NBA Western Conference Power Rankings
Despite losing to the Hornets last night the Phoenix Suns still have the best record in the Western Conference at 10-3 and have a ½ game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers, who are 2-2 in their last four games in the Pacific division. Dallas has jumped out to a two game lead over the Houston Rockets in the Southwest Division after winning four straight. San Antonio (4-6) and New Orleans (5-8), playoff teams from a year ago have gotten off to a slow start and are third and fourth. Denver (8-3) and Portland (9-4) are tied for first in the Northwest division followed by two 6-6 teams, Utah and Oklahoma City. Congratulations to Laker G Kobe Bryant whose 21 points in last night’s win over the Bulls moved him into second place on LA’s all time scorers list. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Lakers (9-3) Current Odds to Win the Western Conference -105
The Lakers have had an up and down week going 2-2 in a four game stretch. Last Friday night they lost to the Nuggets 105-79. Not only were they outscored 29-8 in the 3rd quarter, Kobe Bryant was held scoreless in the second half. On Sunday they lost their second in a row, dropping a 101-91 decision to the Rockets. Bryant once again struggled, scoring only 18 points in the loss. On Tuesday against the Pistons, Bryant was back to his usual self putting up 40 points in the 106-93 win. Last night against the Bulls, they came away with a 108-93 victory that was a total team effort with 6 players scoring in double figures. Through 12 games Bryant leads in points per game with 30.2, Andrew Bynum is averaging 11.4 rebounds per game, and Lamar Odom leads in assists with 8.8 per game. Next up for the Lakers are the Thunder on Sunday and the Knicks on Tuesday, November 24th at home.
Phoenix Suns (10-3) Current Odds to Win the Western Conference +2500
Last Sunday the Suns squeaked out a 101-100 win over the Raptors when Hedo Turkoglu’s 20 footer to win the game missed the mark. Amar’e Stoudemire led the Suns with 30 points and Jason Richardson added 10 rebounds. On Tuesday they had an impressive 111-105 win over the Rockets with all five starters scoring in double figures. Last night in New Orleans they fell short against the Hornets, losing their third game of the year 110-103. The Hornets shot 52% from three point range to help put the game away. Stoudemire was the leading scorer with 23 in the losing effort. Through 13 games Stoudemire is the leading scorer with 19.8 points per game and is tied with Grant Hill, both averaging 7.5 rebounds per game, and Steve Nash leads in assists with 11.8 per game. Next up for the Suns are the Pistons on Sunday and the Grizzlies on Wednesday, November 25th at home.
Dallas Mavericks (9-3) Current Odds to Win the Western Conference +1100
Dallas started their current four game winning streak with an 89-77 victory over the Timberwolves last Friday night. Dirk Nowitzki led the way with 20 points with 11 rebounds. On Sunday they beat the Pistons 95-90 as once again Nowitzki led all scorers with 25. In their next game they beat the Bucks by two points, 115-113. Five players scored in double figures and Jason Kidd added 10 rebounds and 17 assists in the overtime win. On Wednesday in another game that went to overtime, they pounded out a 99-94 win over the Spurs. Nowitzki had one of his best games of the year dropping in 41 points and adding 12 rebounds for the double-double. Through 12 games Nowitzki is the leading scorer averaging 27.5 points per game, Erick Dampier is the leading rebounder with 9.7 per game, and Jason Kidd lead in assists with 8.9 per game. Next up for the Mavericks are the Kings tonight and the Warriors on Tuesday at home, and then on the road against the Rockets on Wednesday, November 25th.
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