Cowboystd’s NBA Power Rankings 4/12/10

Here’s my Final Power Rankings for the ’09-’10 Season.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (61-20)
Does anybody remember how bad their season started? Me neither.
2. Orlando Magic (57-23)
Back to the Finals? Maybe. The Magic have the league’s best record after the All-Star break at 21-5. The Cavs and the Lakers aren’t even in the top five in that category.
3. Phoenix Suns (52-28)
Just a shade behind Orlando for the league’s best record since the All-Star break at 21-6. But can they stay hot in the playoffs without Robin Lopez like they have been lately? Only time will tell. As for their seeding, the Suns hold their own fate. With their last two games against Denver and at Utah, if they win out they will end up with the 3rd seed, possibly 2nd depending on how the Mavs handle their last games.
4. L.A Lakers (56-24)
All Laker fans can hope for is that this team can turn that switch back on in the playoffs. Because right now, this is clearly a team that’s not motivated at all. They’re 15-11 after the All-Star break and just 5-9 againts other division winners.
5. Utah Jazz (52-28)
The Jazz are looking nowhere but the second seed, they should be able to beat the Warriors, and have a challenging game against the Suns in their final game. If all goes well, they’ll be the 2 seed.
6. Dallas Mavericks (53-27)
History says point differential is a big deal, so the Mavs can’t ignore that theirs is by far the lowest of any West playoff team. Yet I’d also submit that no one is finishing second in this West without something clicking.
7. Portland Trail Blazers (49-31)
Instead of reveling in a nationally televised W on the Lakers’ floor — with Kobe deciding to play and then misfiring in crunch time — Portland is (what else?) sweating over another injury. It’s all about B-Roy’s knee from here.
8. Denver Nuggets (52-28)
They might have to do it without their coach, but if Kenyon Martin is healthy they should still be favored anytime they have home court advantage.
9. San Antonio Spurs (49-31)
Just finished with a winning road trip for the 13th straight season. But i think everyone finally knows how to dispose of the Spurs now. And with an aging team and not so good defense, i expect these guys to be 1 and done.
10. Atlanta Hawks (51-29)
The Hawks are 1-6 against the East’s top two entering a season-ender against the LeBron-less Cavs.




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