1. Los Angeles Lakers (42-14)
The Lakers land in the top spot not just because they have the best record, but also because they have proven that they can win without the league’s most dominant player, Kobe “when in doubt, shoot” Bryant. Bryant has missed the last 5 games with an ankle injury but LA has not felt any ill effects, beating top Western conference teams such as Portland, Utah, and San Antonio. Pau Gasol has stepped up in a big way during Kobe’s absence (18.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG).

2. Orland Magic (38-19)
Who is the real Superman, Dwight Howard or Shaq? That depends who you ask, but it might take some kryptonite (or good 3 point defense) to stop the Magic this postseason. The Magic is coming off one of their biggest wins of the season on Sunday, a 101-95 victory over the Cleveland Lebrons, the team they upset in last year’s Eastern Conference finals. They didn’t make any major deals at the deadline, but then again they didn’t need to. If their key players stay healthy (and that’s a big “if”, considering Jameer Nelson’s recent problems and Vince Carter’s resume of collapsing in big moments) they should be able to make another serious run deep in the playoffs.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (43-14)
The Cavs have lost three straight, but now is not the time to throw up the white flag. Cleveland acquired Antawn Jamison at the deadline (he was probably the happiest person in America when he got that call), and he hasn’t yet gotten properly acquainted to his new team, but he will. Big Z will most likely be bought out and end up back with the team in the next couple weeks, and his return as well as Mo William’s return from injury should give them a shot of life. Oh yeah, and they have Lebron James. That always helps.

4. Denver Nuggets (37-19)
Denver didn’t do anything to improve their stock at the trade deadline, but they still have a good core group of players that can score in bunches. Carmelo Anthony is obviously the name player that heads their attack, but Chauncey Billups brings leadership and is arguably their most valuable player. They have a couple good role players in Chris “Birdman” Anderson and JR “Don’t call me Earl” Smith, but they still don’t have the depth that the Lakers possess. It’ll also be interesting to see how the young team responds to the news that their coach, George Karl, is battling cancer.

5. Utah Jazz (36-20)
Maybe it is because of their meager sports market, but the Utah Jazz is not only the hottest but also the most underrated team in basketball. Utah is 17-3 since January 9th, and they got to this point by playing smart, fundamental basketball, typical of a team coached by Jerry Sloan. Deron Williams is one of the best young point guards in basketball, averaging 18.3 points a game to go along with 9.9 RPG. No one player serves as their dominant scorer, but they seem to get practically equal production from Williams, Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, and Mehmet Okur. I’m still a little hesitant to move the Jazz up my power rankings because of their lack of recent production in the playoffs (Jerry Sloan has never won a title in 25 years as an NBA head coach).

6. Atlanta Hawks (35-20)
The Hawks, if nothing else, are a lot of fun to watch. Their high-tempo, run and gun style of offense is perfectly suited for the likes of Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, and especially Josh Smith, who can’t hit a jumper outside of ten feet. They have bundles of young talent (namely Marvin Williams and Al Horford), and will be good for years to come. However, I don’t think they are mature enough to make a deep run quite yet.

7. Dallas Mavericks (36-21)
In the last week the Dallas Mavericks became a much better, deeper team. Caron Butler is a huge addition that gives them added depth and scoring, to go along with Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, and Jason Terry. The team also brought in Brendan Haywood, a good defensive center that should help take some pressure and minutes from Eric Dampier. The team is 4-1 since adding Butler and Dampier, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Mavs gel going forward.

8. Boston Celtics (35-19)
The Celtics are finally starting to play up to their capability, winning three games in a row on the West Coast last week. This is due partially to the acquisition of the energetic three-time dunk champion (undeservingly) Nate Robinson, who should add to an otherwise pitiful bench.

9. Oklahoma City Thunder (33-21)
If it seems like I have a gushing man-crush on the Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s because I do. Kevin Durant is the best young scorer in basketball and a future MVP. He has recorded an astounding 28 straight 25-point scoring games, with the Thunder going 20-8 during the stretch. Oklahoma City is filled top to bottom with young athletes. Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, James Harden, and Eric Maynor all have promising futures. They are probably too young to do anything substantial this season, but look out in the future. You would probably hear more about them if they weren’t located in one of the worst sports venues in the NBA (sorry to the millions of my OK City readers).

10. Phoenix Suns (34-23)
I honestly feel bad for Phoenix fans. They had a couple promising seasons in which they had a genuine chance to win an NBA title, the first in their tortured franchise’s history. Those days are gone. Nash and Amare Stoudemire remain, but the hope is lost, and a playoff birth isn’t enough to give fans what they are really craving for. The fast-paced, exciting Suns of three years ago are now called the ATLANTA HAWKS. You know how the saying goes- out with the old, in with the new.

The rest of the list:
11. Portland trail Blazers (32-26)
12. San Antonio Spurs (31-23)
13. Toronto Raptors (31-24)
14. Chicago Bulls (29-27)
15. Miami Heat (29-28)
16. Houston Rockets (28-27)
17. New Orleans Hornets (30-26)
18. Charlotte Bobcats (27-28)
19. Memphis Grizzlies (28-27)
20. Milwaukee Bucks (27-28)
21. Philadelphia 76ers (21-34)
22. Golden State Warriors (16-39)
23. Indiana Pacers (19-37)
24. Washington Wizards (20-34)
25. Sacramento Kings (18-38)
26. Los Angeles Clippers (23-33)
27. Detroit Pistons (20-35)
28. New York Knicks (19-36)
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-44)

Not Ranked- New Jersey Nets (5-51)
They don't deserve it.