The Western Conference playoff race has been really exciting this season, with the top eight teams within five games of first, and the nineth team just five-and-one-half games behind. Blink, and the rankings scramble almost overnight. Injuries have also played a big part, with Dallas Mavericks' star forward Dirk Nowitzki out for two weeks, Houston Rockets' center Yao Ming out for the rest of the season and LA Lakers' forward Pau Gasol out of action, as well. One things certain, the Western Conference Playoffs promise to be an eventful series of games.
The Eastern Conference playoff race may not have the lure that the West has, but there are some dangerous teams on that side of the country. Moreover, those teams should have an easier path to the NBA finals, which should - in theory - help them stay fresher for that final series. The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA (currently 55-15), and actually have a better record against Western Conference opponents (23-5) than Eastern Conference opponents (32-10). However, the Detroit Pistons are right at their heels with a five game gap.
Here's a look at which teams lead the pack in the race toward the 2008 NBA Title.
March 2008 NBA Power Rankings
- Boston Celtics (55-15) – Boston hopes the addition of Sam Cassell alongside the young Rajon Rondo can help solidify its point guard spot.
- New Orleans Hornets (47-21) - Critics keep waiting for the dropoff, but these Hornets keep buzzing.
- Detroit Pistons (50-20) - Despite a two-game slide against Cleveland and Washington, they've beaten Phoenix, Denver, New Orleans and San Antonio in the last couple weeks.
- Phoenix Suns (47-23) -- Before dropping one to Detroit, the Suns had won seven straight. Of course, they were mostly against mediocre teams other than the San Antonio Spurs.
- Houston Rockets (48-23) – Since winning 22 straight, the Rockets have gone 2-3. Look for reality to start setting in soon.
- San Antonio Spurs (47-23) -- It's tough to judge this team until the playoffs, when they're known to step things up.
- Los Angeles Lakers (49-22) -- Without Gasol or Andrew Bynum, the Lakers are barely holding on to first place. Yet, they have a favorable schedule ahead of them.
- Utah Jazz (46-25) -- In the last couple weeks, they've lost to the Lakers, but beat Boston. Which team will show up for the playoffs?
- Orlando Magic (46-26) – The pressure's off, as most consider this team too young to win a championship this year.
- Dallas Mavericks (44-26) -- They're without Dirk Nowitzki for two whole weeks. Fortunately, he'll be back for the playoffs. Jason Kidd still has to learn to mesh with his new teammates.
