The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to look impressive, winning six straight games and eight out of their last 10. They lead the conference with 36 wins and have a 12 game lead over the 22-22 Chicago Bulls in the Central division. After beating Boston last night, 30-16 Orlando is currently tied with29-15 Atlanta for first place in the Southeast division. At 23-22, Miami is 6 ½ games behind the leaders. Boston’s lead in the Atlantic division is down to six games over Toronto as the Celtics are 4-6 in their last 10 while the Raptors have won four straight. For the first time in the past few months the top eight teams in the conference have a .500 record or better. Charlotte is currently in the eighth spot with a record of 22-22. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers (36-11) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 2/1
LeBron James knocked away a shot at the buzzer to preserve a 100-99 win over the Thunder. He was one rebound away from a triple-double with 37 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. Against the Heat they got their second straight one point win, 92-91. James scored 32 points and Anderson Varejao added 13 points and 10 rebounds. They won their six straight game with a 109-95 win over the Timberwolves. In the win, six players scored in double figures led by JJ Hickson’s 23 points. Through 47 games James leads in points per game with 29.6 and assists with 7.9. Varejao leads in rebounds with 8.1 per game. Next up for the Cavaliers are the Pacers on the road tonight and then back home against the Clippers on Sunday, the Grizzlies on Tuesday, and the Heat on Thursday, February 4th.
Atlanta Hawks (29-15) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 9/1
Last Friday the Hawks outscored the Bobcats 36-22 in the third quarter on their way to a 103-89 victory. Against the Rockets they opened up an eleven point lead at the half and held on to win 102-95. Their three game winning streak came to an abrupt end losing to the Spurs by 15, 90-105. They trailed by 22 points at the half and were never able to close the gap. Through 44 games Joe Johnson leads the team in points per game with 21.3 and assists with 4.8. Al Horford is the leading rebounder with 9.8 per game. Next up for the Hawks are the Celtics on Friday at home, on the road against the Magic on Saturday and the Thunder on Tuesday, and then back home against the Clippers on Wednesday, February 3rd.
Boston Celtics (29-14) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference: 5/4
Last Friday, the Celtics ended a rare three game losing streak with a 98-95 victory over the Trail Blazers. Kevin Garnett returned to the lineup and added 13 points in the win. In a 95-89 win over the Clippers, Paul Pierce led the way with 22 points and Rajon Rondo added a double-double with 16 points and 12 assists. Against Orlando they blew a 16 point second half lead, losing their sixth game in their last 10, 96-98. Through 43 games Pierce is the leading scorer with 18.9 points per game, Kendrick Perkins is the leading rebounder with 8.5, and Rondo leads in assists with 9.7 per game. Next up for the Celtics are the Hawks tonight in Atlanta, the Lakers at home on Sunday, the Wizards on the road on Monday, and then back home to face the Heat on Wednesday, February 3rd.
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