NBA East Power Rankings December 11, 2009
NBA Eastern Conference Power Rankings
The Boston Celtics are matching the Lakers win for win as with last night’s victory over the Wizards they have now won nine games in a row. Their 17-4 record has opened up a nine game lead in the Atlantic division over the distant second place 10-14 Raptors. Cleveland has lost two straight games, falling to 15-7 on the year and out of my top three. They still lead 10-11 Milwaukee by 4 ½ games and the surging 10-12 Pistons by five games in the Central division. Orlando, at 17-5 only has a one game lead over 15-6 Atlanta in the Southeast division. Miami is five games back at 11-9. This is the only division in the East that has more than one team with a winning record. The highlight of this week was the return of Allen Iverson to his old team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, Denver spoiled the reunion, beating the Sixers in Philly 93-83 in his first game back. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Boston Celtics (17-4) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +150
The Celtics rolled to a 105-87 win over the Thunder last Friday night as seven players scored in double figures led by Kevin Garnett’s 23 points. On Tuesday against the Bucks they came away with a 98-89 win. Rajon Rondo was one rebound short of a triple-double in the win and Rasheed Wallace added 13 points off the bench. On Thursday then ran their winning streak to nine with a 104-102 win over the Wizards. Rondo had another big night with 21 points and 11 assists. Through 21 games Paul Pierce is the leading scorer averaging 18.1 points per game, Garnett and Kendrick Perkins are averaging over 7 rebounds per game, and Rondo leads in assists with 9.3. Next up for the Celtics are two road games, the Bulls on Saturday and the Grizzlies on Monday, December 14th.
Orlando Magic (17-5) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +265
Last Saturday the Magic beat the Warriors 126-118 in a shootout. Six players scored in double digits led by Vince Carter’s 27. In their next game they came away with a 97-86 win over the L.A. Clippers. This time Dwight Howard led the way with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Their six game winning streak came to an end with a 120-111 loss to the Jazz on Thursday night. The Magic blew an 18 point halftime lead getting outscored by 17 points in the 3rd quarter. Through 22 games Carter is averaging a team high 20.1 points per game, Howard leads in rebounds with 12 per game, and Jameer Nelson leads in assists with 5.5. Next up for the Magic are the Suns tonight on the road, the Pacers on Monday and the Raptors on Wednesday at home, and then back on the road to play the Heat on Thursday, December 17th.
Atlanta Hawks (15-6) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +1100
Last Friday in Atlanta, the Hawks dropped a 114-107 decision to the Knicks for only their second home loss of the season. New York opened up a 13 point lead at the half which they were never able to erase. They bounced back the next night with an 80-75 win over the Mavericks, holding Dallas to only 15 points in the 4th quarter. Joe Johnson led the way with 31 points and Marvin Williams added 15 rebounds. On Wednesday the beat the Bulls 118-83 opening up a 30 point lead in the third quarter. In this game, Jamal Crawford had 29 points off the bench. Through 21 games Johnson is averaging 21 points and 4.9 assists per game and Al Horford is the leading rebounder averaging 9.5 a game. Next up for the Hawks are the Raptors tonight in Toronto and the Nets on Sunday and the Grizzlies on Wednesday, December 16th at home.
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