Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 3)

Record: 0 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: L @ Boston, 100-92 (Mon); L @ Orlando, 103-85 (Wed); L vs. New York, 99-96 (Fri); L vs. Minnesota, 93-72 (Sun)
This Week: vs. Toronto, Tuesday (1/10); @ Chicago, Wednesday (1/11); @ Philadelphia, Friday (1/13); vs. Philadelphia, Saturday (1/14)

John Wall is taking shots at his own teammates, Jan Vesely has already expressed doubts about the team making a turnaround, and the Wizards are only 0-8. Yeah, the season is a shortened one, so there may be reason to panic. But if you expect to right the ship anytime soon, it starts internally. We all thought Wall would be the leader of this squad but if he's going to go out there and ether his own guys, Washington will continue to lose games and team morale at a rapid pace. —Jose Martinez

Record: 2 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: W @ Washington, 84-90 (Mon); L vs. Atlanta, 106-70 (Tue); L @ Orlando, 78-94 (Thu); L @ Atlanta, 98-105 (Fri); L @ Cleveland, 82-98 (Sun)
This Week: L vs. Indiana, 94-108 (Mon); L @ Boston, 70-89 (Wed); W @ Toronto, 97-85 (Fri); L vs. Miami, 90-101 (Sat)

This was supposed to be a holding pattern year for the Nets as they worked on getting their BK thug credentials in order while they waited to trade for Dwight Howard. Then their primary Howard trade chip, Brooks Lopez, went down with a broken foot, and their bona fide superstar, Deron Williams, went in the tank (he's shooting 35% and averaging fewer than 7 dimes a game). A lone bright spot might be Kris Humphries, who channeled the hate he's getting this season and put up his best game as a pro Saturday versus the Heat, going for 25 and 12. Still, the Nets may be looking at a dreary stretch that could extend into Ivy Blue's teen years. —Jack Erwin

Record: 2 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: L @ Cleveland, 115-101 (Tue); W @ New York, 118-110 (Wed); L vs. Atlanta, 102-96 OT (Fri); L @ Indiana, 99-77 (Sat)
This Week: @ New York, Monday (1/9); vs. Houston, Tuesday (1/10); @ Atlanta, Thursday (1/12); vs. Detroit, Friday (1/13); vs. Golden State, Saturday (1/14)

Does their victory over the Knicks this past week say anything about the Bobcats? Nope. Just like New York, they are a confusing bunch. They can loss a tough game in overtime to the Hawks one day and get blown out by the Pacers the very next day! The only thing we know for sure is that this team won't be racking up the wins, especially when you take a look at what's in store for them this coming week. Yikes! —Jose Martinez

Record: 2 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: W vs. Orlando, 89-78 (Sun); L vs. Chicago, 83-99 (Wed); L @ Philadelphia, 73-96 (Fri); L vs. New York, 80-103 (Sat)
This Week: @ Chicago, Monday (1/9); vs. Dallas, Tuesday (1/10); @ Milwaukee, Thursday (1/12); @ Charlotte, Friday (1/13); vs. Golden State, Sunday (1/15)

Some bright spots for the Pistons: Greg Monroe, their second-year center, has averaged a respectable 15.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game so far this season. Their first-round draft pick Brandon Knight has looked pretty good in his first few games as a pro. No one's gotten TOO pissed off at the head coach yet (a recurring problem in the Pistons' huddle last year). And, um...there are only 58 games left in the season. We realize we're reaching here, but there really haven't been too many bright spots for the D this season. Seriously, this team is bad. And bad might turn to worse very, very soon.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 2 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: L @ Utah, 90-94 (Mon); L vs. Philadelphia, 93-101 (Wed); L vs. Denver, 88-96 (Fri); L @ Dallas, 81-96 (Sat)
This Week: @ Denver, Monday (1/9); vs. Oklahoma City, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Minnesota, Friday (1/13); @ Memphis, Saturday (1/14)

After a two-game winning streak to start the season, the Hornets appear to have settled into the role everyone thought they would play when they traded Chris Paul: also-rans. To add injury to insult, Eric Gordon a.k.a. The Only Guy David Stern Deemed Worth Trading Chris Paul For will be out at least another week, if not more, with a bruised knee. Gordon hit the game-winner in New Orleans' season-opening win over Phoenix, but he's only played one game since. At this rate the Hornets would settle for the shell of his former self that Lamar Odom has been for the Mavs. Shit, at this rate, the Hornets would settle for Khloe just fouling motherfuckers. On the bright side, another Paul trade chip, Al-Farouq Aminu, has been tearing it up, notching his first double-double in the loss to the Mavs. On the not-so-bright side, Emeka Okafor put on his best Frederic Weis impression in the same game. —Jack Erwin

Record: 3 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: W @ Knicks, 90-85 (Mon); W vs. Cleveland, 92-77 (Wed); L vs. New Jersey, 85-97 (Fri); L @ Philadelphia, 62-97 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Minnesota, Monday (1/9); @ Washington, Tuesday (1/10); vs. Sacramento, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Indiana, Friday (1/13); @ Chicago, Saturday (1/14)

A strong start to the week with wins in New York and over Cleveland got ugly in a hurry for the Raps, capped by a disaster performance in Philadelphia where Toronto failed to score 20 points in any quarter, and managed just 28 in the second half (by comparison, the Sixers scored 32—in the 3rd quarter). The Raptors aren't really young, and they aren't very good. It's shaping up to be a long winter in the T-Dot until Blue Jays camp opens. —Jack Erwin

Record: 3 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: L @ Memphis, 96-113 (Tue); L @ Denver, 83-110 (Wed); W vs. Milwaukee, 103-100 (Thu); L vs. Orlando, 97-104 (Sun)
This Week: @ Philadelphia, Tuesday (1/10); @ Toronto, Wednesday (1/11); @ Houston, Friday (1/13); @ Dallas, Saturday (1/14)

The good news for the Kings? The drama that started up at the beginning of the week has died down a bit now that they've fired head coach Paul Westphal and named assistant Keith Smart as the interim head coach. The bad news? They're still losing on the reg. A new head coach isn't the only change this team needs to make in order to become relevant again. They'll need some star power, a few vets to straighten out these young'ns (yes you, DeMarcus), and some team chemistry in the locker room. Till that happens, Kings fans can expect to see their squad near the bottom of the Western conference standings. —Ralph Warner

Record: 2 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: L @ Phoenix, 91-102 (Mon); L @ San Antonio, 95-101 (Wed); L @ L.A. Lakers, 90-97 (Fri); L vs. Utah, 87-88 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Miami, Tuesday (1/10); vs. Orlando, Thursday (1/12); @ Charlotte, Saturday (1/14); @ Detroit, Sunday (1/15)

Well, the Warriors developed some consistency this past week but it definitely wasn't the kind they were looking for. Golden State can attribute their losing streak to injuries and a lack of production. Steph Curry was sidelined with his sprained ankle while Dorell Wright's slump (shooting 32.7% from the field) is causing Mark Jackson to consider benching the forward. Things will get a bit tougher this week as they start with home games against Miami and Orlando. Golden State should know that getting blown out by the Magic is no way to entice Superman into saving, uh, we mean, join your squad. —Ralph Warner

Record: 2 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: L @ L.A. Lakers, 99-108 (Tue); L @ L.A. Clippers, 89-117 (Wed); L @ Oklahoma City, 94-109 (Fri); L vs. Oklahoma City, 95-98 (Sat)
This Week: @ Charlotte, Tuesday (1/10); @ San Antonio, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Sacramento, Friday (1/13); vs. Portland, Saturday (1/14)

The Rockets endured the dreaded L.A.-and-OKC-home-and-home quinella this week with probably predictably bad results: They lost to the Lakers, lost worse to the Clippers; lost badly to the Thunder on the road, and lost a squeaker to the Thunder at home. Plenty of teams will do worse (at least scoring differential-wise) on the same four-game trip this year, but the week epitomizes what the Rockets are this year: a decent team with a couple of very good scorers that is playing in a league (not to mention a conference) that's just over their heads. —Jack Erwin

Record: 2 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: L @ Denver, 86-91 (Monday); L @ Utah, 73-85 (Tue); L @ Sacramento, 100-103 (Thu); L @ L.A. Clippers, 86-92 (Sat); L @ Phoenix, 93-109 (Sun)
This Week: vs. San Antonio, Tuesday (1/10); vs. Detroit, Thursday (1/12); @ Dallas, Friday (1/13)

Yiiiiiiikes. You know how sometimes, after a terrible game, a coach will take the game tape and destroy it because his team played SO poorly that it's not even worth watching? Bucks head coach Scott Skiles might as well do that to the game tapes from all five games from last week. The Bucks were that bad on their five-game West Coast road trip. They even blew a huge lead and lost to the Kings on the same day that they fired their head coach, for heavens' sake! Maybe some home cookin' will do them good this week. Or maybe, they're just not that good. They need Andrew Bogut—who has been in his native Australia handling some "personal issues"—back in a very big way to provide an inside presence. And they need to find a way to get this team to gel...quickly. Before all of their game tapes start to look like they did last week.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 3 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: W vs. Dallas, 99-82 (Sun); W vs. San Antonio, 106-96 (Mon); L vs. Memphis, 90-86 (Wed); L vs. Cleveland, 98-87 (Fri); W vs. Washington, 93-72 (Sun)
This Week: @ Toronto, Monday (1/9); vs. Chicago, Wednesday (1/10); @ New Orleans, Friday (1/13), @ Atlanta, Saturday (1/14)

As long as the Timberwolves keep playing teams from Texas (and the Wizards), they should be fine. Back-to-back wins against San Antonio and Dallas were major, although following those up with a double-digit stumble against the Cavaliers (two days after a forgivable loss to Memphis) doesn't help build confidence. Meanwhile, Kevin Love is averaging 25 and 15 all while shooting 40 percent from three. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 4 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: W @ Golden State, 102-91 (Mon); L @ Dallas, 89-98 (Wed); W vs. Portland, 102-77 (Fri); W vs. Milwaukee, 109-93 (Sun)
This Week: @ L.A. Lakers, Tuesday (1/10; vs. Cleveland, Thursday (1/12); vs. New Jersey, Friday (1/13); @ San Antonio, Sunday (1/15)

Considering they started with a record of 1-3 on Monday, it's been a pretty good week for the Suns who now sit at .500. Blowouts of Blazers and Bucks allowed head coach Alvin Gentry to give more rest to veterans Steve Nash and Grant Hill. In a shortened season with plenty of grueling consecutive game streaks, rest of both former All-Stars will be key to this team hanging around and being competitive this season. But don't let Nash fool you into thinking he can't turn back the clock on these young'ns, dude dropped 17 dimes on the Bucks last night. What up, B.J.? —Ralph Warner

Record: 4 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Jersey, 98-82 (Sun); W vs. Charlotte, 115-101 (Tue); L @ Toronto, 77-92 (Wed); W @ Minnesota, 98-87 (Fri); L @ Portland, 78-98 (Sun)
This Week: @ Utah, Tuesday (1/10); @ Phoenix, Thursday (1/12); @ L.A. Lakers, Friday (1/13)

We have to admit: We've been pleasantly surprised by the Cavs so far this season. Are they going to be playing lower-tier talent like the Nets, Bobcats, and T'Wolves all season? Obviously not. Is a team that's being led in PPG by Antawn Jamison headed to the playoffs? We doubt it. Does anyone outside of Kyrie Irving make us want to tune into a game? Heeeeeeell no. But the Cavs have shown that, if nothing else, they're going to try and be competitive this season. And that's more than we can say for a lot of the bottom-dwellers in the NBA. You've got a lot of heart, Cleveland. Keep the surprises coming.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 4 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: L vs. Toronto, 85-90 (Mon); L vs. Charlotte, 110-118 (Wed); W @ Washington, 99-96 (Fri); W @ Detroit, 103-80 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Charlotte, Monday (1/9); vs. Philadelphia, Wednesday (1/11); @ Memphis, Thursday (1/12); @ Oklahoma City, Saturday (1/14)

Fire the coach! Also, Iman for Prez! The Knicks went 2-2 during a week they should've gone 4-0 if they wanted to live up to their contender status. They've already been booed at home, they barely beat the Wizards, and their new savior is a rookie who's missed half of the season's games to injury. If Shumpert can bring some stability to the point guard position, get Amar'e and 'Melo to coexist better, turn RC Cola into wine, and win the Rookie of the Year award in January, the Knicks could be very good. If Toney Douglas sees extended playing time for whatever reason though, things could get ugly for this Knicks season quick. Stay tuned, should be interesting either way. —Jack Erwin

Record: 3 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: W vs. Sacramento, 113-96 (Tue); W @ Minnesota, 90-86 (Wed); L @ Utah, 85-94 (Fri), L @ L.A. Lakers, 82-90 (Sun)
This Week: vs. Oklahoma City, Tuesday (1/10); vs. New York, Thursday (1/12); vs. New Orleans, Saturday (1/14)

Another year, another exercise in treading water for the Grizzlies (yes, bears can swim). A year after making Game 7 of the Western Conference semis despite missing Rudy Gay for half the season, Memphis will spend half its already truncated 2012 campaign without Zach Randolph, who is out until March with a torn MCL. The Grizz still have weapons, including Gay and Marc Gasol, but the No Z-Bo era hasn't gotten off to a great start, with consecutive losses in Utah and L.A. —Jack Erwin

Record: 5 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Orleans, 94-90 (Mon); W vs. Milwaukee, 85-73 (Tue); W vs. Memphis, 94-85 (Fri); W @ Golden State, 88-87 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Cleveland, Tuesday (1/10); vs. L.A. Lakers, Wednesday (1/11); vs. New Jersey, Saturday (1/14); @ Denver, Sunday, (1/15)

Welp, maybe we were wrong about Ty Corbin. The Jazz didn't exactly win pretty last week, but 4-0 is 4-0. Not only did they notch their first road win (at Golden State), but they righted their record from 1-3 to 5-3 — ah, the beginning of the season. Their point differential is still in the red, and only two players are averaging double-digit points (Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap), but what the hell — enjoy it while it lasts, Jazz fans. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 4 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: W vs. Oklahoma City, 100-87 (Mon); W vs. Phoenix, 98-89 (Wed); L @ San Antonio, 71-93 (Thu); W vs. New Orleans, 96-81 (Sat)
This Week: @ Detroit, Tuesday (1/10); @ Boston, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Milwaukee, Friday (1/13); vs. Sacramento, Saturday (1/14)

The Mavs went 3-1 this week to avert a total post-championship disaster hangover, but Monday's W over the Thunder aside, Dallas isn't exactly making bettors flock to repeat action. No matter. Jason Kidd missed Saturday's game against the Hornets, and will be held out at least two more contests. But this team isn't playing for regular season glory. If Vince Carter can start to do this on a semi-regular basis, and Lamar Odom awakes from his barbecue coma (he's still averaging fewer than 7 points in less than 20 minutes of burn per game), Bid D will be Big dangerous at some point. —Jack Erwin

Record: 4 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: W vs. Washington, 100-92 (Mon); W vs. New Jersey, 89-70 (Wed); L vs. Indiana, 74-87 (Fri)
This Week: vs. Dallas, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Chicago, Friday (1/13); @ Indiana, Saturday (1/14)

After their three-game losing streak to start the season, the Celtics reeled off four straight against the dregs of the L (a.k.a Detroit, Washington x 2, and New Jersey), before getting handled at home by the Pacers. Among the Big 3 plus Rondo, Ray Allen is cooking, while KG, Pierce, Rondo are still figuring out their way around the kitchen (Pierce shot 3-17 in the loss to Indiana). Boston is in the midst of a strange five-day break in the season, and with a home-heavy beginning of the year, they've got to warm up quick, because the schedule gets brutal later, including a two-week road trip in March. —Jack Erwin

Record: 4 - 2
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: W vs. Houston, 117-89 (Wed); W vs. Milwaukee, 92-86 (Fri)
This Week: @ Portland, Tuesday (1/10); vs. Miami, Wednesday (1/11); vs. L.A. Clippers, Friday (1/13)

The Clippers took advantage of a light schedule this week by winning home games against the Rockets and Bucks. The expected stars showed up with CP3 dropping dimes and Blake Griffin scoring 20 or more points per game. But it's the role players that have been keys to the team's success. Caron Butler dropped 20 points against the Bucks while the return of Reggie Evans has provided a big defensive lift off the bench. The Clippers currently sit at the top of the Pacific division and will face the Lakers this Friday. Is it time to start calling L.A. Lob City?—Ralph Warner

Record: 6 - 2
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: W @ New Jersey, 108-94 (Monday); L @ Miami, 83-118(Wednesday); W @ Boston, 87-74 (Friday); W @ Charlotte, 99-77 (Saturday)
This Week: @ Philadelphia, Monday (1/9); vs Atlanta, Wednesday (1/11), @ Toronto, Friday (1/13); vs. Boston, Saturday (1/14)

The blowout loss that the Pacers took at the hands of the Heat on Wednesday night could have sent them into a temporary tailspin. As we mentioned last week, this team has made a habit out of beating up on bad teams and coming up short against the NBA's elite. But we were definitely encouraged by their easy victory over the Celtics on Friday. Granted, Boston isn't playing nearly as well as they have in past years. But a win in Beantown is still something for Indy to hang their hat on. So is the 20-point performance that Roy Hibbert gave the team against the Bobcats on Saturday. If he can continue to contribute, this team might just be able to hang with the best of the best by the end of the season. We can't wait to see.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 5 - 2
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: W @ New Orleans, 101-93 (Wed); W vs. Detroit, 96-73 (Fri); W vs. Toronto, 97-62 (Sat)
This Week: vs. Indiana, Monday (1/9); vs. Sacramento (1/10); @ New York, Wednesday (1/11), vs. Washington, Friday (1/13); @ Washington, Saturday (1/14)

Legit sleeper division favorite, or just beneficiaries of a soft early schedule? How about both? Sure, aside from a season-opening loss to the Trail Blazers, the Sixers haven't really played anybody special, but hey, that's how it goes in the Eastern Conference. The team has five players averaging double digits in scoring (not one of whom is named Elton Brand), and Complex Preemie All-Star Spencer Hawes has been an early season revelation. Philadelphia starts the first of its two back-to-back-to-backs tonight, and ends the week with a home-and-home with the Wizards. With both the Knicks and Celtics muddling along in the early season, Philly has a chance to open up a solid division lead in the next seven days. —Jack Erwin

Record: 6 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: W vs. L.A. Lakers, 99-90 (Sun); W vs. Milwaukee, 91-86 (Mon); W vs. Sacramento, 110-83 (Wed); W @ New Orleans, 96-88 (Fri); L @ San Antonio, 121-117 (Sat)
This Week: vs. New Orleans, Monday (1/9); vs. New Jersey, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Miami, Friday (1/13); vs. Utah, Sunday (1/15)

When you play five games in a week, going 4-1 is something to be proud of. Especially when the one loss comes without Nene against the Spurs, in a game where they scrapped back from being down 20 to lose by just four. Sure, there are no moral victories, but it's hard to find fault in a team that shoots 50 percent from three and 56 percent from the floor. Well, except for their shooting 65 percent from the line. The Nuggets are home all week this week, with what appears to be an easy slate with the exception of the 8-1 Heat. We'll see. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 6 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: L @ Detroit, 89-78 (Mon); W vs. Washington, 103-85 (Wed); L vs. Chicago, 97-83 (Fri); W @ Sacramento, 104-97 (Sun)
This Week: @ Portland, Wednesday (1/11); @ Golden State, Thursday (1/12)

Aside from their loss to the Pistons, the Orlando Magic performed as expected. An L to a tough Chicago Bulls team shouldn't come as much of a surprise, but victories over the winless Wizards (it has an ironic ring to it, doesn't it?) and the Kings are necessary to stay alive in such a difficult division. With a West Coast swing that only consists of two games this week, the Magic will be rested yet tested. Apologies for going all Clyde Frazier right there. —Jose Martinez

Record: 6 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: W vs. Houston, 108-99 (Tue); L @ Portland, 96-107 (Thu); W vs. Golden State, 97-90 (Fri); W vs. Memphis, 90-82 (Sun)
This Week: vs. Phoenix, Tuesday (1/10); @ Utah, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Cleveland, Friday (1/13); @ L.A. Clippers, Saturday (1/14)

Los Angeles has a new coach, new offense, and a few new uhh...paler dudes but the Lakers are proving that while some things may change, other key components remain the same. In other words, Kobe Bryant is the heart and soul of the team and as he goes, they go. Despite a torn ligament in his wrist, Kobe went off for 30-plus points in three of the four games played this week and the Lake Show picked up three Ws in the process. Another key to their success seems to be home court, L.A. is 6-1 at the Staples Center at home this season and 0-3 away from home. So, since they're playing "at" the Clippers on Friday does that mean...? #mindfucked —Ralph Warner

Record: 6 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: L @ Minnesota, 96-106 (Mon); W vs. Golden State, 101-95 (Wed); W vs. Dallas, 93-71 (Thu); W vs. Denver, 121-117 (Sat); L @ Oklahoma City, 96-108 (Sun)
This Week: @ Milwaukee, Tuesday (1/10); vs. Houston, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Portland, Friday (1/13); vs. Phoenix, Sunday (1/15)

What, us worry? The Spurs went 3-1 in their first four games without Manu Ginobili, crushing the defending champs, defeating the Nuggets in a thriller, and losing only in Oklahoma City on the second half of a back-to-back. Ginobili is out until mid-February at the earliest, and San Antonio seems destined to slide down these rankings until then; not a bit of that will matter if the team is fresher heading into the playoffs than it was last year. —Jack Erwin

Record: 6 - 2
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: L @ L.A. Clippers, 93-88 (Sun); W @ Oklahoma City, 103-93 (Tue); W vs. L.A. Lakers, 107-96 (Thu); L @ Phoenix, 102-77 (Fri); W vs. Cleveland, 98-78 (Sun)
This Week: vs. L.A. Clippers, Tuesday (1/10); vs. Orlando, Wednesday (1/11); @ San Antonio, Friday (1/13); @ Houston, Saturday (1/14)

The good news is that the Blazers are 6-2, having beaten both the Thunder and the Lakers. The bad news is that their one loss this week was a blowout at the hands of the lowly Phoenix Suns, who inexplicably recaptured some of that old D'Antoni magic. Even with that loss, however, they're holding opponents to 95 points per game, and thriving with LaMarcus Aldridge as their leading scorer. Who knew? —Russ Bengtson

Record: 6 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: W @ Miami, 100-92 (Mon); L @ Chicago, 76-74 (Tue); L vs. Miami, 116-109 OT (Thu); W @ Charlotte, 102-96 OT (Fri); W vs. Chicago, 109-94 (Sat)
This Week: @ New Jersey, Monday (1/9); @ Indiana, Wednesday (1/11); vs. Charlotte, Thursday (1/12); vs. Minnesota, Saturday (1/14)

Everything from the difficult match-ups to the endless air miles was supposed to test the Atlanta Hawks. Apparently, they didn't get the memo. The Hawks split both home-away series with the Bulls and Heat. This past week, Atlanta proved a lot to the rest of the NBA. Even if Charles Barkley isn't quite convinced, these guys showed that they are for real. —Jose Martinez

Record: 7 - 2
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: W vs. Memphis, 104-64 (Sunday); W vs. Atlanta, 76-74 (Tuesday); W @ Detroit, 99-83 (Wednesday); W @ Orlando, 97-83 (Friday); L @ Atlanta, 94-109(Saturday)
This Week: vs. Detroit, Monday (1/9); @ Minnesota, Tuesday (1/10); vs. Washington, Wednesday (1/11); @ Boston, Friday (1/13); vs. Toronto, Saturday (1/14)

Aside from their blowout loss to the Hawks on Saturday night, the week went about as well as it could have for the Bulls. They demolished the Grizzlies, showed great resilience by overcoming a huge deficit to the Hawks in their first matchup this week, and won an impressive road game against the Magic. And things should get even better this week. The Celtics could pose a threat, but everyone else on their schedule has a below-.500 record. And they'll need to keep racking up wins if they want to keep pace with the Heat in the Eastern Conference. For this week, we fully expect them to do that. Don't look for a drop-off from this squad anytime soon.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 8 - 2
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: L @ Dallas, 100-87 (Mon); L vs. Portland, 103-93 (Tue); W vs. Houston, 109-94 (Fri); W @ Houston, 98-95 (Sat); W vs. San Antonio, 108-96 (Sun)
This Week: @ Memphis, Tuesday (1/10); @ New Orleans, Wednesday (1/11); vs. New York, Saturday (1/14)

Well, they had to lose sometime — but did it have to be to the Mavericks? Oklahoma City actually slipped in consecutive games, losing by double digits to the slow-starting Mavericks and the Blazers (giving up 100-plus in each loss, no less), before starting a new winning streak by becoming the first team in '11-12 to win a back-to-back-to-back. It helped that two of the three were against the struggling Rockets, but a win is a win (and three wins are three wins). Over the weekend they lost backup point Eric Maynor for the season, but backup backup point Reggie Jackson was Mr. January for a night at least, notching 11 points and 4 assists in the win over the Spurs. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 8 - 1
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: L vs. Atlanta, 100-92 (Mon); W vs. Indiana, 118-83 (Wed); W @ Atlanta, 116-109 OT (Thu); W @ New Jersey, 101-90 (Sat)
This Week: @ Golden State, Tuesday (1/10); @ Los Angeles Clippers, Wednesday (1/11); @ Denver, Friday (1/13)

So, the Miami Heat aren't undefeated anymore. But who cares? They are still good enough to hold down the No. 1 spot in our NBA Power Rankings for another week. The '95-'96 Bulls posted an .878 winning percentage for the best team year in league history; the Heat would have to go 50-7 the rest of this year to top that. 58-8 doesn't have quite the same ring as 72-10 (not that many would give LBJ and co. the "Best Team" title even if they did accomplish it), but it's not out of the question. From Shane Battier to our Totally Premature Sixth Man of the Year, Norris Cole, Miami is sporting a much better supporting cast for the Big 3 this season. Get the Haterade ready, June is closer than you think. —Jose Martinez