The Phoenix Suns are trying to claw there way to the eighth seed. They currently own the position because of the tiebreaker. I don't think the Suns get in. It was a really bad break for Phoenix that the Denver Nuggets swept the home and home with the Houston Rockets and not the other way around. Houston has two games left against the New Orleans Hornets and one game against the Golden State Warriors. My prediction is the Rockets get it. Onto the Power Rankings...
- San Antonio Spurs (44-16): San Antonio is currently the number one seed in the Western Conference. Over the past two months they have played the most consistent basketball out of anyone in the NBA.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (44-17): 5-5 in their last 10 games. I'm not overly concerned, but it's something to watch.
- Miami Heat (43-17): Actually tried against the Knicks and won a game on the road against a team over .500. Interesting to see how many games the rest of the way the Big 3 all play in.
- Chicago Bulls (46-15): No way around it anymore, Derrick Rose injury status is a serious concern. Even if he is ready when round 1 begins will he be able to hold up to lead the Bulls where they have the talent to go?
- Indiana Pacers (40-22): Surprisingly the first team outside of the top four to reach the 40 win mark. Are the Pacers peaking at the right time with their current six game winning streak and winning 10 of their last 11?
- Los Angeles Lakers (39-23): Playing good ball without Kobe Bryant. While sitting out does Bryant see how effective Bynum and Gasol can be and defer in the playoffs? The answer to that question will decide if the Lakers can make a run deep into the playoffs.
- Memphis Grizzlies (36-25): Will Zach Randolph continue to come off the bench when the playoffs begin or does Lionel Hollins move him back into the starting line up?
- Boston Celtics (36-26): Hey Boston, how does another Steve Novak and J.R. Smith three-pointer in your face taste?!?!?!? HAHAHAHA
- Los Angeles Clippers (38-23): I left the Clippers for dead and they don't want to oblige. They have ran off four straight wins including an impressive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- New York Knicks (32-29): If we were just taking into account the Mike Woodson era the Knicks would be even higher with their 15-5 and record. They go above teams with better records because they're more dangerous in the playoffs.