NBA Eastern Conference Power Rankings January 1, 2010

There has been a shift in the balance of power in the Eastern Conference this week as Cleveland is now the top team after going 9-1 in their last 10 games, winning their last six, while Boston has dropped three games in a row. The Cavaliers are 26-8 and have opened up an 11 ½ game lead over 12-17 Chicago in the Central division. The Celtics have dropped to 23-8 but still have an eight game lead over 16-17 Toronto in the Atlantic division even with the Raptors winning their last five games. In the Southeast division 23-8 Orlando has a two game lead over the 21-10 Atlanta and a six game lead over 16-13 Miami. On the opposite end of the conference, Detroit and Indiana currently have the longest losing streak, dropping their last eight games. New Jersey snapped a nine game losing streak with a 104-95 win over the Knicks. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland Cavaliers (26-8)              Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 2/1

The Cavs started the week with a 108-83 win over the Rockets, outscoring Houston by 17 points in the third quarter. In the first game of a home and home series with the Hawks, six players scored in double figures with Mo Williams leading the way with 20 points. LeBron James had a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists. The next night in Cleveland, James celebrated his 25^th birthday by dropping 48 points and 10 rebounds in the 106-101 win. Through 34 games James leads in points per game with 28.9 and assists with 7.8. Anderson Varejao leads in rebounds with 7.9 per game. Next up for the Cavaliers are the Nets in New Jersey on Saturday, and then back home against the Bobcats on Sunday and the Wizards on Wednesday, January 6^th.

Boston Celtics (23-8)                      Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 5/4

With Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett both missing playing time with injuries the Celtics have dropped three games in a row. Clipper G Baron Davis hit a 22 foot jumper as time expired to hand Boston a 92-90 loss in LA. In their next game against the Warriors, they were able to build an 18 point lead in the first quarter, but couldn’t hold to end up on the losing end of a 103-99 decision. Rajon Rondo had 30 points and 15 assists in the losing effort. Playing shorthanded, they were no match for the Suns who opened up a 12 point lead at the half that they were never able to erase in the 116-98 loss. Through 31 games Paul Pierce is still the leading scorer with 18.2 points per game, Kendrick Perkins is the leading rebounder with 7.9, and Rondo leads in assists with 9.6 per game. Next up for the Celtics are the Raptors on Saturday at home and the Heat on the road on Wednesday, January 6^th.

Orlando Magic (23-8)               Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 3/1

Since losing to the Celtics 86-77 on Christmas Day, the Magic only played one game this week. On Wednesday they beat the Bucks 117-92 to close out 2009. In that game they erased an eight point deficit at the half, outscoring Milwaukee by 33 points in the second half. Vince Carter led the way with 25 points and Dwight Howard added 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Through 31 games Carter is the leading scorer averaging 19.1 points per game, Howard is the leading rebounder with 13.3, and Jameer Nelson leads in assists with 4.8. Next up for the Magic are three straight road games starting with the Timberwolves tonight, the Bulls on Saturday, and the Pacers on Tuesday. They return home to face the Raptors on Wednesday, January 6^th.