NBA Power Rankings

By Cortez Strickland

PA SportsTicker Staff Writer

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

1. (1) Houston Rockets - If Houston can make it through its next four games (Boston, New Orleans, Golden State and Phoenix) the 1971-72 Lakers NBA-record, 33-game winning streak could be in danger.

2. (3) Boston Celtics - Coach Doc Rivers gets to see what his team is really made of with games at the Spurs, Rockets, Mavs and Hornets this week.

3. (6) Detroit Pistons - Team president Joe Dumars has provided coach Flip Saunders with one of the deepest squads in the East. So, another failed season without an NBA Finals appearance could mean changes in the offseason.

4. (2) Los Angeles Lakers - The injury bug has reared its ugly head in "Tinseltown" once again, and there's nothing Kobe Bryant can do about it.

5. (5) Utah Jazz - Friday's win at Boston was impressive, but losses at Chicago and New Jersey raise concerns this late in the season.

6. (7) New Orleans Hornets - How much campaigning does Chris Paul have to do before he gets the respect he deserves?

7. (13) Phoenix Suns - Maybe, coach Mike D'Antoni and the Suns have found their way with Shaq.

8. (9) Golden State Warriors - Once again, why sign Chris Webber?

9. (12) Philadelphia 76ers - Wins over Detroit and San Antonio say enough.

10. (4) San Antonio Spurs - Perhaps a little concern for the defending champions, who have dropped five of their last six games.