The Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 15)

It's official: the NBA's Big 3 (teams) are now the Big 4, and the Miami Heat and their Big 3 (players) are now just the fourth best team in the league. Confusing? It shouldn't be. Oklahoma City, Chicago, San Antonio, and Miami are the top four teams in the Association, and—for the moment at least—nobody else is really all that close. Unless you count the Celtics of course, who—like a bunch of shamrock zombies—are clawing their way back to the upper echelons of the contenders. Meanwhile the Lakers are in disarray (but still in first) while the Magic need to quit celebrating Superman staying in town and do some work. All of that and more in the latest edition of the Complex NBA Power Rankings.

30. Charlotte Bobcats

Record: 7 - 43
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: L vs. Boston 95-102, (Mon); L vs. Minnesota 83-88, (Wed); L vs. Denver 88-89, (Fri); L @ Detroit 107-110, (Sat)
This Week: @ Toronto, Tuesday (4/3); @ Atlanta, Wednesday (4/4); @ Milwaukee, Friday (4/6); vs. Atlanta, Saturday (4/7)
Description: When your team sports a 7-43 record, you gotta be used to losing by now. However, the Bobcats still had a couple heartbreakers this week. From coming up short against the surging Celtics to losing in overtime to the Pistons, Charlotte has looked all season like they're a couple of possessions shy of changing their bad luck. A good defensive stand here and a clutch shot there and who knows where they'd be. Still 20+ games under .500? OK, well, that's one bullet point on a looooong list of problems. —Jose Martinez

29. Washington Wizards

Record: 12 - 40
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: L vs. Detroit 77-79, (Mon); L @ Indiana 89-93, (Thu); W vs. Philadelphia 97-76, (Fri); L @ Toronto 92-99 (Sun)
This Week: vs. Milwaukee, Monday (4/2); vs. Indiana, Wednesday (4/4); @ Detroit, Thursday (4/5); @ New Jersey, Friday (4/6)
Description: The Wizards should've had a better week than they did: losing three of their last four games. I know what team I'm talking about here, but c'mon, they played the Pistons and the Raptors. Yet they somehow destroy Philadelphia, thanks to a breakout performance from D-League call-up Cartier Martin (20 points, 6 rebounds). With Milwaukee, Detroit, and New Jersey coming up on the schedule, I'm expecting to see more than just one win from Washington by the end of the week. But something tells me I'm getting myself into the same old song and dance. —Jose Martinez

28. New Orleans Hornets

Record: 13 - 40
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: L @ LA Clippers 85-97, (Mon); W @ Golden State 102-87, (Wed); L @ Portland 93-99, (Thu); L @ LA Lakers 85-88, (Sat); L @ Phoenix 92-79, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Denver, Wednesday (4/4); @ San Antonio, Friday (4/6); vs. Minnesota, Saturday (4/7)
Description: Their record is abysmal, their team is battered, and they've held down the basement of our power rankings like a concrete poured, rebar-enforced foundation—but the Hornets have one of the league's brightest outlooks. The franchise is being purchased from the league by an investment group that's obligated to keep the team in New Orleans until 2024, they have tons of cap space, they'll have Eric Gordon next season, and could land the No. 1 overall pick in this years draft. Fight through this last month Hornet fan, it'll get better. —Sean Evans

27. Sacramento Kings

Record: 18 - 34
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: L @ Houston 106-113, (Mon); L vs. San Antonio 112-117, (Wed); W @ Utah 104-103, (Fri); L vs. New Jersey 99-111, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Minnesota, Monday (4/2); vs. Phoenix, Tuesday (4/3); vs. LA Clippers, Thursday (4/5); @ LA Clippers, Saturday (4/7); vs. Houston, Sunday (4/8)
Description: When you allow a league worst 103.9 PPG and shoot 43% from the field (27th in the league) then going 1-3 for the week is kind of expected. Sacramento's playoffs hopes were dead by the beginning of February, so at this point they're just looking for a good draft pick and a few other acquisitions to make their team respectable in 2013 and beyond. A new coach might help, too. Sorry, Keith Smart. —Ralph Warner

26. Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 17 - 33
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: L @ Philadelphia 85-103, (Tue); L vs. Detroit 75-87, (Wed); L vs. Milwaukee 84-121, (Fri); L @ New York 75-89, (Sat)
This Week: vs. San Antonio, Tuesday (4/3); @ Milwaukee, Wednesday (4/4); @ Toronto, Friday (4/6); @ New Jersey, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Well, we'll say this about the Cavs: They were much better than we thought they'd be earlier this season. But, as the year's gone on, they've run into one injury after another and, as a result, they're going to end the season on a low note. After four straight losses last week—including a 37-point blowout loss to the Bucks—they don't have much left to look forward to this year. Except maybe trying to climb out of the basement in the Central Division. Then again, is it even worth it? Might as well tank now and earn a better lottery spot later, right?—Chris Yuscavage

25. New Jersey Nets

Record: 19 - 35
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: L vs. Utah 84-105, (Mon); W vs. Indiana 100-84, (Wed); W @ Golden State 102-100, (Fri); W @ Sacramento 111-91, (Sat)
This Week: @ LA Lakers, Tuesday (4/3); @ Portland, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Washington, Friday (4/6); vs. Cleveland, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Jersey is on a three-game winning streak, folks. Let's throw a parade from the Meadowlands to Brooklyn! But, seriously. The Nets wanted this season to be over the second Dwight Howard left them at the altar. They play the Lakers tomorrow night to kick off the last month of the season. The battle for the last spot in the Atlantic is going to be epic! —Angel Diaz

24. Toronto Raptors

Record: 18 - 35
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: L vs. Orlando 101-117, (Mon); W vs. Denver 105-96, (Wed); L vs. Miami 101-113, (Fri); W vs. Washington 92-99, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Charlotte, Tuesday (4/3); @ Philadelphia, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Cleveland, Friday (4/6); @ Oklahoma City, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Another year, another lottery. This season has been a struggle for our up north friends. They have been playing better since Bargnani returned from injury, but it hasn't been enough. They have a pretty rough schedule the rest of the way. Pray for them. —Angel Diaz

23. Detroit Pistons

Record: 19 - 33
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: W @ Washington 79-77, (Mon); W @ Cleveland 87-75, (Wed); L @ Chicago 71-83, (Fri); W vs. Charlotte 110-107, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Orlando, Tuesday (4/3); vs. Washington, Thursday (4/5); @ Atlanta, Friday (4/6); @ Miami, Sunday (4/8)
Description: It took them almost all season...but the Pistons are finally on the rise! After spending most of the year in last place in the Central Division, they moved to fourth on Saturday when the Cavaliers lost to the Knicks and assumed the position. Somehow, though, it feels like that's an L. After all, it's too late to save this season. So, why not just continue to count your losses and improve your chances of landing a higher spot in the draft? Eh, it's been that kind of year for the Pistons. So, we won't ask anymore silly questions. This team is just destined to fail right now.—Chris Yuscavage

22. Golden State Warriors

Record: 20 - 31
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: L vs. LA Lakers 101-104, (Tue); L vs. New Orleans 87-102, (Wed); L vs. New Jersey 100-102, (Fri); L @ LA Lakers 120-112, (Sun)
This Week: @ Memphis, Tuesday (4/3); @ Minnesota, Wednesday (4/4); @ Utah, Friday (4/6); vs. Denver, Saturday (4/7)
Description: Jesus. The Warriors just got ran through (II) this week. Losing hard-fought games to the Lake Show is understandable but dropping games to the Hornets and Nets, too? C'mon, son. You're better than that. Oh, wait. That's right, you traded Monta Ellis. Want an idea of just how low this team has sunk? Peep this quote from Klay Thompson after Kobe Bryant torched him for 40 points on Sunday, "I thought I played good defense." SMH, Pac said it best. —Ralph Warner

21. Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 25 - 28
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: L vs. Oklahoma City 95-109, (Tue); W vs. New Orleans 99-93, (Thu); L @ LA Clippers 97-98, (Fri); W vs. Minnesota 119-106, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Utah, Monday (4/2); vs. New Jersey, Wednesday (4/4); @ Dallas, Friday (4/6); @ Milwaukee, Saturday (4/7)
Description: The Trail Blazers are staggering to the tape at the end of this half-marathon season, as they once again split a week's worth of games. By losing to the Thunder they lost a game on the leaders, but beating the Timberwolves on Sunday pushed them a game further out of the basement. J.J. Hickson, claimed off waivers, has moved into the starting lineup, and scored 29 points in his first game as a starter. Meanwhile, in three of his starts, Joel Przybilla managed 1, 0 and 0 points. Whatever the outcome of the season, Portland has a lot of work to do. —Russ Bengtson

20. Minnesota Timberwolves

Record: 25 - 29
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: L @ Memphis 86-93, (Tue); W @ Charlotte 88-83, (Wed); L vs. Boston 79-100, (Fri); L @ Portland 119-106, (Sun)
This Week: @ Sacramento, Monday (4/2); vs. Golden State, Wednesday (4/4); @ New Orleans, Saturday (4/7)
Description: In the close quarters that pass for the lower half of the Northwest Division, a 1-3 week is enough to banish you to the basement. That's exactly what happened to the Minnesota Timberwolves last week, who dropped to four games under .500 in the process. And their sole win came against the Charlotte Bobcats, which hardly counts. At least Kevin Love continues to post MVP numbers, including 40 and 19 against those same Bobcats. A light three-game week next week should help them out a bit. —Russ Bengtson

19. Milwaukee Bucks

Record: 24 - 28
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: L @ New York 80-89, (Mon); W vs. Atlanta 108-101, (Tue); W @ Cleveland 121-84, (Fri); L vs. Memphis 95-99, (Sat)
This Week: @ Washington, Monday (4/2); vs. Cleveland, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Charlotte, Friday (4/6); vs. Portland, (4/7)
Description: The Bucks aren't going quietly into the night. They still sit 2.5 games out of the final playoff spot, but you get the feeling that they could be in the race until the last game of the season thanks to all the injuries that the Knicks, who are currently the eighth seed, are facing right now. They've also got a pretty favorable schedule ahead of them. With the Wizards, Cavaliers, Bobcats, and Trail Blazers all on tap this week, there's no reason they shouldn't make one last final push and put some pressure on New York. If they can somehow manage to win three out of those four—or, better yet, all four of those games—things could get really interesting.—Chris Yuscavage

18. Phoenix Suns

Record: 26 - 26
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: L vs. San Antonio 100-107, (Tue); L @ L.A. Clippers 86-103, (Wed); W vs. New Orleans 92-79, (Sun)
This Week: @ Sacramento, Tuesday (4/3); @ Utah, Wednesday (4/4); @ Denver, Friday (4/6); vs. LA Lakers, Saturday (4/7)
Description: In their first losing week since the All-Star break, the Phoenix Suns lost to legit contenders like the Spurs and Clippers before beating up on the lowly Hornets. Despite a 1-2 week, the Arizona vets are still only 1.5 games out of the eighth spot in the Western Conference. The bad news is they'll have to make that playoff push without Grant Hill who will be out for the rest of the regular season after having minor knee surgery last week. Injuries requiring surgery are anything but "minor" especially when it comes to Grant Hill but we're hoping for the best for these feisty oldheads out West. They play with more energy and heart than some of these young'ns in the conference. *cough* Warriors, Kings *cough, cough*—Ralph Warner

17. Utah Jazz

Record: 27 - 26
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: W @ New Jersey 105-84, (Mon); L @ Boston 82-94, (Wed); L vs. Sacramento 103-104, (Fri); L @ LA Clippers 96-105, (Sat)
This Week: @ Portland, Monday (4/2); vs. Phoenix, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Golden State, Friday (4/6); @ San Antonio, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Well, the Jazz didn't have to worry about the Nets — crushing them by 21 in Newark — it was the other games they needed to be concerned with. The Nets win was followed by three losses, including a back-to-back set with the Kings and the Clippers. They're not far behind Houston for the eighth spot, but perhaps it's reached the point where they should embrace the lottery. —Russ Bengtson

16. New York Knicks

Record: 27 - 26
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: W vs. Milwaukee 89-80, (Mon); W vs. Orlando 108-86, (Wed); L @ Atlanta 90-100, (Fri); W vs. Cleveland 91-75, (Sat)
This Week: @ Indiana, Tuesday (4/3); @ Orlando, Thursday (4/5); vs. Chicago, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Just when we thought the Knicks were back when Mike Woodson took over (9-2), all hell broke loose. STAT has a bulging disc and is out for four weeks, Jeremy Lin is out for six weeks with a torn meniscus, and I can't believe I'm saying this, Jared Jeffries needs to come back from his knee injury ASAP. They can't catch a break. The good news is they've been winning in spite of all this, but will it last is the question. The Knicks are limping into the postseason with the Bucks on their heels and another hard month ahead of them. —Angel Diaz

15. Houston Rockets

Record: 28 - 25
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: W vs. Sacramento 113-106, (Mon); L @ Dallas 81-90, (Tue); W vs. Memphis 98-89, (Fri); L vs. Indiana 104-102, (Sun)
This Week: @ Chicago, Monday (4/2); @ LA Lakers, Friday (4/6); @ Sacramento, Sunday (4/8)
Description: The Rockets have been on a win-one-lose-one run for about three weeks now, not good if you're an eight seed. While most teams in the West are getting over their compressed season injuries and rounding into playoff form (the Spurs and Grizzlies come to mind), the Rockets are losing players, close games, and with less than a month to go, are virtually deadlocked alongside Denver and Utah with only two postseason spots available. It's officially time to declare must-win games and Houston has a pair this week on the road against the Kings and Lakers. —Sean Evans

14. Denver Nuggets

Record: 29 - 24
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: W @ Chicago 108-91, (Mon); L @ Toronto 96-105, (Wed); W @ Charlotte 99-88, (Fri); W @ Orlando 104-101 , (Sun)
This Week: @ New Orleans, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Phoenix, Friday (4/6); @ Golden State, Saturday (4/7)
Description: Just when you think you have the Nuggets figured out, they go and do something crazy — like beat the Bulls in Chicago by 17. Of course they followed it up by losing to the Raptors. Same old Nuggets. They've been driven by the starting guard combo of Aron Afflalo and Ty Lawson, who combined for 49 against the Bulls and 47 in a win over Orlando. Hey, if they can just get to the NBA Finals, they've got the top of the East under control. —Russ Bengtson

13. Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 29 - 23
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: W vs. Cleveland 103-85, (Tue); L @ Washington 76-85, (Fri); W vs. Atlanta 95-90, (Sat)
This Week: @ Miami, Tuesday (4/3); vs. Toronto, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Orlando, Saturday (4/7); @ Boston, Sunday (4/8)
Description: We were all waiting for this young team to come down to Earth and they did somewhat. They finally gave up their choke hold on the division to the Celtics. Don't count them out, though. This team is still talented and their defense is going to always keep them in games. They've been struggling since the break and have the Heat tomorrow night. If the Sixers want a chance to get out of the first round, they must take back the Atlantic. Not having a go-to-guy is really hurting them down the stretch. —Angel Diaz

12. Dallas Mavericks

Record: 30 - 23
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: W vs. Houston 90-81, (Tue); L @ Miami 85-106, (Thu); W @ Orlando 100-98, (Fri)
This Week: vs. LA Clippers, Monday (4/2); vs. Memphis, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Portland, Friday (4/6); @ Memphis, Saturday (4/7)
Description: Would it be overdramatic to say that Dirk Nowitzki saved Dallas' season with his awkward fade away winner Friday night against the Magic? Maybe. But when you consider that a month-long slump had Dallas in serious danger of missing the playoffs altogether, then you can see how one shot might have changed the entire complexion of their season. Free agent to be Jason Terry didn't exactly speak to the team's confidence either when he said he'd be down to play for Miami the same day the Mavs lost to the Heat, but what's a playoff push without a little team drama? The NBA, where amazing happens. —Sean Evans

11. Atlanta Hawks

Record: 31 - 23
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: L @ Milwaukee 101-108, (Tue); L vs. Chicago 77-98, (Wed); W vs. New York 100-90, (Fri); L @ Philadelphia 90-95, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Charlotte, Wednesday (4/3); vs. Detroit, Friday (4/6); @ Charlotte, Saturday (4/7)
Description: Last week, I mentioned that the Hawks should use these match-ups as a way of testing themselves against some potential playoff-bound squads. Let's just say that they failed. They lost to Milwaukee and Philadelphia, they got crushed by a Bulls team that didn't have Derrick Rose, and they beat an injury-laden Knicks squad. Big whoop! Defeat the teams you need to beat, like the Celtics and Magic in two weeks, and we'll talk. —Jose Martinez

10. Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 28 - 22
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: W vs. Minnesota 93-86, (Tue); L @ Houston 89-98, (Fri); W @ Milwaukee 99-95, (Sat)
This Week: @ Oklahoma City, Monday (4/2); vs. Golden State, Tuesday (4/3); @ Dallas, Wednesday (4/4); @ Miami, Friday (4/6); vs. Dallas, Saturday (4/7)
Description: The Western Conference dark horse returned to form this week, winning two of three after a surprising 2-6 slide. While much of the Grizzlies excitement has been centered on the return of Zach Randolph, the key to a postseason run sits squarely on the shoulders of Mike Conley Jr. The Memphis point guard is averaging close to his career high in points, assists, and is picking up 2.5 steals per game. But with ten games in the next fifteen days, his most important statistical category might be minutes. We'll see if Memphis' workhorse has enough left in the tank to hold on to a playoff spot. —Sean Evans

9. Indiana Pacers

Record: 31 - 21
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: W vs. Miami 105-90, (Mon); L @ New Jersey 84-100, (Wed); W vs. Washington 93-89, (Thu); L @ San Antonio 103-120, (Sat); W @ Houston 104-102, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New York, Tuesday (4/3); @ Washington, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Oklahoma City, Friday (4/6); vs. Boston, Saturday (4/7)
Description: Finally! We've been waiting for the Pacers to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference and it looks like they kinda, sorta might've finally done it. Their big win over the Heat last Monday started it. And, despite a bad loss to the Nets and a misstep against the Spurs, we liked the resiliency we saw from them last week. Now, can they finish out the season right and improve on their playoff seed? That's yet to be determined. But we like their chances, in spite of the tough schedule they'll face this week. Let's get it, guys.—Chris Yuscavage

8. Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 31 - 21
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Orleans 97-85, (Mon); W vs. Phoenix 103-86, (Wed); W vs. Portland 98-97, (Fri); W vs. Utah 105-86, (Sat)
This Week: @ Dallas, Monday (4/2); vs. LA Lakers, Wednesday (4/4); @ Sacramento, Thursday (4/5); vs. Sacramento, Saturday (4/7)
Description: The Clippers' 4-0 week was exactly what they needed to once again challenge the Lake Show for the Pacific Division lead. With only 14 games left on their regular season schedule, the Lob City Crew is only 1.5 games behind the Lakers. A 5-0 home stretch has restored some confidence in L.A. and reassured Vinny Del Negro of his job (for now). Their most important game of the year (so far) comes on Wednesday against the Lakers. Over three months later and we still don't have an answer to this question. —Ralph Warner

7. Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 33 - 20
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: W @ Golden State 104-101, (Tue); L vs. Oklahoma City 93-102, (Thu); W vs. New Orleans 88-85, (Sat); W vs. Golden State 120-112, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New Jersey, Tuesday (4/3); @ LA Clippers, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Houston, Friday (4/6); @ Phoenix, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Numbers don't lie? Eh, well maybe, but sometimes they do twist the truth a bit. The Lakers went 3-1 with their only loss coming to the beasts known as the OKC Thunder. Not too shabby, right? Not exactly. The Lakers had to scratch and claw their way to victories against the 13-40 Hornets and 20-31 Warriors. A prime example was Sunday when Kobe dropped 40, Pau Gasol went off for 26, and Ramon Sessions scored 23 more points but the Lake Show only beat the Warriors by 8 points. Those kinds of stats from starters usually result in a 20-point shellacking by powerhouse teams, not single-digit victory margins. On top of that, Andrew Bynum sprained his ankle and may have to miss a few games. The Lake Show still holds a 1.5 game lead over the Clippers in the Pacific Division but questions about their health and consistency seem to be the biggest concerns of the moment. —Ralph Warner

6. Orlando Magic

Record: 32 - 21
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: W @ Toronto 117-101, (Mon); L @ New York 86-108, (Wed); L vs. Dallas 98-100, (Fri); L vs. Denver 101-104 (Sun)
This Week: @ Detroit, Tuesday (4/3); vs. New York, Thursday (4/5); @ Philadelphia, Saturday (4/7)
Description: That wild night in New York earlier in the week sure did a number on the Magic. Since pulling that crazy all-nighter popping bottles, Orlando has lost three straight to the Knicks, Mavericks, and Nuggets, respectively. Hopefully, these guys use their off-day on Monday to sober rest up and not explore the nightlife that Detroit has to offer. Because one week, these guys can be sitting pretty with the No. 3 seed and the next thing they know they're fighting for a playoff spot. It's that close, people. —Jose Martinez

5. Boston Celtics

Record: 30 - 22
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: W @ Charlotte 102-95, (Mon); W vs. Utah 94-82, (Wed); W @ Minnesota 100-79, (Fri); W vs. Miami, (Sun)
This Week: vs. San Antonio, Wednesday (4/1); @ Chicago, Thursday (4/2); @ Indiana, Saturday (4/7); vs. Philadelphia, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Doc Rivers is a genius. The moment he moved KG to center, Boston's fortunes changed. They now lead the Atlantic by one game over the young 76ers. The C's are looking like the old C's and Brandon Bass has been a major upgrade from Big Baby. Boston's on five-game winning streak and are a day removed from beating down the Heat. This is going to be a scary team in the playoffs. Never count an old dog out. —Angel Diaz

4. Miami Heat

Record: 37 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: L @ Indiana 90-105, (Mon); W vs. Dallas 106-85, (Thu); W @ Toronto 113-101, (Fri); L @ Boston 72-91 (Sun)
This Week: vs. Philadelphia, Tuesday (4/3); vs. Oklahoma City, Wednesday (4/4); vs. Memphis, Friday (4/6); vs. Detroit, Sunday (4/8)
Description: You know who was happy to see the month come to an end? The Heat. After going a pedestrian 10-6, Miami couldn't wait to start April with a bang. Then...that Celtics game happened. Yikes. Even without Ray Allen, the C's won easily, 91-72. Though there isn't a team close enough to push them out of their No. 2 spot in the playoffs at this point, the Big 3 still need to get back to the drawing board and make sure that April doesn't start looking like March. —Jose Martinez

3. San Antonio Spurs

Record: 36 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: W @ Phoenix 107-100, (Tue); W @ Sacramento 117-112, (Wed); W vs. Indiana 112-103, (Sat)
This Week: @ Cleveland, Tuesday (4/3); @ Boston, Wednesday (4/4); vs. New Orleans, Friday (4/5); vs. Sunday (4/8)
Description: Chicago and Miami have dominated much of the title hype this season, but with Derrick Rose injured and the Heat losing a pair of games a week, there should be a lot more love for what's going on in San Antonio. The Spurs extended their win streak to seven games this week (an NBA best) and have quietly won ten of their last eleven. And San Antonio is poised to make a run at the No. 1 seed. Of their seventeen remaining games, Tim Duncan and Co. only play five playoff teams. The marathon season is turning into a sprint to the finish. Watch your back, Thunder. —Sean Evans

2. Chicago Bulls

Record: 42 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: L vs. Denver 91-108, (Mon); W @ Atlanta 98-77, (Wed); W vs. Detroit 83-71, (Fri); L @ Oklahoma City 78-92, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Houston, Monday (4/2); vs. Boston, Thursday (4/5); @ New York, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Don't look too far into Chicago's 14-point loss to the Thunder on Sunday. For the tenth straight game, they were without Derrick Rose. So even though they got blown out by the best team in the Western Conference, it wasn't exactly a fair fight. We are a little concerned to hear that D-Rose might be out with a groin injury until the start of the playoffs, though. So if we're Bulls fans, we're tempering our expectations for the team just a bit at this point in time. At least until D-Rose comes back. Get well soon, man.—Chris Yuscavage

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 40 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: W @ Portland 109-95, (Tue); W @ LA Lakers 102-93, (Thu); W vs. Chicago 92-78, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Memphis, Monday (4/2); @ Miami, Wednesday (4/4); @ Indiana, Friday (4/6); vs. Toronto, Sunday (4/8)
Description: Three games, three wins, and the Oklahoma City Thunder became the second team in the NBA to reach 40 wins. More importantly, they beat the first team to reach 40 wins, the Chicago Bulls, by 14, holding the Bulls to just 78 points. Chicago was without Derrick Rose, but the Thunder dominated from the start, leading by as many as 30 in the fourth quarter. This leaves the Thunder just one game back for the best record in the NBA as they're just hitting their stride. Look out.—Russ Bengtson