The Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 6)

Another week, another new No. 1. Yeah, maybe we should've been on the Thunder bandwagon sooner, but we were really, really worried about the whole Durant-Westbrook chemistry issue. Yeah. Right. Sure, Russell might go hamster every once in a while and take a shot or 15 too many; he's going to more than make up for it the rest of the time, so GTFOH with the beef mess.

In more mundane news, check these home/road splits: Lakers, 10-2/2-7; Spurs, 10-1/2-8; Utah, 9-3/2-4; Philly, 10-2/4-4. Clearly, the lockout-induced wacky schedule is affecting old some teams more than others, and beware of squads that are off to hot starts based on unbalanced schedules. Also, beware of the Knicks, we think they might have leprosy. All this and more in the Complex NBA Power Rankings.

Record: 3 - 18
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: L vs. New York 78-111, (Tue); L @ Washington 75-92, (Wed); L @ Philadelphia 72-89, (Fri); L vs. Washington 99-102, (Sat)
This Week: @ LA Lakers, Tuesday (1/31); @ Portland, Wednesday (2/1); @ Phoenix, Saturday (2/4)

The Bobcats lost every single one of their games this week. But are you really that surprised? They were blown out by at least 17 points in three out of their last four games and looked pitiful. Maybe things will get better. Lakers? Nope. Trail Blazers? Not gonna happen. Suns? Maybe, but this is Charlotte we're talking about. —Jose Martinez

Record: 4 - 17
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: L @ Oklahoma City 79-99, (Mon); L vs. Miami 98-101, (Wed); L vs. Atlanta 101-107, (Fri); L @ 76ers 74-95, (Sat)
This Week: @ Milwaukee, Monday (1/30); @ New York, Tuesday (1/31); @ New Jersey, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Milwaukee, Friday (2/3); vs. New Orleans, Saturday (2/4)

Four up, four down. No, really. Four games were on the schedule this week and the Pistons managed to lose all four of them. Amazingly, they took the Heat down to the wire and took the Hawks to overtime before falling short. But you know that you're having a bad season when two things that you ALMOST did were the highlights of your week. And we've got some more bad news, too, Pistons fans: This week your team has five opportunities to lose. Things continue to look down in the D.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 4 - 16
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: L vs. San Antonio 102-104, (Mon); L @ Oklahoma City 91-101, (Wed); W vs. Orlando 93-67, (Fri); L vs. Atlanta 72-94, (Sun)
This Week: @ Miami, Monday (1/30); vs. Phoenix, Wednesday (2/1); @ San Antonio, Thursday (2/2); @ Detroit, Saturday (2/4)

The good news: New Orleans plays hard, they have some young talent and they snapped their nine-game losing streak by pizza-slapping the shit out of Orlando this week. The bad news: They still can't score. Eric Gordon's out for the next six weeks with a knee injury, and Chris Kaman (a player the Hornets acquired in a deal that sent Chris Paul to the Clippers) is inactive as the Hornets shop him on the trade market. With road games against Miami and San Antonio this week, don't look for Charlotte to creep its way up the Western Conference standings any time soon. —Sean Evans

Record: 6 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: L @ Portland 89-101, (Mon); L vs. Denver 93-122, (Wed); L @ Utah 93-106, (Sat)
This Week: @ Golden State, Tuesday (1/31); vs. Portland, Thursday (2/2); vs. Golden State, Saturday (2/4)

Jesus. The Kings lost their three games this week by an average of 17 points. The worst of which came in a 93-122 loss to Denver on Wednesday. Sacramento leads the league in points allowed per game (102.3) and just seems like they're too inexperienced to compete in a league where having seasoned veterans is so key to a team's success. Wait, problems with the D? We thought that was an old head problem. Ayo! —Ralph Warner

Record: 4 - 16
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: L @ Philadelphia 83-103, (Mon); W vs. Charlotte 92-75, (Wed); L @ Houston 76-103, (Fri); W @ Charlotte 102-99, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Chicago, Monday (1/30); @ Orlando, Wednesday (2/1); @ Toronto, Friday (2/3); vs. LA Clippers, Saturday (2/4)

The Wizards had two wins this week. What?! They were both against the Bobcats. OK, now it all makes sense. Washington is not the worst team in the NBA (this week at least), and now their record proves it. Of course, they are still 4-16 overall which isn't anything to feel proud about. But we're working in baby steps, people! —Jose Martinez

Record: 7 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: L @ Chicago 95-110, (Mon); W @ Philadelphia 97-90, (Wed); W @ Cleveland 99-96, (Fri); L vs. Toronto 73-94, (Sun)
This Week: @ Indiana, Tuesday (1/31); vs. Detroit, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Minnesota, Friday (2/3); @ New York, Saturday (2/4)

Deron Williams would rather be in Utah. D-Will is back to his old self, but the Nets lost another key rotation player to injury, small forward Damian James, who broke his foot and is out indefinitely. On the bright side, the Nets have damn near the same record as the Knicks without Brook Lopez and their future rests on using Lopez in a deal to land Dwight Howard. That's their only hope to keep Deron Williams and fill seats when they head to Brooklyn next year. Until then, they'll stink to high heaven. —Angel Diaz

Record: 7 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: W @ Charlotte 111-78, (Tue); L @ Cleveland 81-91, (Wed); L @ Miami 89-99, (Fri); L @ Houston 84-97, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Detroit, Tuesday (1/31); vs. Chicago, Thursday (2/2); @ Boston, Friday (2/3); vs. New Jersey, Saturday (2/4)

What can be said about the Knicks that hasn't been said about Afghanistan? They look bombed out and depleted. Their fate rests on whether Baron Davis can run D'Antoni's offense that has looked absolutely pathetic since beating the Sixers on Jan. 11. B. Diddy was expected back tomorrow against the Pistons, but recent reports have stated it'll be another two weeks. And it doesn't get easier as the Knicks have to play a grueling three games in a row against Chicago, Boston, and Jersey. —Angel Diaz

Record: 7 - 14
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: W @ Phoenix 99-96, (Tue); W @ Utah 111-106, (Wed); L @ Denver 81-96, (Fri); W @ New Jersey 73-94, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Atlanta, Tuesday (1/31); @ Boston, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Washington, Friday (2/3); @ Miami, Sunday (2/5)

The Raps have won three of their last four after going on a dreadful 8-game losing streak. Demar DeRozan went in on the Nets last night, dropping 19 points in the second half to carry Toronto to victory. They play teams tough, but always seem to run out of gas in the fourth quarter. After a couple years with this roster, it's looking like they need to make some moves to become relevant. —Angel Diaz

Record: 6 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: L vs. Memphis 90-91, (Mon); W vs. Portland 101-93, (Wed); L vs. Oklahoma 109-120, (Fri)
This Week: vs. Sacramento, Tuesday (1/31); vs. Utah, Thursday (2/2); @ Sacramento, Saturday (2/4)

Sometimes the Warriors show the spark and talent of a young team good enough to be competitive in the Western Conference like they did in their surprise victory over Portland. In that game Steph Curry went off for 32 points. But at other times, they show the lack of focus that comes with a team full of young'ns, example one being their game against Memphis where they blew a 20-point second half lead and lost by one. This team has potential but Mark Jackson is finding out that getting them on the path to success is just a tad bit more difficult than clowning on Jeff Van Gundy every broadcast. —Ralph Warner

Record: 7 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: L @ Dallas 87-93, (Mon); L vs. Toronto 96-99, (Tue); L @ Portland 71-109, (Fri); W vs. Memphis 86-84, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Dallas, Monday (1/30); @ New Orleans, Wednesday (2/1); @ Houston, Friday (2/3); vs. Charlotte, Saturday (2/4)

This week was a rough one for the mix of over-the-hill vets and mediocre role players known as the Phoenix Suns. After losing to Dallas, they were beat by the lowly Raptors and followed that up by receiving a 38-point shellacking courtesy of the Portland Trail Blazers. Phoenix ranks 23rd in the league in points per game (91.2). They made up for their embarrassing loss by defeating Memphis despite shooting 36.4 percent from the field. Grant Hill admitted that he was so tired, he almost dozed off during the national anthem. Wow. #shitmygrandpasays —Ralph Warner

Record: 8 - 11
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: L vs. Atlanta 92-97, (Mon); W @ Houston 105-99, (Wed); L @ Chicago 100-107, (Fri); W vs. LA Lakers 100-89, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Detroit, Monday (1/30), vs. Miami, Wednesday (2/1); @ Detroit, Friday (2/3); vs. Chicago, Saturday (2/4)

NOOOOOOO! That was the collective reaction of Bucks fans everywhere this week. OK, so maybe it wasn't THAT bad. After all, they did beat the Rockets and the Lakers and hung tough against the Hawks and Bulls. But now that Andrew Bogut is out of the lineup for anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks with a fractured ankle, does anyone think this team has a realistic chance of making any noise in the playoffs—or, better yet, the playoff race—this year? Anyone? Sorry, guys. But no one "fears the deer" without the lead Buck in the lineup.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 9 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: W vs. Orlando 87-56, (Mon); W @ Orlando 91-83, (Thu); W vs. Indiana 94-87, (Fri); L vs Cleveland 87-88, (Sun)
This Week: @ Cleveland, Tuesday (1/31); vs. Toronto, Wednesday (2/1); vs. New York, Friday (2/3); vs. Memphis, Sunday (2/5)

After winning four straight to get to .500, Boston lost to Cleveland last night. On a positive, they now own the Orlando Magic. The C's followed up a 31-point thrashing of the Magic in Boston with a 27-point comeback in a barfight at Orlando. Boston has shown glimpses of yesteryear and Paul Pierce has been going off since his return. Boston tries to regain respectability this week as they face division rivals, Toronto and New York. —Angel Diaz

Record: 8 - 11
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: L @ Miami 85-92, (Tue); W vs. New York 91-81, (Wed); L vs. New Jersey 96-99, (Fri); W @ Boston 87-88, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Boston, Tuesday (1/31); @ Orlando, Friday (2/3); vs. Dallas, Saturday (2/4)

Know what was impressive? The 12-0 run that the Cavs went on during Sunday's game against the Celtics to eke out a win. Last year's Cleveland team probably would have folded up the tent looooooong before that game ended and accepted another inevitable loss. But this year's squad is so young that it's almost like they don't know any better. And with that mentality, the good times should continue to roll for Kyrie Irving & Co.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 9 - 11
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: L vs. Houston 92-107, (Mon); W @ Dallas 105-90, (Wed); W vs. San Antonio 87-79, (Fri); L vs LA Lakers 101-106, (Sun)
This Week: @ Houston, Monday (1/30); vs. Indiana, Wednesday (2/1); @ New Jersey, Friday (2/4); vs. Houston, Saturday (2/5)

So Kevin Love did get his max extension, although just a four-year one (with an opt-out after three), meaning they'll be facing the same issue a few short years down the road. In the meantime, the immediate concern remains winning basketball games, which they're still not managing to do with any great frequency. The Wolves went .500 in a four-game week last week, and play four more this week, including two against the scorching Rockets (who beat them handily last week) and one apiece against the Pacers and Nets. They're the only team in their division under .500, but we suppose that's what happens when your second-leading scorer is Luke Ridnour. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 10 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: W @ Golden State 91-90, (Mon); L @ Portland 84-97, (Tue); L @ LA Clippers 91-98, (Thu); L @ Phoenix 84-86, (Sat)
This Week: vs. San Antonio, Monday (1/30); vs. Denver, Tuesday (1/31); @ Atlanta, Thursday (2/2); @ Oklahoma City, Friday (2/3); @ Boston, Sunday (2/5)

Damn Grizz, what happened? Just when we were ready to crown you, y'all go and have a week like this. And if losing three of four wasn't bad enough, news out of Memphis is that Zach Randolph could miss the rest of the season with his torn MCL. While it may be a bit premature to say this is make-it or break-it time, Memphis plays five playoff-caliber teams this week. Bow ya neck, Rudy Gay. —Sean Evans

Record: 12 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: W vs. LA Clippers 96-91, (Wed); L @ Milwaukee 89-100, (Sat); W @ Minnesota 106-101, (Sun)
This Week: vs .Charlotte, Tuesday (1/31); @ Denver, Friday (2/3); @ Utah, Saturday (2/4)

If the league only counted home games, the Lake Show would be sitting pretty near the top of the Western Conference with a record of 10-2. But it's their dismal road record of 2-7 that has them sitting 8th in the West. The low point of the week came in a poor showing out in Milwaukee. Yeah, Kobe went off for 27 points, 9 assists, and 8 boards but role players Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes combined to go 3 for 13. We don't know if it's going to take getting Rihanna to show up at their road games or what (word to Matt Barnes), but the Lakers need some kind of good luck charm on the road or they stand a chance of missing the playoffs all together. We all know that's most definitely not part of the #kobesystem. —Ralph Warner

Record: 12 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: W vs. Sacramento 101-89, (Mon); W vs. Memphis 97-84, (Tue); L @ Golden State 93-101, (Wed); W vs. Phoenix 109-71, (Fri)
This Week: @ Utah, Monday (1/30); vs. Charlotte, Wednesday (2/1); @ Sacramento, Thursday (2/2); vs. Denver, Saturday (2/4)

There's no reason the Portland Trail Blazers should still be ranked this low at this time next week. They went 3-1 last week, and the schedule doesn't get any harder—another four-game week sees the Jazz, the Hornets, the Kings, and the Nuggets. One would expect .500 to be a worst-case scenario kind of thing. And if Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton can get their shooting percentages above 37 percent, that would help, too. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 11 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: L vs. Toronto 106-111, (Wed); L @ Dallas 101-116, (Fri); vs. W Sacramento 96-93, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Portland, Monday (1/30); vs. LA Clippers, Wednesday (2/1); @ Golden State, Thursday (2/2); vs. Lakers, Saturday (2/4)

A struggle week for the Jazz, as a three-point win over the Kings kept them from an o-fer. Still, the Jazz remain comfortably four games in the black as we near the second third of the shortened season. Utah are doing it with steady play—neither Paul Millsap nor Al Jefferson may make the All-Star game, but their near-identical 17 and 9 lines make them both worthy candidates. The Jazz need to be careful, though—a week of Blazers, Clippers, Warriors, and Lakers could get them back to plain old .500 in a hurry. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 12 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: W @ Minnesota 107-92, (Mon); L vs. Milwaukee 99-105, (Wed); W vs. Washington 103-76, (Fri); W vs. New York 97-84, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Minnesota, (1/30); @ San Antonio, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Phoenix, Friday (2/3); @ Minnesota, Saturday, (2/4)

Despite their superstar-in-the-making, Kyle Lowry, going ice cold and their top-scorer, Kevin Martin, sidelined with an injury, the NBA's quiet buzzsaw continued their impressive stretch, winning three of their four games last week and nine out of their last ten overall. With major contributions off the bench from Chase Budinger (yes, Chase-fucking-Budinger), Goran Dragic, and Jordan Hill, the Rockets appear to be deeper and more talented than anyone would have expected. —Sean Evans

Record: 12 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: W @ New Orleans 104-102, (Mon); W vs. Atlanta 105-83, (Wed); L @ Minnesota 79-87, (Fri); L @ Dallas 100-101, (Sun)
This Week: @ Memphis, Monday (1/31); vs. Houston, Wednesday (2/1); vs. New Orleans, Thursday (2/2); vs. Oklahoma City, Saturday (2/4)

The Spurs are 2-8 on the road this year. That's right, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Richard Jefferson can't win outside Alamo City (not their fault really—youngn's gotta learn). Back-to-back losses in Minnesota and Dallas have the Spurs looking up at the Mavs and the red-hot Rockets in the Southwest Division. As the away team in ten of their next thirteen games, the Spurs are in danger of seriously slipping in the West if they can't get their road game back on track. —Sean Evans

Record: 13 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: W vs. Phoenix 93-87, (Mon); L vs.Minnesota 90-105, (Wed); W vs. Utah 116-101, (Fri); W vs. San Antonio 100-101, (Sun)
This Week: @ Phoenix, Monday (1/30); vs. Oklahoma City, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Indiana, Friday (2/3); @ Cleveland, Saturday (2/4)

Dirk-less, beat up, and with Lamar Odom playing like Erick Dampier 2.0, Dallas had every reason to fade this week. Instead, the Mavs win three games (including an overtime thriller against San Antonio Sunday night) retaking control of the Southwest Division and officially shaking their championship hangover. This week, Nowitzki returns to the lineup just in time for back-to-back home games against the Thunder and Pacers. —Sean Evans

Record: 12 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: L @ Boston 56-87, (Mon); W @ Indiana 102-83, (Tue); L vs. Boston 83-91, (Thu); L @ New Orleans 67-93, (Fri); L vs. Indiana 85-106, (Sun)
This Week: @ Philadelphia, Monday (1/30); vs. Washington, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Cleveland, Friday (2/3); @ Indiana, Saturday (2/4)

It was all good just a week ago. After a great showing the previous week, the Magic follow it up with some of the worst offensive showings we've seen in some time. Fifty-six points in four quarters? Are you serious?! Now all the talk of Dwight Howard leaving Orlando has gotten a second wind. Times are hard right now for this team, but the only solution is some wins. More cowbell may make the situation worse, to be honest. —Jose Martinez

Record: 11 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: L @ LA Lakers 91-96, (Wed); W vs. Memphis 98-91, (Thu); W @ Denver 109-105, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Oklahoma City, Monday (1/30); @ Utah, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Denver, Thursday (2/2); @ Washington, Saturday (2/4)

Consistency didn't seem like it'd be one of the points of strength for this young team at the beginning of the season, but CP3, Blake & Co. have proven doubters wrong in recent weeks. They've won 7 of their last 10 games to establish a lead over the Lakers in the Pacific Division and are currently third overall in the Western Conference standings. Yes, they did lose a close game to the Lake Show on Wednesday, as Chris Paul struggled in his first game back shooting 2 of 8 from the field for 4 points. But Paul bounced back to average 21.5 PPG and 7 assists over the next two games against Memphis and Denver (perhaps Pau Gasol got him a little fired up at the end of the Lakers game). The schedule this week seems like a tough one as they face contenders hovering around the top of the West. Oh yeah, and there's that game against Washington who've won three games over the last three weeks. Yikes. —Ralph Warner

Record: 13 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: L vs. Orlando 83-102, (Tue); W @ Chicago 95-90, (Wed); L @ Boston 97-94, (Fri); W @ Orlando 106-85, (Sunday)
This Week: vs. New Jersey, Tuesday (1/31); @ Minnesota, Wednesday (2/1); @ Dallas, Friday (2/3); vs. Orlando, Saturday (2/4)

It was a week full of ups and down for the Pacers. They lost to the Magic, then beat the Bulls, then took an L to the Celtics, and then got some revenge against the Magic. What seems to be the problem here, fellas? In order to keep pace with the Bulls in the division race—and the Heat, 76ers, and Hawks in the playoff race—you're gonna have to do better than that. Then again, it's gonna be hard for other teams to keep pace with you if you keep winning decisively at home, where you're 5-1 on the season so far. So you're obviously doing something right this season. Keep it up. But, please: Don't piss off the Bulls in the process!—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 15 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: W @ Milwaukee 97-92, (Mon); L @ San Antonio 83-105, (Wed); W @ Detroit 107-101, (Fri); W @ New Orleans 94-72, (Sun)
This Week: @ Toronto, Tuesday (1/31); vs. Memphis, Thursday (2/2); vs. Philadelphia, Saturday (2/4)

Through this young NBA season, the Hawks have been silent but deadly. Hey, you know what else is silent but deadly? Oh, forget it. Anyway, Atlanta had a brief hiccup this week when they were blown out by the Spurs, but aside from that, they had another solid showing. Keep it going, guys. Just don't get too gassed. —Jose Martinez

Record: 14 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: W vs. Washington 103-83, (Mon), L vs. New Jersey Nets 90-97, (Wed); W vs. Charlotte 89-72, (Fri); W vs. Detroit 95-74, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Orlando, Monday (1/30); vs. Chicago, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Miami, Friday (2/4); @ Atlanta, Saturday (2/5)

Philly keeps winning and are running away with the Atlantic Division. Shit is about to get real, though. They have the Bulls, Heat, and Hawks this week and the only knock on the Sixers is that they haven't beat anybody of merit. The only Ws they have over .500 comp are versus the Pacers and Hawks. This upcoming week is going to be a good test for this young squad and prepare them for the second half of the season. —Angel Diaz

Record: 14 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: W @ Sacramento 122-93, (Wed); W vs. Toronto 96-81, (Fri); L vs. LA Clippers 109-105, (Sun)
This Week: @ Memphis, Tuesday (1/31); @ LA Clippers, Thursday (2/2); vs. LA Lakers, Friday (2/3); @ Portland, Saturday (2/4)

The Denver Nuggets had won six in a row before running into the buzzsaw that is the Los Angeles Clippers, who rode Denver prodigal Chauncey Billups to a four-point win on Sunday night. If revenge is on their minds, they won't have to wait long — they face the Clips again, this time in Los Angeles, on Thursday. The Clippers game kicks off a three games in three nights set including the Lakers the following night (back at home), and finishes with the division rival Blazers on Saturday. This is where things get fun. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 17 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Jersey 110-95, (Mon); L vs. Indiana (90-95), (Wed); W vs. Milwaukee 107-100, (Fri); L @ Miami 93-97, (Sun)
This Week: @ Washington, Monday (1/30); @ Philadelphia, Wednesday (2/1); @ New York, Thursday (2/2); @ Milwaukee, Saturday (2/4)

The rest of the league has been begging for someone—anyone!—to cool the Bulls off. And this week, a couple of teams did. Both the Pacers and the Heat handed Chicago losses and did so in pretty dramatic fashion. However, the rest of the league probably should've been careful about what they wished for. Because when the Bulls lost on Sunday afternoon after Derrick Rose clanked a couple of free throws at the end that could have given the Bulls the lead and then missed a game-tying jump shot, he sounded more determined than ever to lead this team to plenty of big wins in the future. "This is so unreal right now," he said. "Knowing that I had the chance to change the game, and this time it didn't work out. I know my will to win is still very high, but I guarantee the next time those shots are going down." Sounds like a week tarnished by a couple of losses might actually end up being a win for the Bulls.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 15 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: W vs. Cleveland 92-85, (Tue); W @ Detroit 101-98, (Wed); W vs. New York 99-89, (Fri); W vs. Chicago 97-93, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New Orleans, Monday (1/30); @ Milwaukee, Wednesday (2/1); @ Philadelphia, Friday (2/3); vs. Toronto, Sunday (2/5)

The Heat took care of business this past week. They defeated the teams they were expected to beat (Cleveland, Detroit and New York) and narrowly escaped with the W over the Bulls. But hey, a win's a win and Miami are doing a lot of that. The Heatles are currently holding down a four-game winning streak and could very well push it to eight this week, if they can overcome a tough match-up against the Sixers in Philly. —Jose Martinez

Record: 16 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: W vs Detroit 99-79, (Mon); W vs. New Orleans 101-91, (Wed); W @Golden State 120-109, (Fri)
This Week: @ LA Clippers, Monday (1/30); @ Dallas, Wednesday (2/1); vs. Memphis, Friday (2/3); @ San Antonio, Saturday (2/4)

Last week, the Oklahoma City Thunder did what great teams are supposed to do—win the games they're supposed to win. They stomped out Detroit by 20, the Hornets by 10, then capped off the week by heading to Golden State and dropping 120 points on the Warriors. Durant led the way with 37, as he and Russell Westbrook combined for 65 points on 50 percent shooting and a +26. Yeah, they won't be able to win anything together, though. Clippers, Griz and Spurs are their next victims opponents.—Russ Bengtson