NBA Eastern Conference Power Rankings- January 22nd
The Cleveland Cavaliers are making a mid season statement that they are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference by winning three straight including a big win over the Lakers last night. They are 33-11 and have a 13 game lead over 18-22 Chicago in the Central division. Boston has lost five out of their last seven games, but still have a 7 ½ game lead over 21-22 Toronto in the Atlantic division. In the Southeast division Atlanta has moved into first place over Orlando by ½ a game. The Hawks are 6-4 in their last 10 games, while the Magic are just 3-7. Charlotte has won six straight and is 9-1 in their last 10 games moving them only 5 ½ games out of the lead. There are now just seven teams in the conference with a winning record as the Bulls are currently in the eighth spot, four games under .500. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers (33-11) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 2/1
Lebron James scored 23 of his 32 points in the second half to give the Cavs a 102-101 win over the Clippers. Against the Raptors, James just missed a triple-double with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 108-100 victory. Saving his best for last, he scored 37 points in a huge showdown with the Lakers, leading his team to a 93-87 win over the current champs. Through 44 games James leads in points per game with 29.6 and assists with 7.8. Anderson Varejao leads in rebounds with 8.1 per game. Next up for the Cavaliers are the Thunder on Saturday at home, the Heat on Monday in Miami, and the Timberwolves back home on Wednesday, January 27th.
Atlanta Hawks (27-14) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 9/1
The Hawks came away with a thrilling 102-101 victory over the Suns last Friday night. Al Horford led the way with 24 points and Josh Smith added 20 points and 15 rebounds. On Monday the Thunder shocked the home town crowd beating them 91-94 bringing an abrupt end to their three game winning streak. They bounced back with a 108-97 win over the Kings and Jamal Crawford was the leading scorer with 20 points off the bench. Through 41 games Joe Johnson leads the team in points per game with 21.2 and assists with 4.9. Horford is the leading rebounder with 9.8 per game. Next up for the Hawks are the Bobcats at home tonight, and then back on the road against the Rockets on Monday and the Spurs on Wednesday, January 27th.
Boston Celtics (27-13) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 5/4
The Celtics’ woes continued this week with a 90-99 loss to the Mavericks. Their defense had no answer for stopping Dirk Nowitzki who lit them up for 37 points. Kendrick Perkins had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort. They lost their third game in a row, the fifth in their last seven dropping an 86-92 decision to the Pistons. They fell apart in the second half getting out scored by 14 points after leading by eight at the half. Through 40 games Paul Pierce is the leading scorer with 18.7 points per game, Perkins is the leading rebounder with 8.2, and Rajon Rondo leads in assists with 9.6 per game. Next up for the Celtics are the Trail Blazers tonight and the Clippers on Monday at home, and then on the road against the Magic on Thursday, January 28th.
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