sportsjunkie

Welcome to the second edition of NBA Power Rankings. This week Jameel Tharani gave us his insight based on our previous rankings.

1. Chicago: (21-6)

Previous Rank: 1           Record Since: (6-3)

Drose is back and Deng has decided to play through his wrist injury trying to do his best Kobe imitation.

2. Oklahoma City: (19-5)

Previous Rank: 2           Record Since (6-2)

These guys just keep rolling and have the young legs to thrive in a condensed schedule. They beat some good teams down the stretch last week and the ability to close will help them stay at the top of the rankings.

3. Miami: (18-6)

Previous Rank: 3           Record Since: (7-1)

Dwade is back from injury which is the good news, but it was not enough against the bucks who beat them for the second time in 10 days.

4. Philadelphia: (18-7)

Previous Rank: 7           Record Since: (7-2)

The Sixers continue to impress under Collins, but they just can't seem to figure out how to beat the Heat.

5. Indiana: (16-7)

Previous Rank: 5           Record Since: (5-3)

This team is balanced and deep, with a great mix of young talent and veteran leadership.

6. San Antonio: (17-9)

Previous Rank: 11         Record Since: (7-2)

The Spurs are on a roll right now with 2 recent wins against the Grizzlies and one against the Thunder.

7. L.A Clippers: (15-7)

Previous Rank: 9           Record Since: (5-2)

How much the Billups injury is going to hurt is yet to be determined, but this team is deep at that position.

8. Atlanta: (16-9)

Previous Rank: 8           Record Since: (4-4)

The Hawks have done surprisingly well without their big man Horford, with guys like Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Jeff Teague stepping up.

9. Denver: (15-10)

Previous Rank: 6           Record Since: (3-5)

Gallo injury is going to hurt, not to mention other key guys dealing with nagging injuries in Nene, and Afflalo.

10. Boston: (13-10)

Previous Rank: 20         Record Since: (7-1)

The Celtics are on fire right now and seem to be putting it together with everyone healthy.

11. L.A Lakers: (14-11)

Previous Rank: 16         Record Since: (4-3)

Have struggled a bit of late, but the bigger concern is if Kobe can sustain these heavy minutes.

12. Orlando: (15-10)

Previous Rank: 4           Record Since: (6-3)

The Magic went through their worst stretch of games ever since D12 arrived and it's only a matter of time until he leaves.

13. Portland: (14-11)

Previous Rank: 14         Record Since: (5-4)

The Blazers have hopped onto the back of Aldridge and will go as far as he can take them. But credit also goes to the role players. The Blazers are deep and that could help them climb the ranks.

14. Dallas: (14-11)

Previous Rank: 15         Record Since: (4-4)

Dirk is starting to play like Dirk again over the past 2 games. He needs to keep it up for the Mavs to succeed.

15. Utah: (13-10)

Previous Rank: 10         Record Since: (3-5)

Have a talented front court which has carried them to be a competitive team in the playoff hunt so far.

16. Houston: (14-11)

Previous Rank: 12         Record Since: (5-4)

The Rockets are right in the thick of the west playoff race.

17. Memphis: (12-13)

Previous Rank: 13         Record Since: (3-7)

Have struggled of late losing 7 of 10.

18. Minnesota: (12-12)

Previous Rank: 17         Record Since: (5-3)

Have played solid ball all year and the great play of Rubio and Love show that this team has a bright future.

19. Milwaukee: (10-13)

Previous Rank: 18         Record Since: (4-4)

Had big wins recently over the Lakers and the Heat (twice).

20. Phoenix: (10-14)

Previous Rank: 19         Record Since: (4-5)

Gortat has played exceptionally well, but it has not been enough to get this team wins.

21. New York: (10-15)

Previous Rank: 22         Record Since: (4-5)

Struggled mightily and now having to deal with an injury to Melo and a leave of absence for Amare, but might have found the point guard they desperately need in Jeremy Lin.

22. Cleveland: (9-13)

Previous Rank: 21         Record Since: (3-4)

Kyrie Irving has played like a seasoned pro in his rookie year keeping the Cavs competitive in the east playoff race.

23. Golden State: (8-13)

Previous Rank: 24         Record Since: (3-3)

Gstate has plenty of talent, but they lack the size to compete in the big western conference.

24. Sacramento: (9-15)

Previous Rank: 23         Record Since: (3-4)

Have played much better under Keith Smart, but will not compete for a playoff spot in the tough western conference.

25. New Jersey: (8-18)

Previous Rank: 25         Record Since: (3-6)

Lopez injury has really hurt this team and may move to Brooklyn without an all-star.

26. Toronto: (8-18)

Previous Rank: 27         Record Since: (4-5)

Their offense struggles without Bargnani and his return could not come sooner for this team.

27. Detroit: (6-20)

Previous Rank: 26         Record Since: (2-7)

Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight are bright spots in an otherwise tough season in Detroit.

28. Washington: (5-20)

Previous Rank: 29         Record Since: (3-6)

This team has solid young talent, but lack maturity and leadership.

29. New Orleans: (4-21)

Previous Rank: 30         Record Since: (1-8)

Kaman is off the trade block for now and Gordon is still a few weeks out.

30. Charlotte: (3-21)

Previous Rank: 28         Record Since: (0-7)

The Bobcats have been atrocious this year. They have had injuries to deal with but so have many other teams.