NBA Power Rankings

SportsTicker's weekly NBA Power Rankings with last week's results in parenthesis.

1. (1) Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe Bryant is the best closer in the game. Sorry LeBron.

2. (4) San Antonio Spurs - Once Tony Parker gets healthy, the Spurs could challenge the Lakers for rights to the NBA Finals.

3. (2) Detroit Pistons - Going 3-1 on their recent West Coast swing was impressive, but Wednesday's contest at Boston means a bit more.

4. (3) Houston Rockets - The focus is clearly on Tracy McGrady now. That's not a good thing if Houston makes it to the playoffs.

5. (5) Boston Celtics - If the Celtics are really going to sign 38-year-old Sam Cassell for the stretch run, I hope they know what they are getting into.

6. (6) Utah Jazz - Coach Jerry Sloan's team hasn't suffered a home loss in more than two months.

7. (10) New Orleans Hornets - Despite what Kobe and LeBron are doing, Chris Paul should be named the MVP ...

8. (7) Cleveland Cavaliers - ... However, LeBron is making a strong case for MVP honors.

9. (8) Dallas Mavericks - Jason Kidd was brought in to make the difference against the elite clubs. But the Mavericks fell to the Spurs and Lakers in the same week.

10. (11) Golden State Warriors - Glad to see rookie Brandan Wright finally getting an opportunity to play.