2008 NBA February Power Rankings

There have been some big trades this past month, including Pau Gasol heading to the Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal heading to Phoenix, Jason Kidd heading (back) to Dallas, and there's the potential for even more deals. One rumor has New Jersey Nets guard Vince Carter heading to the New York Knicks in a three-way deal that would send Knicks center, Eddy Curry, to the Miami Heat and the Heats' expiring contracts of Jason Williams and Ricky Davis to New Jersey.

The Eastern Conference may have won the battle of the 2008 NBA All Star Game, but the Western Conference is filled with more top-notch teams, which is evidenced by the fact that the current 9th ranked team, the Golden State Warriors, has won over 60% of its games with a 32-21 record. That means, if the playoffs began today, the Warriors, who are on pace to win 50 games, would not make the playoffs. Conversely, the Eastern Conference's fourth best team, the Toronto Raptors, have only won 55% of its games with a 28-23 record. Moreover, the sixth best team doesn't even have a .500 record. According to record, 11 Western Conference teams would make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Of course, since teams play other teams within their conference more than they play teams of the other conference, this comparison can't be considered apples to apples. Yet, it can be argued that the top teams of the East have a significant advantage in that they get to play other Eastern Conference teams more than they have to play Western Conference teams. At any rate, many expect the Western Conference playoff matchups to be exciting series to watch.

With thirty or so games left to play, the door is still wide open for an NBA Championship. Here's a look at which teams lead the pack in the race toward the 2008 NBA Title.

February 2008 NBA Power Rankings

1. Boston Celtics (41-10) – Even with Kevin Garnett sitting out for several games, Boston's been a force to reckon. The got their first loss to a Western Conference team on the 19th against Denver.
2. Detroit Pistons (39-14) - They've won nine of their last ten.
3. New Orleans Hornets (36-15) - Should be re-energized after hosting an exciting All Star Weekend.
4. Phoenix Suns (37-16) -- Shaquille O'Neal will make his Suns debut against the Lakers, but can coach Mike D'Antoni fit him into a run-and-gun style offense?
5. Los Angeles Lakers (36-17) -- Adding Pau Gasol has proven wonders. The Lakers has won five straight, but there's still the question of Kobe Bryant's injured finger.
6. Dallas Mavericks (35-18) -- They've won just five of their last ten games, but the addition of Jason Kidd should rejuvenate them.
7. San Antonio Spurs (35-17) -- What's important is what they do come playoff time. This team was designed for playoff basketball.
8. Utah Jazz (35-19) -- The Jazz has won nine of its last ten and has pushed into first place in the Northwest Division.
9. Orlando Magic (34-21) – Coach Stan Van Gundy got after Dwight Howard when he started to dog it on the defensive end. The result is a newly inspired star center.
10. Houston Rockets (33-20) – They're playing inspired basketball, winning nine of their last ten games and pushing their way back into playoff contention where they belong.

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