The Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 7)

Image via Complex Original

Now that those silly football contests are done with, we can finally get to the meat of this really weird NBA regular season. We've had four different teams occupy the No. 1 spot so far this season, but it looks like it might cycle through the same three for the top of the year (we gave the Mavs the top spot to start the season, but they haven't cracked the top 10 in a few weeks). Miami, Chicago, and Oklahoma City look like the cream of the crop at the moment, with the Sixers and Clipppers the most likely candidates to make it a quintet. In other news, the Spurs embark on a nine-game road trip, Mike Brown is getting testy in L.A., and the Knicks have seen the future and he's called Jeremy Lin. (Overstatement? Of course. But at least the future isn't Baron Davis) All that and more in this week's edition of the Complex NBA Power Rankings.

30. Charlotte Bobcats

Record: 3 - 21
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: L @ LA Lakers 73-106, (Tue); L @ Portland 68-112, (Wed); L @ Phoenix 89-95, (Sat)
This Week: @ Boston, Tuesday (2/7); vs. Chicago, Friday (2/10); vs. LA Clippers, Saturday (2/11)

Don't look now but the Bobcats have developed a nice 11-game losing streak. Hey, when you have a team that's as bad as these guys, it doesn't hurt to start thinking about the upcoming NBA Draft right about now. Plus, it's very likely that with the next three games against the surging Celtics, the Bulls and Clippers, Charlotte will "improve" on their double-digit losing skid. At his age, MJ is probably better than a majority of the players on this team. —Jose Martinez

29. Washington Wizards

Record: 4 - 20
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: L vs. Chicago 88-99, (Mon); L @ Orlando 103-109, (Wed); L @ Toronto 89-106, (Fri); L vs. LA Clippers 81-107, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Toronto, Monday (2/6); vs. New York, Wednesday (2/8); vs. Miami, Friday (2/10); @ Detroit, Sunday (2/12)

The Wizards had a tough schedule this past week. Maybe that's why they came away winless? Oh c'mon, this is Washington we are talking about. Losing is like second nature for them. But here's a bold prediction: they will win a game this week. Since I'm talking about a team with a 4-20 record, that is actually a bold prediction, so quit giving me that strange look! —Jose Martinez

28. New Orleans Hornets

Record: 4 - 20
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: L @ Miami 95-109, (Mon); L vs. Phoenix 103-120, (Wed); L @ San Antonio 81-93, (Thu); L @ Detroit 87-91, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Sacramento, Monday (2/6); vs. Chicago, Wednesday (2/8); vs. Portland, Friday (2/10)

Well, that Jarret Jack's pretty good…so there's that. The Hornets continued their Western Conference standings free fall losing all four of their games this week and fourteen of their last fifteen overall. Adding to Charlotte's laundry list of fails is the Hornet front office who was unable to trade Chris Kaman who is owed $14 million this year. The seasoned big man returns to the team just in time for games this week against the Celtics, Bulls and Clippers. Cue the Tom Petty, we expect the Hornets “free fall” to continue. —Sean Evans

27. Detroit Pistons

Record: 6 - 20
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: L @ Milwaukee 82-103, (Mon); L @ New York 86-113, (Tue); L @ New Jersey 96-99, (Wed); W vs. Milwaukee 88-80, (Fri); W vs. New Orleans 89-97, (Sat)
This Week: @ New Jersey, Wednesday (2/8); vs. New Jersey, Friday (2/10); vs. Washington, Sunday (2/12)

No, Pistons fans, that is NOT a misprint. Your team is really on a two-game winning streak! We know, we know. We're just as shocked as you. But, get this: It could get even better. With two consecutive games against the Nets this week followed by a matchup with the Wizards, you have a very real shot of being on a five-game winning streak by the time next week rolls around. So, basically, you need to treat this week like the NBA Finals. Which is about as close as you're going to get to the real NBA Finals, so, yeah. Go nuts!—Chris Yuscavage

26. Sacramento Kings

Record: 8 - 15
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: L @ Golden State 90-93, (Tue); W vs. Portland 95-92, (Thu); W vs. Golden State 114-106, (Sat)
This Week: @ New Orleans, Monday (2/6); @ Minnesota, Tuesday (2/7); vs. Oklahoma City, Thursday (2/9); vs. Phoenix, Saturday (2/11)

What's that, the Kings actually had a winning week?! Praise Jimmer! Actually dude only played 19 minutes and scored a total of 2 points this week but we're sure his cheering helped the squad out. We're not sure if the Warriors and especially Portland just assumed that Sacramento would roll over so they took it easy on 'em or if the Kings actually felt motivated but a win is a win. And at this point Sac-Town fans should be happy for two things: 1. Actually having a team in their town. 2. Having one that wins from time to time. And by time to time we mean rarely. Very rarely.—Ralph Warner

25. New Jersey Nets

Record: 8 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: L @ Indiana 99-106, (Tue); W vs. Detroit 99-96, (Wed); L vs. Minnesota 105-108, (Fri); L @ New York 99-92, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Chicago, Monday (2/6); vs. Detroit, Wednesday (2/8); @ Detroit, Friday (2/10); vs. San Antonio, Saturday (2/11)

You know it's rough when you lose to the Knicks (and when you're selling tickets for a penny). Kidding aside, it wasn't a total shit week for the Nets. They got 42 points from Anthony Morrow against the T'Wolves (albeit in a losing effort), and Deron Williams is back to playing at an elite level again (a 28% shooting effort in that Minny loss notwithstanding). But all the "fun" stuff for the Nets is happening off the court. Their corporate offices move to Brooklyn this month, and they're set to reveal their new Brooklyn colors and uniform. Oh, and some dude named Dwight Howard looms on the horizon as the Nets try to put together a package (Brook Lopez, MarShon Brooks, their first round picks for the rest of this century) that will put Superman in one of those new Nets jerseys next fall. —Jack Erwin

24. New York Knicks

Record: 9 - 15
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: W vs. Detroit 113-86, (Tue); L vs. Chicago 102-105, (Thu); L @ Boston 89-91, (Fri); W vs. New Jersey 99-92, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Utah, Monday (2/6); @ Washington, Wednesday (2/8); vs. LA Lakers, Friday (2/9); @ Minnesota, Saturday (2/10)

Jeremy Lin is the future! Seriously the Knicks have been stinking it up at home with a 5-7 record. To be fair, they've shown promise in their two losses to the Bulls and the Celtics; lack of 4th quarter execution is to blame. The offense has been looking better and it looks like D'Antoni found a point guard in that sad thing he calls a bench. Sure, Lin went in on the Nets, but Deron Williams is a top PG and Jeremy straight carved him up. The youngster is getting the nod tonight against the Jazz. In tragic news, it's been reported this morning that Amar'e Stoudemire's brother, Hazell Stoudemire has passed away in car accident in Florida. No word yet on how many games STAT is going to need, condolences to the Stoudemire family. —Angel Diaz

23. Toronto Raptors

Record: 8 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: L vs. Atlanta 77-100, (Tue); L @ Boston 64-100, (Wed); W vs. Washington 106-89, (Fri); L @ Miami 89-95, (Sun)
This Week: @ Washington, Monday (2/6); vs. Milwaukee, Wednesday (2/8); vs. Boston, Friday (2/10); vs. LA Lakers, Sunday (2/12)

The Raptors inconsistent season continues. Their offense is struggling and it was evident this week as they got spanked by the Hawks and the Celtics in back-to-back games. Andrea Bargnani continues to prove he isn't a center in this league; he's more Dirk then he is Sabonis. The faster Colangelo figures that out the better off they'll be. —Angel Diaz

22. Golden State Warriors

Record: 8 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: W vs. Sacramento 93-90, (Tue); W vs. Utah 119-101, (Thu); L @ Sacramento 106-114, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Oklahoma City, Tuesday (2/7); @ Denver, Thursday (2/9); vs. Houston, Sunday (2/12)

WTF is up with this team? You beat the fourth-ranked Utah Jazz by 18 then lose to the D-League Kings only a couple nights later? You certainly don't make the playoffs for the second time in 18 years playing like that. Golden State ranks 8th in points scored per game (97.7) but that doesn't help much since they allow 100, which is the third most allowed in the league. So, much for that "hand down, man down" saying being effective. —Ralph Warner

21. Phoenix Suns

Record: 9 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: L vs. Dallas 99-122 (Mon); W @ New Orleans 120-103, (Wed); L @ Houston 81-99, (Fri); W vs. Charlotte 95-89, (Sat)
This Week: @ Atlanta, Monday (2/6); @ Milwaukee, Tuesday (2/7); vs. Houston, Thursday (2/9); @ Sacramento, Saturday (2/11)

Going .500 for the week wouldn't really have been anything for the Suns to cheer about back in the mid 2000s but they'll take it in 2012. Then again the only contender they faced was the Dallas Mavericks who routed them by 20-plus points. When beating the Bobcats by six is something to be proud about you know your squad is mediocre at best. With no serious or big name trade rumors going on in Phoenix it seems like the front office is just accepting this season as an L. Sorry, Suns fans. —Ralph Warner

20. Milwaukee Bucks

Record: 10 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: W vs. Detroit 103-82, (Mon); W vs. Miami 105-97, (Wed); @ L Detroit 88-80, (Fri); L vs. Chicago 90-113, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Phoenix, Tuesday (2/7); @ Toronto, Wednesday (2/8); @ Cleveland, Friday (2/10); vs. Orlando, Saturday (2/11)

Is there any way the Bucks can get David Stern to schedule their 43 remaining games against the Heat? Milwaukee is 2-0 against LeBron & Co. this season and 8-13 against the rest of the league. Seriously, though, we get the feeling that "inconsistent" is going to be the best word to describe this team at the end of the season. And if that's the case, the "end of this season" probably won't be ending with a playoff berth. But, if it does, let's hope it's against the Heat.—Chris Yuscavage

19. Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 9 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: L vs. Boston 90-93, (Tue); L @ Orlando 94-102, (Fri); W vs. Dallas 91-88, (Sat)
This Week: @ Miami, Tuesday (2/7); vs. LA Clippers, Wednesday (2/8); vs. Milwaukee, Friday (2/10); vs. Philadelphia, Saturday (2/11)

So far this season, we've told you over and over (and over!) about how impressed we've been with Cavs guard Kyrie Irving (other folks are, too). It's clear this guy was worth the No. 1 pick in last year's draft. He's got skills. But more than skills, it's becoming apparent that he's got a killer instinct in the fourth quarter, which is literally willing Cleveland to more wins than they should have. That game against the Mavericks on Saturday? Yeah, they would have lost that last year. But it feels like we're saying that week in and week out with this team. Somehow, some way, they're getting wins over pretty good teams and hovering just below .500. It won't lead to much at the end of this season. But, in a couple years? Watch out.—Chris Yuscavage

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

Record: 12 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: W @ Houston, 120-108 (Mon); L vs. Indiana, 109-99 (Wed); W @ New Jersey, 108-105 (Fri); W vs. Houston, 100-91 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Sacramento, Tuesday (2/7); @ Memphis, Wednesday (2/8); vs. Dallas, Friday (2/10); vs. New York, Saturday (2/11)

With three wins in four games last week, the Minnesota Timberwolves hit .500, which means the entire Northwest division is out of the red. Not bad. And they almost scored 100 in every game, missing by one point in their loss to the Pacers. And they overcame a red-hot Anthony Morrow to beat the Nets. If nothing else, Kevin Love's All-Star spot should be assured. (Can we get them to pick Ricky Rubio, too? Please?) —Russ Bengtson

17. Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 12 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: L vs. San Antonio 73-83, (Mon); W vs. Denver 100-97, (Tue); W @ Atlanta 96-77, (Thu); L 94-101 @ Oklahoma City, (Fri); L @ Boston 98-80, (Sun)
This Week: vs. San Antonio, Monday (2/6); vs. Minnesota, Wednesday (2/8); vs. Indiana, Friday (2/10); vs. Utah, Sunday (2/12)

Watch out, Memphis has some fight in em'. After a four-game losing streak had Memphis on the verge of spiraling out of contention, they won tough games against Denver and Atlanta to remain in the playoff discussion. Tony Allen ratcheted up the defense and Mike Conley's grinding hard, playing forty minutes a night. With Zach Randolph “on schedule” to return next month, the Grizz are in a position to be a very dangerous playoff team. The question is: can Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay keep the team in contention until Randolph comes back in March? We'll see. —Sean Evans

16. Houston Rockets

Record: 13 - 11
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: L vs. Minnesota 108-120, (Mon); L @ San Antonio 91-99, (Wed); W vs. Phoenix 99-81, (Fri); L @ Minnesota 91-100, (Sat)
This Week: @ Denver, Monday (2/6); @ Portland, Wednesday (2/8); @ Phoenix, Thursday (2/9); @ Golden State, Sunday (2/11)

When a team void of superstars wins, it's easy to overlook their flaws. Houston entered this week riding a seven-game winning streak and fitting nicely into the playoff picture as the NBA's little overachievers. But this week Houston looked flat, tired and struggled to establish a true go-to player in losses to San Antonio and Minnesota. With Kyle Lowry coming back down to Earth after a hot start and Kevin Martin disappearing in the fourth quarter, Houston's been exposed as a team not quite ready for prime time. In the midst of playing six away games in twelve days (four road games this week), expect Houston's downtick to continue until Kyle Lowry regains his early season form and Kevin Martin starts hitting shots in the fourth quarter. —Sean Evans

15. Boston Celtics

Record: 13 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: W @ Cleveland 93-90, (Tue); W vs. Toronto 100-64, (Wed); W vs. New York 91-89, (Fri); W vs. Memphis 80-98, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Charlotte, Tuesday (2/7); vs. LA Lakers, Thursday (2/9); @ Toronto, Friday (2/10); vs. Chicago, Sunday (2/12)

The Celtics are back in business. Boston's old farts are three games over .500 and have won 9 out of their last eleven games. They started Febuary on a good foot by demolishing the Raptors by 38 points, winning a classic against the Knicks, and following those impressive wins with an 18 point domination of the much younger Grizzlies. Boston's starting to show that old man strength and have Rondo back from his wrist injury. They face the Lakers on Thursday on TNT. —Angel Diaz

14. Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 14 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: L @ Utah, 93-89 (Mon); W vs. Charlotte, 112-68 (Wed); L @ Sacramento, 95-92 (Thu); W vs. Denver, 117-97 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Oklahoma City, Monday (2/6); vs. Houston, Wednesday (2/8); @ New Orleans, Friday (2/10); @ Dallas, Saturday (2/11)

Did we say the Blazers were playing the Hornets last week? We forgot that it was the Bobcats in Charlotte—and clearly so did the Bobcats themselves, as they lost by 44 points. The Blazers hiccuped their next game against the Kings in Sacramento before coming back and crushing the division-rival Nuggets by 20. THIS week the Blazers play the Hornets—we'll see whether they fare better than the Bobcats. And while the news of Greg Oden's latest setback comes as something of a tragic non-surprise, Jamal Crawford's sixth-man energy is keeping the ship steady. —Russ Bengtson

13. Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 14 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: W vs .Charlotte 106-73, (Tue); W @ Denver 93-89, (Fri); L @ Utah 87-96, (Sat)
This Week: @ Philadelphia, Monday (2/6); @ Boston, Thursday (2/9); @ New York, Friday (2/10); @ Toronto, Sunday (2/12)

It wasn't a bad week for the Lake Show but it wasn't really one to brag about either. As expected they routed the Bobcats then went on to pick up a close W over the Nuggets but fell short against the Jazz. The most interesting point of the week came on Saturday when Mike Brown actually showed some emotion and got ejected for arguing a foul that he felt should've been called against the Jazz. Showing that he actually has some balls is cool and all but it's going to take more than that to make this team a contender again. *checks the calendar date of the NBA trade deadline* —Ralph Warner

12. Utah Jazz

Record: 13 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: W vs. Portland 93-89, (Mon); L vs. LA Clippers, 107-105 (Wed); L @ Golden State, 119-101 (Thu); W vs. Lakers, 96-87 (Sat)
This Week: @ New York, Monday (2/6); @ Indiana, Tuesday (2/7); vs. Oklahoma City, Friday (2/10); @ Memphis, Sunday (2/12)

Yes, the Jazz only have 13 wins. But seeing that they've only played 22 games thus far (some teams have played as many as 25), they're still four games on the right side of the .500 mark. And while they just held the line last week, they beat the one team they had to — the division rival Blazers. This could easily be another .500 week, as the beatable Knicks and Grizzlies bracket road games against the Thunder and the Pacers. If they can ever get more out of Devin Harris (currently averaging 8.9 ppg and 4.5 apg), that would help.—Russ Bengtson

11. Dallas Mavericks

Record: 14 - 11
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: W @ Phoenix 102-99, (Mon); L vs. Oklahoma City 86-95, (Wed); L vs. Indiana 87-98, (Fri); L @ Cleveland 88-91, (Sat)
This Week: @ Denver, Wednesday (2/8); @ Minnesota, Friday (2/10); vs. Portland, Saturday (2/11)

One step forward, two steps back. Dallas entered this week with a chance to reclaim control of the highly competitive Southwest Division; instead they've lost 3 of their last 4 games and are hanging on to the West's 8 seed by a Dirk Novitzki fly-away. If the Mavericks expect to snap out of their championship hangover, Lamar Odom's got to recover from his post Laker-breakup. Dude's proving that it's hard to shoot with a broken heart. Forgive but don't forget Lamar, keep your head up. —Sean Evans

10. Orlando Magic

Record: 15 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: L @ Philadelphia 69-74, (Mon); W vs. Washington 109-103, (Wed); W vs. Cleveland 102-94, (Fri); W @ Indiana 85-81, (Sat)
This Week: vs. LA Clippers, Monday (2/6); vs. Miami, Wednesday (2/8); vs. Atlanta, Friday (2/10); @ Miami, Saturday (2/11)

The Magic could very well go winless this week. With the Clippers on the horizon, followed by the Hawks and two games against the Heat, we could see a major dip in Orlando's power ranking. Hopefully, the success from the light schedule of the previous week can serve as a confidence booster for this squad. Because if the next couple of games turn into a losing streak, we may see the last of Dwight Howard in an Orlando jersey. —Jose Martinez

9. San Antonio Spurs

Record: 16 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: W @ Memphis 83-73, (Mon); W vs. Houston 99-91, (Wed); E vs. New Orleans 93-81, (Thu); W vs. Oklahoma City 107-96, (Sat)
This Week: @ Memphis, Monday (2/6); @ Philadelphia, Wednesday (2/8); @ New Jersey, Saturday (2/11)

In general, the Spurs have responded well to Manu Ginobili's injury. Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard are killing it off the bench, Tony Parker's running the show and Tim Duncan's steady drilling from 18 feet. But one thing the Spurs haven't been able to do is win on the road. San Antonio has won a whopping 3 away games this year and they're about to embark on a nine-game road trip. If the Spurs can flip the script on their road woes they're in a perfect position to runaway with the Southwest Division. —Sean Evans

8. Atlanta Hawks

Record: 16 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: W @ Toronto 100-77, (Tue); L vs. Memphis 77-96, (Thu); L vs. Philadelphia 87-98, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Phoenix, Monday (2/6); vs. Indiana, Wednesday (2/8); @ Orlando, Friday (2/10); vs. Miami, Sunday (2/12)

It was a rough week for the Hawks, who dropped two out of three. Oddly, both Ls were not even close. But instead of dwelling on the past, Atlanta needs to look forward, especially with a game at Orlando on Friday and a huge match-up against Miami on Sunday. Another bad week and this team may start feeling the heat and need to perform some type of magic to climb back up our power rankings. See what I did there? —Jose Martinez

7. Indiana Pacers

Record: 16 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Jersey 106-99, (Tue); W @ Minnesota 109-99, (Wed); W @ Dallas 98-87, (Fri); L vs. Orlando 81-85, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Utah, Tuesday (2/7); @ Atlanta, Wednesday (2/8); @ Memphis, Friday (2/10); vs. Denver, Saturday (2/11)

The Pacers continue to impress. Sure, the win over New Jersey early in the week was to be expected. But the T'Wolves (yes, the T'Wolves!) have been a tough out for some teams this season, and the Mavericks are finally beginning to look like the team that won the title last year, so those were big road wins for Indy. And while the loss at home to the reeling Magic wasn't quite as special, Danny Granger and Tyler Hansbrough showed some toughness by getting into it with some Orlando players during the game. And was that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. sitting courtside during the game against the Magic? Why, yes, it was. Look out, league. This team is already gaining a celebrity following!—Chris Yuscavage

6. Denver Nuggets

Record: 15 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: L @ Memphis 97-100, (Tue); W @ LA Clippers 112-91, (Thu); L vs. LA Lakers 89-93, (Fri); L @ Portland 97-117, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Houston, Monday (2/6); vs. Dallas, Wednesday (2/8); vs. Golden State, Thursday (2/9); @ Indiana, Saturday (2/11)

Maybe the Nuggets need J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler back. Denver stumbled last week, losing three of four, just picking up the revenge game against Chauncey Billups and the Clippers. Losing by three to the Grizzlies and four to the Lakers wasn't that bad—but losing by 20 to division rival Blazers was a tough blow to take. Maybe having the next three games at home (Houston, Dallas and Golden State) will get them back on track. Otherwise, time to start calling China. —Russ Bengtson

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 14 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: W vs. Oklahoma City 112-100, (Mon); W @ Utah 107-105, (Wed); L vs. Denver 91-112, (Thu); W @ Washington 107-81, (Sat)
This Week: @ Orlando, Monday (2/6); @ Cleveland, Wednesday (2/8); @ Philadelphia, Friday (2/10); @ Charlotte, Saturday (2/11)

Yet another winning week for the Clippers but this one spoke volumes for the Lob City crew. They won two out of three games against contenders ranked in the Western Conference and managed to build on their lead in the Pacific Division. On top of that they signed Kenyon Martin who just finished playing ball overseas in China. Word is teams like the Heat, Lakers, and Spurs were pursuing K-Mart but he turned 'em down. #lobcitybitch —Ralph Warner

4. Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 17 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: W vs. Orlando 74-69, (Mon); W vs. Chicago 98-82, (Wed); L vs. Miami 79-99, (Fri); W @ Atlanta 98-87, (Sat)
This Week: vs. LA Lakers, Monday (2/6); vs. San Antonio, Wednesday (2/8); vs. LA Clippers, Friday (2/10); @ Cleveland, Saturday (2/11)

Well, everyone can shut the hell up about the Sixers not beating quality teams. This week they took out Atlanta, Orlando, and Chicago, and looked damn good doing it. Doug Collins has to be an early favorite for Coach of the Year and their high-energy play on both sides of the court have us finally believing in Philly. Jrue Holiday is running the floor with confidence, Evan Turner is finally hitting his shots, and Philly might have the best bench rotation in the league. —Sean Evans

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 18 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: L @ LA Clippers 112-100, (Mon); W @ Dallas 95-86, (Wed); W vs. Memphis 101-94, (Fri); L @ San Antonio 107-96, (Sat)
This Week: @ Portland, Monday (2/6); @ Golden State, Tuesday (2/7); @ Sacramento, Thursday (2/9); @ Utah, Friday (2/10)

It's a good thing that the Oklahoma City Thunder have a little bit of a cushion as the best team in the West (three games up on the Clippers and Spurs as of Monday), because they needed it this week. They went a decidedly un-Thunder .500, losing in Los Angeles to the Clippers and in San Antonio to the Spurs, bracketing wins over the Mavs and the Grizzlies. And it don't slow down—four more games next week, all on the road. And while Durant and Westbrook remain quite the potent 1-2 punch, the fact that they were a -22 and -26 respectively in San Antonio means they both still have some work to do if they expect to stay atop the West.—Russ Bengtson

2. Chicago Bulls

Record: 20 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: W @ Washington 98-88, (Mon); L @ Philadelphia 82-98, (Wed); W @ New York 105-102, (Thu); W @ Milwaukee 113-90, (Sat)
This Week: @ New Jersey, Monday (2/6); @ New Orleans, Wednesday (2/8); @ Charlotte, Friday (2/10); @ Boston, Sunday (2/12)

On paper, the Bulls did what they were supposed to do this week. They beat three below-average teams with below-.500 records (sorry, Knicks fans—we're just calling it like we see it!) and got beat by a red-hot 76ers team. But we're impressed by the fact that Chicago was able to do so well when they played all four games on the road. They'll have to keep it up this week, too. They've got four more road games before they return to Chi-Town on Valentine's Day. Something tells us that won't be a problem.—Chris Yuscavage

1. Miami Heat

Record: 18 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Orleans 109-95, (Mon); L @ Milwaukee 97-105, (Wed); W @ Philadelphia 99-79, (Fri); W vs. Toronto 95-89, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Cleveland, Tuesday (2/7); @ Orlando, Wednesday (2/8); @ Washington, Friday (2/10); @ Atlanta, Sunday (2/12)

Miami won three out of their four games this week; the one L isn't surprising when you see that they had to face a tough Sixers squad. But it wasn't Philly that gave them problems. Nope, they easily dismantled those guys. Instead, the Heat suffered their only loss at the hands of the 10-13 Bucks. Wha...Why? But hey, who am I to complain because it's all about finishing. Just ask the Super Bowl champions...and porn stars. —Jose Martinez