emphatically on the host, and KD dropped a team-high 36 points en route to MVP honors. This week should be fun, as the Thunder hit the road to play three Eastern playoff squads. Well, fun for the Thunder. —Russ Bengtson

1. Miami Heat

Record: 27 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: W vs. Sacramento 120-108, (Tue); W vs. New York 102-88, (Thu)
This Week: @ Portland, Thursday (3/1); @ Utah, Friday (3/2); @ LA Lakers, Sunday (3/4)

Can any team stop the red hot Miami Heat? Winners of their last nine straight games, the Big 3 look like they have finally gelled into a strong, cohesive unit. They lose occasional games here and there to prove they're human, but when it matters most, it looks like this group can easily beat any squad, on any given night. Except if it's a close game, in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, and LeBron James has the ball in his hands. Zing! —Jose Martinez