With less than 10 games to play in the regular season things still remain to close to call in the West. The Los Angeles Lakers are on top and should be the number one seed in the upcoming playoffs. They have a record of 53-18 and an eight game lead over Phoenix (45-26) in the Pacific division. Their lead in the conference is 6 ½ games over Denver, Dallas, and Utah. The Mavericks have lost three out of their last four, but they still lead San Antonio in the Southwest by four games. In the Northwest division, the Nuggets are now tied with Utah (47-25) for the lead and Oklahoma City (43-27) is just three games back. There are 10 teams in the West with a winning record and Portland is currently in the 8th spot at 43-29. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers (53-18) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 7/5
Last Friday night six players scored in double figures led by Kobe Bryant’s 22 points and 13 assists in their 104-96 win over the Timberwolves. In a 99-92 win over the Wizards, Pau Gasol led the way with 28 points and 12 rebounds. They won their seventh straight game with a convincing 92-83 victory over the Spurs. Through 71 games Bryant leads in points per game with 27.5 and assists with five. Gasol is the leading rebounder with 11.1. Next up for the Lakers is a four game road trip starting with the Timberwolves tonight, the Rockets on Sunday, the Hornets on Monday, and the Hawks on Wednesday, March 31st.
Dallas Mavericks (47-25) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 8/1
After winning 13 straight games, the Mavs have now lost four out of their last six allowing the Spurs to stay in the mix in the Southwest division. After losing 93-102 to the Celtics last Saturday night and 99-115 to the Hornets on Monday, they were able to hammer out a 106-96 win over the Clippers. Last night they were outscored 21-14 in the fourth quarter in an 89-101 loss to the Trail Blazers. Through 72 games Dirk Nowitzki is the leading scorer, averaging 24.9 points per game. Since coming to the Mavs, Brendon Haywood has averaged 8.1 rebounds per game and Jason Kidd leads in assists with 9.2. Next up for the Mavericks are the Warriors on the road this Saturday, the Hornets at home on Monday, the Grizzlies in Memphis on Wednesday, and then back home to face the Magic on Thursday, April 1st.
Denver Nuggets (47-25) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 8/1
The Nuggets have not been able to take advantage of the Mav’s recent woes as they have had some problems of their own, losing their last three games. After losing 97-102 to the red hot Bucks, they were embarrassed by the lowly Knicks 104-109. Things did not get any better on Wednesday night after suffering a 99-113 setback at the hands of the Celtics. Through 72 games Carmelo Anthony is the leading scorer, averaging 29 points per game. Kenyon Martin is averaging 9.6 rebounds and Chauncey Billups is averaging 5.7 assists. Next up for the Nuggets are the three straight road games starting with the Raptors tonight, the Magic on Sunday, the Mavericks on Monday, and then back home to play the Trail Blazers on Thursday, April 1st.
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