With the big match-ups of Christmas Day behind us, Boston has maintained their spot a top the East. With a 23-5 record they have a 10 ½ game lead over Toronto in the Atlantic division. Orlando is now 22-8 and has opened up a one game lead over 20-8 Atlanta and a 5 ½ game lead over 15-12 Miami in the Southeast division. Cleveland, coming off a big win on Friday over the Lakers for their third straight win, are currently 22-8 and have a nine game lead over 12-15 Milwaukee in the Central division. Through 30+ games of the season there are only five teams in the conference with winning records. Right now at 11-16, the Charlotte Bobcats hold the eighth and final playoff seed in the East. Detroit, who started to make a bit of a run a few weeks ago, has a six game losing streak. The Nets have the longest losing streak in the East dropping their last eight. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Boston Celtics (23-5) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +140
A little over a week ago, the Celtics had their 11 game winning streak snapped, dropping a 98-97 decision to the 76ers. They bounced back with a 122-104 win over the Timberwolves as Paul Piece set a franchise record by hitting six straight three point shots. In a 103-94 win over the Pacers, Boston actually trailed by 15 points at the half but rallied for the win. On Christmas Day they came away with a big 86-77 win over the Magic in Orlando. Rajon Rondo had 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists in the winning effort. Through 28 games Paul Pierce, who is actually out of the line up for a few weeks with a knee injury is the leading scorer with 18.2 points per game, Kendrick Perkins is the leading rebounder with eight, and Rondo leads in assists with 9.7 per game. Next up for the Celtics are three straight games on the road. Sunday against the LA Clippers, the Warriors on Monday, and the Suns on Wednesday, December 30th.
Cleveland Cavaliers (23-8) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +170
In a busy week for the Cavs, they started with an 85-82 over the Bucks led by LeBron James’ 26 points and 10 rebounds. In their next game they fell to the Mavericks 102-95. Behind by six points at the end of the third quarter, they were never able to close the gap. The next night the beat the Suns 109-91 and followed up with a 117-104 win over the Kings two days later. Their biggest win of the week was on Christmas Day beating the Lakers in convincing fashion 102-87. Mo Williams led the way with 28 points and James added 26 in taking down the top team in the West. Through 31 games James leads in points per game with 28.8 and assists with 7.8. Anderson Varejao leads in rebounds with 7.9 per game. Next up for the Cavaliers are the Rockets at home on Sunday and then a home and home series against the Hawks; Tuesday in Atlanta and Wednesday, December 30th at home.
Orlando Magic (22-8) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +275
In their 92-83 win over the Trail Blazers, Rashard Lewis scored 15 points and J.J. Redick added 12 points off the bench. Next they beat the Jazz 104-99 with Dwight Howard leading the way with 21 points. Once again, Redick scored in double figures (20) off the bench. Against the Rockets five players scored in double figures in the 102-87 win. Their three game winning streak was snapped with the 86-77 loss to the Celtics on Christmas. Through 30 games Vince Carter is the leading scorer averaging 18.6 points per game, Howard is the leading rebounder with 13.1, and Jameer Nelson leads in assists with 5.1. Next up for the Magic are the Bucks at home on Wednesday, December 30th.
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