NBA Western Conference Power Rankings
The Lakers are still the top team in the NBA’s Western Conference but the gap between them and the other top teams is not as wide as it used to be. At 30-9, they still have the best overall record, but they have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games. Despite the losses they still have a commanding six game lead over 24-15 Phoenix in the Pacific division. Dallas is currently 25-13 but has gone 5-5 in their last 10 games cutting their lead to just a ½ game over 24-13 San Antonio and 3 ½ game lead over 22-17 Houston in the Southwest division. In the Northwest division, 25-14 Denver has a 1 ½ game lead over 24-16 Portland with Oklahoma City and Utah, both 21-17 sitting 3 ½ games back. There are now 11 teams with winning records with the Thunder currently clinging to the eighth spot in the conference. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers (30-9) Current Odds to Win the Western Conference: 2/3
The Lakers started their up and down week with a 98-107 loss to the Trail Blazers. LA has now lost nine straight and 15 out of 17 in Portland. In a 95-77 win over the Bucks, Kobe Bryant was held to just 12 points on the night, but Andrew Bynum’s 17 points and 18 rebounds led the way. On Tuesday they were completely blown out by the Spurs 85-105 as Bryant left the game in the third quarter with back spasms. In a 100-95 win over the Mavericks, Bynum once again was a stud scoring 22 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Through 39 games Bryant leads in points per game with 28.7 and assists with 4.5. Pau Gasol is the leading rebounder with 11.5. Next up for the Lakers are the Clippers tonight, the Magic on Monday at home, and then on the road against the Cavaliers on Thursday, January 21st.
Denver Nuggets (25-14) Current Odds to Win the Western Conference: 5/1
The Nuggets pulled off a big 99-97 win over the Cavaliers last Friday night even without Carmelo Anthony in the lineup. They could have used him the next night as the dropped a 100-102 decision to the Kings. With Anthony back on the court, they beat the Timberwolves 105-94 led by his 24 points. On Wednesday six players scored in double figures in an impressive 105-94 win over the Magic. Through 39 games Anthony is the leading scorer averaging 29.8 points per game. Kenyon Martin is averaging 8.8 rebounds and Chauncey Billups is averaging 5.7 assists.
San Antonio Spurs (24-13) Current Odds to Win the Western Conference: 5/1
The Spurs had a chance to take the lead in the Southwest, but lost to the Mavericks 103-112 last Friday night. They won the first of three straight by beating the Nets 97-85. They followed this up with 105-85 rout over the Lakers that was aided by the absence of Kobe Bryant for much of the second half. In a thrilling 109-108 overtime win over the Thunder, DeJuan Blair and Tony Parker each scored 28 points in the win. Through 37 games Tim Duncan leads the team in points per game with 20.1 and rebounds with 10.4. Parker leads in assists with 5.9 per game. Next up for the Spurs are three straight road games starting with the Bobcats tonight, the Grizzlies on Saturday, and the Hornets on Monday. They return home to face the Jazz on Wednesday, January 20th.
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