NBA Eastern Conference Power Rankings
Boston currently has the longest winning streak in the NBA at 11 and with a record of 20-4 they have an 11 game lead in the Atlantic division over the distant second place 11-17 Raptors. Atlanta has won five straight and with Orlando’s loss to Miami last night they have tied the Magic atop the Southeast division. The Hawks record is now 18-6, while the Magic is 19-7 opening up a five game lead over the 13-11 Heat. After playing very inconsistent early in the month, the Cavaliers have won four straight games to take their record to 19-7. They have a 6 ½ game lead over Milwaukee, who now has a losing record at 11-12. Through the first two months of the season only five teams in the East are above.500 and the current 8th seed, Charlotte is 10-14. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Boston Celtics (19-4) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +150
Celtics have only played two games over the past seven days in a relatively quiet week. Last Saturday all five starters scored in double digits and Rasheed Wallace and Eddie House each added 15 off the bench in a 106-80 win over the Bulls in a total team effort. On Monday against the Grizzlies they survived a scare, coming away with a tight 110-105 victory. Ray Allen’s three pointer with 17.5 seconds left sealed the win. Through 23 games Paul Pierce is the leading scorer averaging 18 points a game, Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins are each averaging 7.5 rebounds per game, and Rajon Rondo leads in assists with 9.5. Next up for the Celtics are the 76ers tonight, the Timberwolves on Sunday, and the Pacers on Tuesday at home, and then they head to Orlando for a Christmas Day game against the Magic.
Cleveland Cavaliers (19-7) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +170
After a solid week of playing to their ability the Cavaliers are back in my top three. Last Friday they beat the Trail Blazers 104-99. LeBron James led the way with 33 points and Shaquille O’Neal added 14 points and 11 rebounds. In a 102-89 romp over the Thunder, James scored 44 points and Mo Williams added 22. On Tuesday they beat the Nets 99-89 in a game that was a little too close for comfort against one of the worst teams in the league, but a win is a win. They made it four in a row with a 108-101 win over the 76ers with five players scoring in double digits including Anderson Varejao adding 11 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Through 26 games James is averaging 28.9 points and 8 assists a game and Varejao leads in rebounds with 8 per game. Next up for the Cavaliers are the Bucks at home tonight, and then on the road to play the Mavericks on Sunday, the Suns on Monday, the Kings on Wednesday, and the Lakers on Christmas Day.
Atlanta Hawks (18-6) Current Odds to Win the Eastern Conference +1100
Last Friday the Hawks beat the Raptors 111-89 with six players scoring in double figures including 55 points from the bench. In a 130-107 blowout over the Nets, seven players scored in double figures with Maurice Evan’s 22 points leading the way. Joe Johnson added 21 points and 10 assists in the win. On Wednesday, they won their fifth straight with a 110-97 victory over the Grizzlies. Al Horford had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Johnson led all scorers with 26. Through 24 games Johnson is averaging 21.2 points and 5 assists per game and Horford leads in rebounds with 9.4 per game. Next up for the Hawks are the Jazz at home tonight, and then three straight on the road starting with the Bulls on Saturday, the Grizzlies on Tuesday, and the Nuggets on Wednesday, December 23rd.
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