RANK (LAST WK)REC.
1 (4) Lakers 41-9
The Lakers are back on top and deservingly so. They are the only team in the nba to beat the Celtics and Cavaliers twice this season. They ended the Cavs 23 game home winning streak in a very impressive 101-91 victory with Lamar Odom scoring 28 points while grabbing 17 rebounds.
2 (3) Cavaliers 39-10
The Cavaliers management will make a very dangerous gamble if they stand pat. They are trying to save $20 million with the expiring contracts of Eric Snow and Wally and have somehow convinced Lebron that the current roster is good enough to win the championship. Why take a risk when they could make the following trades. 1. Wally, rookie J.J. Hickson and a draft pick for Amare. Or 2. The same two players for Chris Kaman, Steve Novak and either Ricky Davis or Jason Hart. Warning!!! If they don’t make a trade and don’t win the championship this year, Lebron will definitely leave in 2010.
3 (1) Celtics 42-11
After winning their previous 12 games, the Celtics have skidded losing their last two. I expect them to bounce back from their mini slump.
4 (5) Spurs 34-15
We are now getting a steady dose of consistent play from the Spurs, but the question is. Can they truly defeat L.A in a 7 game series? My answer is absolutely not. Unfortunately for them, is the fact that the only way to can improve their roster is by trading one of their ‘big 3 players’ which is not going to happen.
5 (2) Magic 38-12
Losing Jameer Nelson was a major blow to the Magic. Ty Lou will help, especially on defense. Also, he is a decent shooter as well, but the Magic will miss Nelson big game ability without question.
6 (6) Nuggets 34-17
The Nuggets Carmelo Anthony returned from his injury and has been playing really well. I expected him to step up his game considering his recent all-star snubbing. Over the last 5 games, he’s averaged 24.8 ppg on 50 percent shooting. The Nuggets went 4-1 over that stretch.
7 (7) Trail Blazers 31-19
I’ve always proclaimed that for the Blazers to move up to the next level, Greg Oden will have to be a major factor on the defensive end. 12 or more rebound, 2.5 or more blocks will do the trick. Against New York he had 6 blocks and 12 rebounds which led to a narrow 109-108 win. He went without a block and had only 12 rebounds combined in the previous three games, during which the Blazers went 1-2. Brandon Roy is the man and a deserving all-star, but it will have to be about Oden on the defensive end.
8 (9) Rockets 31-20
For the first time this season the Rockets are healthy but have not been as impressive as you would think. Maybe team chemistry is off, or a lack of playing together. Either way, I expect things to get better in a hurry.
9 (8) Hornets 30-18
I was shock to see the Hornets go 2-2 without CP3, but a win against the inconsistent Raptors and the up and coming Timberwolves was not enough to convince me that they can play without CP3. Without him in the lineup, I expect them to struggle.
10 (14) Jazz 29-23
People talk about the Rockets injury situation, but I am more impress with the Jazz. I expect the Jazz to take advantage of Jason Terry’s injury and move up in the standings. And if Boozer can return soon, they will definitely make the playoffs.
11 (10) Mavericks 30-20
Jason Terry will surely be missed, but that means other players have to step up. He’s expected to be out a month and if they can keep the Jazz and Suns within reach they should be okay.
12 (13) Suns 28-21
Well it’s pretty obvious that Amare’s days in Phoenix are numbered. The key though, is they have to make the right decision and this is the way I see it. 1. Trade for the Cavs J.J. Hickson and Wally’s expiring $13 Million contract. 2. Trade for the Hawks defensive stud Josh Smith and Marvin Williams. 3. Trade for Golden State’s Monte Ellis, Anthony Morrow and Turiaf instead of Beidrins. 4. Trade for Dallas Josh Howard and rookie sensation Brandon Bass, though this trade is highly unlikely. I am sure that are other scenarios out there, but the trades involving Golden State and the Hawks are perhaps the two best ones.
13 (15) Hawks 29-21
Al Horford returned and though his numbers haven’t impressive, his presence helped the team win two straight games. However a loss the Clippers had me scratching my head until I put things in perspective. The Clips had six players in double figures and made 57 percent of their shots from the field. Most teams will lose the game if they allow that to happen.
14 (12) 76ers 25-24
Deep down the Sixers were hoping Brand would return and play well. Imagine if he had averaged 17ppg and 10rpg and hadn’t sustained his injury. They would have definitely tried to fool the Suns into taking him for Amare, or some other team for sure. Now they are stuck with a player whose injured for the rest of the season who doesn’t seem to fit their up tempo style.
15 (11) Heat 27-13
The Heat are also in a great position with the expiring contract of Shawn Marion, which is why I believe they are trying to move him. They can really improve their team if they pull the right trigger, because they still have Wade and Beasley.
16 (17) Pistons 27-22
Trading for Amare will take Rasheed Wallace expiring contract and Rodney Stuckey. I don’t think the Suns will be interested in any other player than those two. The Pistons are so high on Stuckey though, which leaves me believe they will not pull the trigger with the Suns, unless they can keep Stuckey. However, could not be in a better situation for the future. Between Iverson and Wallace, they have $35 million in expiring contracts. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them pull a blockbuster deal, because they certainly have the pieces.
17 (22) Bulls 22-29
The Bulls are doing their best to improve their roster and appears to be the leading candidate for trading for Amare. Gooden, Tyrus Thomas and the two key names being mentioned. I think John Paxson have to offer whatever it takes, because he is clearly in hot waters. Pairing Amare with ROY candidate Derrick Rose and Ben Gordon will give the Bulls a good trio to build on for the future.
18 (23) Nets 24-28
Devin Harris making the all-star team ahead of Vince Carter is a very good indication that the Nets are not a good team anymore. They could still make the playoff, but they would have to beat out Milwaukee which seems very unlikely right now.
19 (16) Knicks 21-29
I feel really bad for the Knicks. Just when it seemed like they were making some strides, they were dealt with the worst possible schedule. Kobe comes in gets 61, a Garden record. Only to be followed by Lebron’s 52 and what should have stayed and triple double in my book. Then end up with the Celtics ‘big 3.’ Who made the schedule?
20 (18) Bucks 24-29
I know Michael Redd is out for the rest of the season, but I think if Session, and Richard Jefferson could keep up with the surging Villenueva, the Bucks will maintain the eighth seed.
21 (19) Bobcats 19-31
Sometimes you have to get rid of your biggest mistake in order to move forward and that was what Mike did by trading Adam Morrison. Jordan could have drafted Brandon Roy ahead of Morrison and things would have been so different. Unfortunately, Radmanovic ended up being the best thing the Bobcats could get for Morrison.
22 (24) Warriors 17-35
The Warriors are a much better team with the addition of Monte Ellis, but maybe they should start looking at the future. Word is they are packaging Beidrins or Monte for Amare. If they can get away with keeping Monte and still get Amare, kudos to Chris Mullins.
23 (21) Pacers 20-32
The Pacers have Danny Granger as an all-star and are still within reach of the playoffs in the East. They simply have to win 3 or 4 games in a row and they will be right there.
24 (20) Timberwolves 17-33
The Timberwolves are done at least for this season and in a way give Kevin McHale the perfect excuse. The Wolves after starting the year 10-2 have gone on to lose 6 of their last 7 games. To add insult to injury the Wolves will be without their superstar center Al Jefferson for the rest of the season. At least now Kevin excuse if his team continues to lose will be that he was without his superstar center, which will be valid.
25 (26) Thunder 13-38
The Thunder I must admit are playing a lot better and second year stud Kevin Durant has been very impressive averaging 25.5ppg for the season. However, they could make some noise next season with the addition of a top 3 draft pick.
26 (25) Raptors 19-34
I am very sure the Raptors are doing everything in the power to change their roster. Either O’Neal or Bosh will have to go. They have clearly been the most disappointing team all season long.
27 (30) Clippers 12-39
The Clippers may have turned their season around with back to back road wins by a combined 45 points. Just kidding, they are still a bad team.
28 (28) Grizzlies 14-36
A 3-1 week was something to feel good about for a change. If they play .500 ball for the rest of the season, they would finish 30-52 and really have something to build on for next season.
29 (29) Wizards 11-40
Let’s be honest. The Wizards are not going to make a trade. Gilbert Arenas will not return. Next season they will improve by 30 games and everyone will forget the 2008-09 season ever happened.
30 (27) Kings 11-41
I have no idea what’s going on in Sac Town, but I feel really bad for a very proud basketball city. Maybe they will convince their new mayor, former nba great Kevin Johnson to come out of retirement and lace it up again.
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