NBA power rankings

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

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1. San Antonio, last week 1

Tim Duncan is back after missing eight of nine games with a bone bruise in his right knee. The Spurs went 7-1 without him and have won 14 of 15 overall.

Charles Rex Arbogast / AP

2. Miami, last week 3

LeBron James became first player to have six straight games with 30 points on better than 60 percent shooting and his team is on a seven-game win steak.

Alan Diaz / AP

3. Oklahoma City, last week 2

Kevin Durant uses LeBron James for motivation but still can't beat him. The Thunder has lost six straight to the Heat, including the NBA Finals.

Sue Ogrocki / AP

4. Los Angeles Clippers, last week 4

Chris Paul won't win MVP but he's definitely the most valuable Clipper. Came back to average 20 points and 10.5 assists during four-game win streak.

FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP/GETTY IMAGES

5. Memphis, last week 7

The post-Rudy Gay trade cloud has been lifted as the Grizzlies have won three in a row. Owner Robert Pera called Gay a "special talent" but said team is better.

Danny Johnston / AP

6. New York, last week 5

The Knicks are 14-12 in their past 26 games and Carmelo Anthony has a right arm contusion but Mike Woodson said team has "legitimate shot" the title.

MIKE SEGAR / REUTERS

7. Denver, last week 6

The Nuggets entered the break with three straight losses in Boston, Toronto and Brooklyn and injuries to Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Andre Iguodala.

Mary Altaffer / AP

8. Indiana, last week 8

After a run of 15 straight home wins, the Pacers lost two straight before Paul George ended the break in stellar fashion with a triple double against Charlotte.

BRENT SMITH / REUTERS

9. Brooklyn, last week unranked

Deron Williams went down and the Nets recorded wins in Indiana and over Denver. C.J Watson made a career-high five threes against the Nuggets

DON EMMERT / AFP/GETTY IMAGES

10. Chicago,last week 10

The Bulls were already struggling, losing four of five, before former MVP Derrick Rose made the stunning revelation that he might not come back this season.

BRIAN SNYDER / REUTERS

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