NBA power rankings

Michael Lee evaluates the best teams in the National Basketball Association.

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1. Chicago

The Bulls are in position to lock up the NBA's best record for the second year in a row, but is that good? The top seed in the Eastern Conference has advanced to the NBA Finals once in the past nine years. Last week: 3

JIM YOUNG / REUTERS

2. Oklahoma City

The Thunder is trending in the wrong direction. After losing three games in a row for the first time this season, it won two in a row, but then lost at home to the Los Angeles Clippers. Last week: 2

JEFFREY PHELPS / AP

3. San Antonio

Gregg Popovich cared so much about an 11-game win streak that he kept his three stars from traveling for a loss in Utah. After a first-round loss last season, the Spurs aren't worried about the regular season anymore. Last week: 1

Darren Abate / AP

4. Miami

Doubts about the Heat championship mettle were raised again after team lost at home to Boston and on the road in Chicago as Derrick Rose had the worst game of his career. Last week: 4

Wilfredo Lee / AP

5. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers don't know when Kobe Bryant will return because of soreness in his left shin, but he can take his time if Andrew Bynum continues to grab 30 rebounds in a game, as he did in a road win in San Antonio. Last week: 5

SEAN GARDNER / REUTERS

6. Indiana

David West sent Cleveland mascot Moondog to the hospital with an accidental uppercut, but the Pacers may have trouble avoiding first-round knockout against possible opponents Atlanta and Orlando. Last week: 7

Michael Conroy / AP

7. Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin missed a breakaway dunk? Say it ain't so. Fortunately for the Clippers, that's about all that hasn't gone right lately. They have taken advantage of weaker schedule to win 10 of 12 games. Last week: 7

STEVE SISNEY / REUTERS

8.Boston

The Celtics are getting healthier as season comes to a close. They recently welcomed back Ray Allen and now Mickael Pietrus is back after suffering a concussion last month. Last week: Unranked

Michael Dwyer / AP

9. Atlanta

The Hawks opened month winning three out of four games, with point guard Jeff Teague averaging 18.3 points and seven assists, but they continue to struggle against Boston. Last week: 8

David Goldman / AP

10. Memphis

Gilbert Arenas decided to re-hash his final days in Washington this week, but he might want to focus on current situation with the Grizzlies. Memphis is 3-11 against the four teams ahead of them in the standings. Last week: 9

Lance Murphey / AP

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