Cleveland Cavaliers are on a five game winning streak and control the East with a six game lead in the conference over the Orlando Magic. They are 48-14 and have a 16 game lead over Chicago (31-29) in the Central division. The Magic are 42-20 and have a two game lead over Atlanta (39-21) in the Southeast division. In the Atlantic division, Boston (38-21) has opened up a seven game lead over Toronto (31-25) by going 6-4 in their last 10 games while the Raptors have lost four in row. There are only seven teams in the East with a winning record and right now at 30-31 the Miami Heat holds the eighth spot in the conference. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers (48-14) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 8/5
In a 126- 118 overtime win over the Raptors last Friday, Lebron James scored a team high 36 points and Antawn Jamison added 22 points and 11 rebounds. Against the Knicks, Jamison had another double –double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. They extended their winning streak to five games with a 111-92 win over the Nets. Through 62 games James leads in points per game with 29.8 and assists with 8.6 and Jamison is averaging eight rebounds per game. Next up for the Cavaliers are the Pistons tonight at home, the Bucks on Sunday on the road, and then back home to face the Spurs on Monday, March 8th.
Orlando Magic (42-20) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 6/1
Dwight Howard scored 26 points and pulled down 10 rebounds but it was not enough to avoid a 93-100 loss to the Hornets. They bounced back with a 96-80 win over the Heat, outscoring them 44-32 in the second half. Seven players scored in double figures led by Jameer Nelson’s 22 points in a 126-105 win over the 76ers. The Magic made it three in a row with a 117-90 win over the Warriors. Through 62 games Howard leads in points per game with 18.7 and rebounds with 13.1 and Nelson leads in assists with 5.3. Next up for the Magic are the Nets in New Jersey tonight and then back home to face the Lakers on Sunday, the Clippers on Tuesday, and the Bulls on Thursday, March 11th.
Atlanta Hawks (39-21) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 10/1
At home against Dallas, the Hawks had no answer for Dirk Nowitzki who torched them for 37 points in a 103-111 loss in overtime. In another tight one, Joe Johnson led the way with 24 points and Josh Smith added 22 points and 15 rebounds in their 106-102 overtime win over the Bucks. Against the Bulls, Jamal Crawford scored a team high 21 points off the bench to lead the way. Atlanta made it three in a row with a 112-93 win over the 76ers. Through 60 games Johnson leads the team in points per game with 21.7 and assists with 4.6. Al Horford is the leading rebounder averaging 9.4 per game. Next up for the Hawks are the Warriors tonight at home, and then on the road against the Heat on Saturday, the Knicks on Monday, and the Wizards on Thursday, March 11th.
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