1. Miami Heat (30-9): Remember when this team was 9-8 and yours truly was droning on about chemistry issues and how this team didn't fit together stylistically? Neither do I. They've won 21 of their last 22 games and are on pace to win more than 60 for the season. LeBron James is averaging an insane 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists over his last five.
2. San Antonio Spurs (31-6): Yes they lost two games in a row, but it was on back to back nights against the Celtics and the much improved Knicks. They had to lose some games eventually. 31-6 is still a great half season for this team.
3. Orlando Magic (25-12): Better records are out there, but the Power Poll is very much a fluid, "Who's best right now?" survey of the league. I'm not going to put the Clippers at Number One if they win four straight, but a championship-level team like the Magic can ascend quickly, especially when they win nine straight games after rebuilding their whole roster. Hedo Turkoglu is flourishing, Jason Richardson fits like a glove, and Gilbert Arenas is as good a spark off the bench as any in the league. They might deal Jameer Nelson for a big man, but that would slide Arenas into the starting lineup. I'd be hesitant to change anything Orlando is doing right now.
4. Boston Celtics (28-8): I can't expect a much better record from a team that is now missing Kevin Garnett and has been without Rajon Rondo for much of the year. This team is so deep they can absorb some injuries, and they aren't worried about being in top form until the playoffs start. One concern though is that the Celtics rank near the very bottom of the league in rebounding.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (27-11): The Lake Show net four straight wins and six wins in their last seven. Andrew Bynum is energizing this team, averaging 14 points, 7 boards, and 2 blocks over his past five games. Matt Barnes tore his meniscus, which will keep him out for a couple months, but Ron Artest could use some more playing time to tune up his game. And now that Bynum is back, Lamar Odom can slide over and play some small forward. They don't have their "A" game yet, but just like Boston, the Lakers are prepared for the season as a marathon, not a sprint.
6. Dallas Mavericks (26-10): Since this is a fluid ranking system, I was conflicted about putting a team that is without Dirk Nowitzki and Caron Butler this high. Butler is out for the year, a huge blow, but Nowitzki should be back soon. Without Butler this is a good team but not an elite one.
7. Chicago Bulls (24-12): Two bad losses at the Nets and 76ers, but a nice rebound win over the Celtics keeps this talented team in the rankings. How high is Derrick Rose on your MVP ballot?
8. Atlanta Hawks (25-14): We're entering the neighborhood of the "Yeah, but" teams in the rankings. Yeah the Hawks are pretty good and have won four straight, but who on their roster truly scares you?
TIE 9. Oklahoma City Thunder (25-13) and Utah Jazz (25-13): These two very evenly matched teams battle for the four seed out west. Both have brilliant young point guards (Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams) and versatile scoring forwards (Kevin Durant and Jeff Green for the Thunder, Al Jefferson and Paul Milsap for the Jazz). The Jazz have a greater ability to play in the half court because of their back to the basket players, while the Thunder are more dynamic and athletic.
--from Adam
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