The Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 9)

Image via Complex Original

Now this is more like it. The World Champs have started playing like the world champs, the Heat play a perfect week, the Bulls finally missed Derrick Rose, and the Knicks finally lose a game in the Jeremy Lin Era. Back to reality, right? Wrong. Only committed NBA haters would try to say this totally flawed, oddly appealing season is that predictable. Yes, Lin and Co. lost Friday night, but they turned around two days later and won what was probably the most electric game in Madison Square Garden in a decade. The Bulls lost to the frickin' Nets on Saturday, but all this time off will a) keep D-Rose fresh for the playoffs, and b) give the Bulls supporting cast some valuable work (right? Bulls fans say, "RIGHT?!?"). And Miami swept the week, but we all know that doesn't mean a damn thing until they win four out of seven in late June.

For the first time since the first week of the season, a team other than Chicago, Miami, or Oklahoma City cracks the top 3, a couple early surprises hit their first bumps in the road (we see you Hawks, 76ers, and Clippers), and the ward of the League goes undefeated (against some not-too-shabby comp to boot). All that and more in this week's Complex NBA Power Rankings.

30. Charlotte Bobcats

Record: 4 - 27
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: L vs. Philadelphia 89-98, (Mon); L @ Minnesota 90-102, (Wed); W @ Toronto 98-91, (Fri); L @ Indiana 73-108 (Sun)
This Week: vs. Indiana, Wednesday (2/22)

Somehow, Charlotte found a way to pull out the W over the Raptors this past Friday. Their victory must've been a great birthday present for Bobcats owner Michael Jordan...until he realized that his team still holds down the worst record in the NBA at 4-27. Hey MJ, maybe they can get a two-game winning streak for your birthday next year. —Jose Martinez

29. Washington Wizards

Record: 7 - 24
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: W @ Portland 124-109, (Tue); L @ LA Clippers 84-102, (Wed); L @ Utah 100-114, (Fri)
This Week: @ Phoenix, Monday (2/20); vs. Sacramento, Wednesday (2/22)

The story on the Wizards goes a little something like this: One game, Washington will look so good that you start wondering how they're posting a 7-24 overall record. Then, over the course of the week, you receive the harsh reminder why they are such a pitiful team when they lose by double-digits to the rest of their opponents. With only two games this coming week, it's safe to assume that Wall & Co. will have one solid and one bad outing. You don't need a psychic to see that one coming. —Jose Martinez

28. Toronto Raptors

Record: 9 - 23
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: L vs. New York 87-90, (Tue); L vs. San Antonio 106-113, (Wed); L vs. Charlotte 91-98, (Fri)
This Week: vs. Detroit, Wednesday (2/22)

Toronto has lost four straight and snapped the Bobcats' 16-game losing streak. Against the Knicks, the home crowd was cheering more for Jeremy Lin and erupted when he made the game winner over Calderon.That's the kind of year it has been so far for the Raptors. Bargnani is still out with a calf injury and their fourth quarter woes are the reasons for their troubles. Toronto must thank the basketball gods for only having one game this week (vs Detroit) before the break. Lord knows they need it. —Angel Diaz

27. New Jersey Nets

Record: 9 - 24
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: L vs. Memphis 100-105, (Wed); L @ Indiana 88-93, (Thu); W @ Chicago 97-85, (Sat); L vs. Milwaukee 92-85, (Sun)
This Week: @ New York, Monday (2/20); vs. Orlando, Wednesday (2/22)

The Nets have lost 11 of their last 13 games. Although, they did beat the Bulls on Saturday due to Kris Humphries' 24, 18, 5 and 2 while Deron Williams' added 29 and 8. Jersey followed that up with a loss to the Bucks in Brook Lopez's return and allowing Ersan Ilyasova to drop 29 and 25 on them. The only hope they have is playing center in Orlando. This trade deadline is going to be interesting. —Angel Diaz

26. Sacramento Kings

Record: 10 - 21
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: L @ Chicago 115-121, (Tue); L @ New York 85-100, (Wed); L @ Detroit 108-114, (Fri); L @ Cleveland 92-93, (Sun)
This Week: @ Miami, Tuesday (2/21); @ Washington, Wednesday (2/22)

With only 10 victories all season, the Kings have had plenty of losing weeks but it's the completely winless ones that hurt the most. It doesn't matter if you're a championship contender like the Bulls or lower-tier teams like the Cavs, just about every squad in the league has a good chance of beating the Kings at this point. Sacramento leads the league in points allowed per game with 101.4 and they're last in field goal percentage shooting a dismal 40.8%. On the bright sight, Kings fans can look forward to their team only losing one game this week. Thank God for the All-Star Break and match-ups against terrible teams like the Wizards. —Ralph Warner

25. New Orleans Hornets

Record: 7 - 23
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: W vs. Utah 86-80, (Mon); W @ Milwaukee 92-89, (Wed); W @ New York 89-85, (Fri)
This Week: @ Oklahoma City, Monday (2/20); @ Indiana, Tuesday (2/21); @Cleveland, Wednesday (2/22)

Are the Hornets poised for a Bad News Bears-like turnaround? We hope so! The Hornets won all 3 games this week, more than they'd won in the previous month. Trevor Ariza has carried the offense and Chris Kaman has been a formidable big man in limited time with the team. The hot streak will probably be short-lived but we'll clap for a losing squad that plays as hard as NOLA. —Sean Evans

24. Detroit Pistons

Record: 11 - 22
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: L vs. San Antonio 95-99, (Tue); W @ Boston 98-88, (Wed); W vs. Sacramento 114-108, (Fri); W vs. Boston 96-81, (Sun)
This Week: @ Cleveland, Tuesday (2/21); @ Toronto, Wednesday (2/22)

If we had to pick a word to describe the Pistons right now, it would undoubtedly be "better." We've been hard on them as a team all season. But, every week, they've gotten better. They're playing harder. They're getting more out of guys like Rodney Stuckey. And they're buying into the philosophy of first-year head coach Lawrence Frank. Does that mean they're headed to the playoffs this year? Hell no. But, it does mean that they've got a better chance to make them sooner than later. And, at this point in the season, "better" is really all the Pistons fans out there can ask for, especially after the way things started out this year.—Chris Yuscavage

23. Golden State Warriors

Record: 11 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: W vs. Phoenix 102-96, (Mon); L vs. Portland 91-93, (Wed); L @ Oklahoma City 87-110, (Fri); L @ Memphis 103-104, (Sat)
This Week: vs. LA Clippers, Monday (2/20); @ Phoenix, Wednesday (2/22)

The Warriors lost a couple close ones this week but effort doesn't show up in the Pacific division standings where they currently sit in fourth place just 2.5 games ahead of the lowly Kings. The team's youth and inexperience showed on Saturday as the Warriors let Tony Allen crash the boards and get the game-winning putback with only 5.6 seconds remaining in the Grizzlies 104-103 victory over Golden State. After the loss, Mark Jackson said, "It's the little things that either win or lose ball games." Yup, little things like getting the tip in. Ayo! —Ralph Warner

22. Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 12 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: W vs. Indiana 98-87, (Wed); L vs. Miami 87-111, Friday (2/17); W vs. Sacramento 92-93, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Detroit, Tuesday (2/21); vs. New Orleans, Wednesday (2/22)

Hey, Cleveland fans: LEBRON JAMES IS COMING BACK TO THE CAVALIERS! Er, maybe. Last week, he said that he wouldn't rule out returning to the team at some time in the future . The problem with that, of course, is the "some time in the future" bit. He isn't coming back to Cleveland anytime soon. And, you know what that means, right? Well, it means that unless you have a lot more games scheduled against the Pistons and Hornets, wins are probably going to continue to be hard to come by this season. So get 'em while you can.—Chris Yuscavage

21. Milwaukee Bucks

Record: 13 - 18
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: L vs. Miami 96-114, (Mon); L vs. New Orleans 89-92, (Wed); L @ Orlando 85-94, (Fri); W @ New Jersey 92-85, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Orlando, Monday (2/20); @ Chicago, Wednesday (2/22)

Everyone is capitalizing off Linsanity. Even the Bucks! After their win against the Nets on Sunday, center Jon Brockman tried coining the phrase "Ersanity" after teammate Ersan Ilyasova dropped 29 points and 25 rebounds. The good news: That got the team some extra attention. The bad news: It served as a reminder that Ilyasova is one of the few bright spots on the team right now. And we've got some more bad news, too, guys. If this past week was a sign of things to come, your season is probably only going to get worse from here on out. So enjoy the Ersanity while it lasts.—Chris Yuscavage

20. Phoenix Suns

Record: 13 - 19
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: L @ Golden State 96-102, (Mon); L @ Denver 92-109, (Tue); L vs. Atlanta 99-101, (Wed); L @ LA Lakers 99-111, (Fri); W vs. LA Lakers 90-102, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Washington, Monday (2/20); vs. Golden State, Wednesday (2/22)

It's not about how you start but how you finish? FOH. If only that were true. The Suns dropped four straight before stealing a game from the Lakers on Sunday to go 1-4 overall this week. After a grueling five-game schedule the old men out in Phoenix will appreciate only playing two games this week before taking some much needed time off for the All-Star break. The Suns do show moments of promise like on Sunday when Marcin Gortat scored 21 points and grabbed 15 boards (more than Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum) in the Suns only victory of the week. After game Gortat left reporters with this gem, "Kobe said before the game he hates Phoenix. By the way, I hate the Lakers, too." #getoffme —Ralph Warner

19. Minnesota Timberwolves

Record: 16 - 16
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: L @ Orlando 89-102, (Mon); W vs. Charlotte 102-90, (Wed); W @ Houston 111-98, (Fri); W vs. Philadelphia 91-92, (Sun)
This Week: @ Denver, Monday (2/20); vs. Utah, Wednesday (2/22)

Well hey, what do you know — the Timberwolves went 3-1 last week, capping it off with a one-point win over Philly. and are now just a game out of second place in the Northwest Division. (Looked at from another angle, the're tied for last in the Northwest, but we prefer to be positive whenever possible.) And with two in-division games to end the first half (at Denver and at home against Utah) they can make some more noise before Kevin Love, Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio head off to Orlando for the festivities. If you're keeping track, the new no. 2 scorer for the Wolves is hulking center Nikola Pekovic, who is shooting 61.5 percent from the floor and looks like he knows where the bodies are buried. —Russ Bengtson

18. Boston Celtics

Record: 15 - 15
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: L vs. Detroit 88-98, (Wed); L @ Chicago 80-89, (Thu); L @ Detroit 81-96, (Sun)
This Week: @ Dallas, Monday (2/20); @ Oklahoma City, Wednesday (2/22)

The Celtics have lost three straight, including two to the Pistons. Rajon Rondo had a huge lapse in judgment when he tossed the ball at a ref last night that could cost him a couple games and a hefty fine. They continue to float around .500, but maybe not for long as they have to face Dallas tonight and OKC on Wednesday. With the Knicks recent resurgence and Philly's surprising start, Boston could lose the crown in the Atlantic for the first time in four seasons. —Angel Diaz

17. Utah Jazz

Record: 15 - 15
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: L @ New Orleans 80-86, (Mon); L @ Oklahoma City 85-111, (Tue); W vs. Washington 114-100, (Fri); L @ Houston 85-101, (Sun)
This Week: vs. San Antonio, Monday (2/20); @ Minnesota, Wednesday (2/22)

30 games and the Utah Jazz are right back where they started — .500. Not only did they lose to Oklahoma City last week, they also dropped games to the Hornets and Rockets, only managing to beat the Wizards. Which would be a bigger deal if there were any teams that COULDN'T beat the Wizards. (OK, there's the Bobcats, but that's beside the point.) Thankfully they have a short week before the All-Star break — just San Antonio and Minnesota — so they can get some much-needed rest and get the second half started.. —Russ Bengtson

16. Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 17 - 15
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: L vs. Washington 109-124, (Tue); W @ Golden State 93-91, (Wed); L vs. LA Clippers 71-74, (Thu); W vs. Atlanta 97-77, (Sat)
This Week: @ LA Lakers, Monday (2/20); vs. San Antonio, Tuesday (2/21)

So, about that Valentine's Day game against the Wizards. The Blazers actually lost — handily, in fact — which was tempered only slightly by a 20-point dismantling of the Atlanta Hawks at the end of the week. It didn't help that leading scorer LaMarcus Aldridge left the Wizards game after just two minutes with an ankle injury — and it was no coincidence that the win over the Hawks was his first game back. They split the two games he missed, squeaking out a two-point win over the Warriors, and losing a 74-71 death march to the Clippers. With the Lakers and Spurs before the break, the Blazers can make a little run before they rest — or lose valuable ground. —Russ Bengtson

15. New York Knicks

Record: 16 - 16
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: W @ Toronto 90-87, (Tue); W vs. Sacramento 100-85, (Wed); L vs. New Orleans 85-89, (Fri); W vs. Dallas 97-104, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New Jersey, Monday (2/20); vs. Atlanta, Wednesday (2/22); @ Miami, Thursday (2/23)

The Knicks are back...to .500. Jeremy Lin has been just what the doctor ordered. After winning seven straight, New York crashed and burned against the Hornets Friday, concrete proof that they need Melo. They followed that up with an impressive win versus the defending champion Dallas Mavericks with the help of Lin's 28 and 14, plus, JR and Steve Novak had 7 three's between them. Carmelo returns against the Nets tonight and Baron should be back sometime this week. The Knicks should be at full strength when they face ATL on Wednesday and MIA on Thursday. —Angel Diaz

14. Houston Rockets

Record: 18 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: L @ Memphis 83-93, (Tue); W vs. Oklahoma City 96-95, (Wed); L vs. Minnesota 98-111, (Fri); W vs. Utah 85-101, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Memphis, Monday (2/20); vs. Philadelphia, Wednesday (2/22)

This week was a bit of a setback for the Rockets, losing games to Minnesota and Memphis – two teams they'll be competing with in the West's playoff bubble. So far this season, the Rockets have had to lean hard on their bench. While their depth has Houston exceeding all expectations, they've been unable to define a go-to player late in games. Kyle Lowry scored 32 points in Sunday's win against the Jazz. If he can make a return to the All-Star level production he was enjoying earlier in the season, then the Rockets will keep their post at the bottom of the West's playoff standings. —Sean Evans

13. Denver Nuggets

Record: 17 - 15
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: W vs. Phoenix 109-92, (Tue); L @ Dallas 84-102, (Wed); L @ Memphis 102-103, (Fri); L @ Oklahoma City 118-124, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Minnesota, Monday (2/20); @ LA Clippers, Wednesday (2/22); vs. San Antonio, Thursday (2/23)

In the immortal words of former Knick Micheal Ray Richardson, "the ship be sinkin'." With leading scorer Danilo Gallinari sidelined for the forseeable future with a chip fracture in his left foot, the Nuggets continue to sink, losing three of four for the third week in a row. Fortunately. their hot start means they're still above .500, but for how long? The good thing is that they can't lose three of four again next week — because they only play three games.—Russ Bengtson

12. Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 18 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: W vs. Houston 93-83, (Tue); W @ New Jersey 105-100, (Wed); W vs. Denver 103-102, (Fri); W vs. Golden State 104-103, (Sat)
This Week: @ Houston, Monday (2/20); vs. Philadelphia, Tuesday (2/21)

Marc Gasol's an All-Star but the real hero in Memphis is Tony Allen. His effort on the defensive end shut down Kevin Martin in a Memphis win over Houston and his game-winning tip against the Warriors Saturday extended the team's winning streak to four. The future is only looking brighter as team doctors cleared Zach Randolph to begin non-contact drills and he could be back in the lineup at the beginning of March. Playing free and at full health, Memphis could come out of the break as one of the West's elite teams. —Sean Evans

11. Indiana Pacers

Record: 19 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: L vs. Miami 90-105, (Tue); L @ Cleveland 87-98, (Wed); W vs. New Jersey 93-88, (Thu); W vs. Charlotte 73-108, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New Orleans, Tuesday (2/21); @ Charlotte, Wednesday (2/22)

As we prepare to head into the All-Star break, we're still a little confused about exactly who the Pacers are. They're good enough to dismantle teams like the Bobcats (that was UGLY last night!), but they also seem to be having trouble finding their way against some of the best teams in the league. That'll obviously have to change in the second half of the season if they want to secure a playoff spot. But, for now, they can take comfort in the fact that they've got a game with the Hornets and another matchup against the Bobcats on the schedule this week. Handle your business, fellas.—Chris Yuscavage

10. Atlanta Hawks

Record: 19 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: L @ LA Lakers 78-86, (Tue); W @ Phoenix 101-99, (Wed); L @ Portland 77-97, (Sat)
This Week: @ Chicago, Monday 2/20); @ New York, Wednesday (2/22); vs. Orlando, Thursday (2/23)

Over the last three weeks, the Hawks are 4-6. This team is struggling mightily and with the Bulls, the resurgent Knicks, and a tough Magic squad on the horizon, Atlanta's losing ways will likely continue. Sooner or later you have to assume that they will get it together. But how far do they have to decline before they make things right again? —Jose Martinez

9. Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 18 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: W vs. Atlanta 86-78, (Tue); W vs. Phoenix 111-99, (Fri); L @ Phoenix 90-102, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Portland, Monday (2/20); @ Dallas, Wednesday (2/22); @ Oklahoma City, Thursday (2/23)

When's the trade deadline again? Oh, March 15th? Alright, so by then the Lake Show and the drama among players and management will either come to an end or boil over. Now the Lakers mediocre play (see Sunday's game against the Suns) can't all be blamed on the fact of whether or not guys like Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will be around next month, losses to teams like the Suns can be attributed to age, a lack of chemistry with Mike Brown, and the fact that the rest of the league has become better. Kobe Bryant leads the league in scoring with 29 PPG but the Lakers rank 23rd overall by only averaging 93 points collectively. With trade rumors circulating about the Lake Show going after everyone from Dwight Howard to Deron Williams, All-Star weekend seems like it'll be anything but fun and games for the Laker front office. —Ralph Warner

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 20 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: W @ Charlotte 98-89, (Mon); L @ Orlando 87-103, (Wed); L vs. Dallas 75-82, (Fri); L @ Minnesota 92-91, (Sun)
This Week: @ Memphis, Tuesday (2/21); @ Houston, Wednesday (2/22)

The Sixers have lost three in a row, taking a tough one (pause) against the T'Wolves last night. Iggs fouled Kevin Love with 0.01 left on the clock and sent him to the line (bullshit call BTW). Kevin hit both FTs, giving the Wolves a 92-91 lead. The jury is still out on Philly; they've been coming back down to Earth lately and their lack of a closer is starting to become apparent. Let's see if this young squad can hold up for the rest of the season. —Angel Diaz

7. Orlando Magic

Record: 20 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: W vs. Minnesota 102-89, (Mon); W vs. Philadelphia 103-87, (Wed); W vs. Milwaukee 94-85, (Fri); L @ Miami 90-78, (Sun)
This Week: @ Milwaukee, Monday (2/20); @ New Jersey, Wednesday (2/22); @ Atlanta, Thursday (2/23)

What a solid week for the Magic. Three straight home games, three consecutive wins. Yesterday, their momentum took a slight hit after losing to the Heat at Miami, but back-to-back matchups this week against under .500 squads, Milwaukee and New Jersey, should help them gain back any of their lost stride. —Jose Martinez

6. Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 19 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: L @ Dallas 92-96, (Mon); W vs. Washington 102-84, (Wed); W @ Portland 74-71, (Thu); L vs. San Antonio 100-103, (Sat)
This Week: @ Golden State, Monday (2/20); vs. Denver, Wednesday (2/22);

The Clippers held their own this week against a mediocre Portland team and the terrible Wizards but had some trouble against legit contenders like the Mavs and Spurs. The overtime loss to San Antonio on Saturday was especially painful as a costly turnover by Chris Paul with 5.7 seconds left in regulation led to a game-tying three pointer by Gary Neal. Despite the loss, the Clippers still maintain a two game lead in the Pacific Division and are ranked third in the West. All of this makes us wonder why J.R. Smith chose to go to the Knicks over the Clippers. Was it the Linsanity or something a bit more sinister? It's kool J.R, we kan see why you went to the Knicks. —Ralph Warner

5. Dallas Mavericks

Record: 20 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: W vs. LA Clippers 96-92, (Mon); W vs. Denver 102-84, (Wed); W @ Philadelphia 82-75, (Fri); L @ New York 97-104, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Boston, Monday (2/20); vs. LA Lakers, Wednesday (2/22)

The most encouraging thing for Dallas fans has to be the resuscitation of the Mavs best player. Dirk Nowitzki's awkward fadeaway was starting to look less like a charming trademark of his game, and more like the desperate shot of a 33-year-old who'd lost a step. But during the Mavs recent 6-game winning streak, Nowitzki looked strong and poised, averaging over 23 points per game and scoring 24 in the second half of a road win against Philly.

All season long Dallas has been erratic, interrupting Championship-level play with spontaneous losing streaks. So, we'll see if a heartbreaking loss to the Knicks on Sunday leads to a curious string of L's. If the veteran-saturated Mavs can stay fresh and play consistently in this condensed season, then they'll be going deep into the postseason. —Sean Evans

4. Chicago Bulls

Record: 25 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: W vs. Sacramento 121-115, (Tue); W vs. Boston 89-80, (Thu); L vs. New Jersey 86-97, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Atlanta, Monday (2/20); vs. Milwaukee, Wednesday (2/22)

Losing to the Nets—at home, no less!—definitely wasn't how the Bulls wanted to end things last week. But, all in all, things still went well for them when you consider that they had to play all week (again!) without the benefit of having Derrick Rose in the lineup because of back spasms. Fortunately, though, they've only got two games this week and then they have a long break for All-Star Weekend. So, the goal for this week is to win at least one of their games, head into the break on a high note, and then get healthy. If they can do that, they're set up nicely for the second half of the season.—Chris Yuscavage

3. San Antonio Spurs

Record: 22 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: W @ Detroit 99-95, (Tue); W @ Toronto 113-106, (Wed); W @ LA Clippers 103-100, (Sat)
This Week: @ Utah, Monday (2/20); @ Portland, Tuesday (2/21); @ Denver, Thursday (2/23)

The Spurs have snuck up on Oklahoma City with the same quiet anonymity of their supporting cast. In a season that's seen Manu Ginobili sidelined with a broken hand and Tim Duncan playing at less than an All-Star level, the Spurs have been saved by an unidentifiable collection of Euro League castaways and pine-riding afterthoughts. During their current 10-game wining streak, the Spurs have seen Danny Green rain from the three-point line, Tiago Splitter become a force off the bench, and Kawhi Leonard emerge as the NBA's most pleasant rookie surprise. With their road woes behind them and Tony Parker playing out of his mind, the Spurs may soon emerge as the West's top team. —Sean Evans

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 24 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: W vs. Utah 111-85, (Tue); L @ Houston 95-96, (Wed); W vs. Golden State 110-87, (Fri); W vs. Denver 124-118, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New Orleans, Monday (2/20); vs. Boston, Wednesday (2/22); vs. LA Lakers, Thursday (2/24)

Only a one-point loss to the Rockets kept the Thunder from having a perfect week, as they crushed the Jazz, destroyed the Warriors and outgunned the Nuggets. The best in the West by a comfortable margin, the Thunder are of course riding on the shoulders of Kevin Durant, whose scoring is a tick off last year's at 27.6 a game, but he's averaging a career-high (and team-leading) 8.2 boards a game, shooting 51.6 percent from the floor, and has to be considered an early favorite for MVP. The career-high 51 points he scored against the Nuggets will only help his case.—Russ Bengtson

1. Miami Heat

Record: 25 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: W @ Milwaukee 114-96, (Mon); W @ Indiana 105-90, (Tue); W @ Cleveland 111-87, (Fri); W vs. Orlando 90-78, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Sacramento, Tuesday (2/21); vs. New York, Thursday (2/23)

Yeah, yeah. They went 4-0 this past week, where's the surprise in that? Let's cut to the chase and talk about their Thursday matchup with New York. With Linsanity in full effect and both Melo and STAT back, every media outlet is circling the date when the Knicks head to Miami. But are the Heat thinking the same thing? After all, they do have a game two days before against the Kings. With a trap game and Linsanity on deck, could we possibly see a two-game losing streak brewing right before the All-Star break? —Jose Martinez