With the NBA All-Star weekend in the books, the stretch run for the post season is underway. The Los Angeles Lakers have the best record in the conference at 42-14 and a 10 game lead over Phoenix (32-23) in the Pacific division. Denver (36-18) has a one game lead in the Northwest division over Utah (34-19). Oklahoma City (31-21) is 3 ½ games back and Portland (32-24) is 4 ½ back. In the Southwest division, Dallas (33-21) leads San Antonio (31-21) by just a game and leads Houston (28-25) by 4 ½ games and New Orleans (28-25) by five. There are 11 teams in the West with a winning record with the Trail Blazers currently sitting in the eighth spot. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers (42-14) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 7/5
The Lakers came off the All Star break with a solid 104-94 win over the Warriors with Kobe Bryant still out of the lineup, nursing a leg injury. Shannon Brown filled his void with 27 points and 10 rebounds. In a showdown with the ailing Celtics, Kobe’s presence was missed as they lost for the first time in four games; 86-87. Through 55 games Bryant leads in points per game with 28 and assists with 4.6. Pau Gasol is the leading rebounder with 11.2. Next up for the Lakers are the Grizzlies on Tuesday and the Mavericks on Thursday, February 24th, both on the road.
Denver Nuggets (36-18) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 8/1
In their only scheduled game since the All Star break, the Nuggets beat the red hot Cavaliers 118-116 an overtime thriller. Carmello Anthony scored 40 points including the game winner with 1.9 seconds left to play. Kenyon Martin added 18 points and 17 rebounds and J.R. Smith added 14 points off the bench. Through 54 games Anthony is the leading scorer, averaging 29.2 points per game. Martin is averaging 9.4 rebounds and Chauncey Billups is averaging 6.2 assists. Next up for the Nuggets are the Wizards tonight on the road, the Celtics at home on Sunday, and then on the road against the Warriors on Thursday, February 25th.
Utah Jazz (34-19) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 10/1
The Jazz are hottest team in the West right now, going 9-1 in their last 10 games. In their first game after the All Star break they beat the Rockets 104-95. Derron Williams scored 17 points and had 15 assist and Paul Millsap added 20 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. In a 98-90 win over the Hornets, Williams had another double-double with 16 points and 10 assists and Millsap led all scorers with 24. Through 53 games Carlos Boozer is the leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points per game and rebounder with 10.8. Williams leads in assists with 9.9. Next up for the Jazz are the Warriors tonight and the Trail Blazers on Sunday on the road, and then back home to face the Hawks on Monday and the Bobcats on Wednesday, February 24th.
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