| | Rankings as of Tuesday, Jan. 4
|  | | Grant Hill and the Pistons are currently a playoff team. |
Happy New Year!
Not a lot of movement among the top teams in the Power Rankings, but there were a few movers and shakers at various spots on the list. The Pistons probably deserved a better-than-20 placement for the past week or two, and they've got it; the Celtics and Sixers finally climb. On the other side, the Nuggets and Magic sink to where they probably belonged, while the Sonics -- what can you say about the Sonics? They may be in trouble.
Remember when viewing our Power Rankings that it's not about the records. You can write in over and over again about the fact the Nets' record stinks and other teams behind them have more wins, and we don't care. Same with the Sonics' fine mark and the Pistons being above them.
Anyway, here are the ESPN.com Power Rankings as of Jan. 4. Let us know your thoughts by clicking here and offering a few Rank Comments of your own. But please remember that these rankings were compiled Tuesday morning, and will not reflect anything that happens beginning Tuesday night.
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Team (Record)
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Last week
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Pvs.
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ESPN.com skinny
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1. Lakers (25-5)
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1-0
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1
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We have nothing negative to say about the Lakers; Class of NBA
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2. Blazers (23-7)
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3-0
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2
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Same here; Team is clicking just fine, and is preparing for long playoff run
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3. Pacers (20-9)
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2-0
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3
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Charlotte win was statement game; Statement is Indy is Finals bound
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4. Spurs (21-10)
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1-0
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4
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Despite all the talk, Spurs should plan on not having Elliott this season
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5. Heat (20-9)
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3-0
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8
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And Riley may have to think about no Timmy this year; A deal will be made
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6. Knicks (18-12)
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1-1
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5
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We had a John Wallace sighting; Childs has 11 steals, all season
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7. Jazz (19-10)
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2-0
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10
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Don't invite Jerry Sloan and Dan Issel to same party; Next meeting in March
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8. Hornets (18-11)
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1-1
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6
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Robber Baron second on team in steals; Robinson shooting .539
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9. Suns (18-11)
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0-1
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7
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With Googs back, Clifford, Rodney resume proper roles; Is Penny next?
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10. 76ers (18-15)
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2-1
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13
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Quite dangerous; Key remains Iverson, kudos to Ty Hill as well
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11. Kings (17-10)
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2-0
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15
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Still a worthy foe, and capable of big things; Still too reliant on CWeb
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12. Bucks (17-14)
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1-2
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9
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Big three not always enough; Nice to see Tim Thomas, E. Johnson step up
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13. Pistons (16-14)
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3-0
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20
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OK, Pistonians, you rise; This Big Three (Hill, Stack, Hunter) not bad
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14. Raptors (17-12)
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2-0
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16
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For those who care, we watch/like Raps not just for Vince's dunks
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15. Nets (12-18)
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2-0
|
18
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Don't look at records! Nets are hot, and too good to lose more than win
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16. Nuggets (15-14)
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1-2
|
12
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No telling when they'll play well or poorly; Issel looks silly after Monday
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17. Sonics (18-12)
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0-2
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11
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Still not convinced this is playoff team; Nugs, Wolves could get them
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18. Wolves (13-14)
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1-1
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17
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Think about how good Garnett is, then check his age; He's still only 23!
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19. Magic (15-16)
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0-4
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14
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As Tom Petty would say, they're "free falling"; Gatling to be moved now
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20. Celtics (13-16)
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2-1
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24
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The gang's healthy, so no more excuses, Pitino; Just win, baby!
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21. Wizards (11-20)
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1-2
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19
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Next up are two against the Bulls; We predict a split of that series
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22. Rockets (10-20)
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1-1
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22
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Team's playing well, and The Dream is close to returning to lineup
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23. Hawks (11-18)
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0-2
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21
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Suspend me, suspend me not, suspend me ... Rider situation a joke
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24. Cavaliers (12-18)
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1-2
|
26
|
Kemp finally shooting above 40 percent; Ilgauskas could return soon
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25. Clippers (9-20)
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0-2
|
23
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Lamar gets triple-double, team loses: Recurring theme in next decade?
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26. Mavericks (9-21)
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0-1
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25
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Rumor has it Nelsons could be out the door if purchase of team happens
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27. Warriors (6-24)
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0-2
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27
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Geez, that P.J. firing really helped things; Should be a happy team
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28. Grizzlies (6-23)
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0-2
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28
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Quick, who was leading scorer on first Grizzlies team? Greg Anthony
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29. Bulls (2-26)
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0-3
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29
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Kornel David cried when released Monday; we like that dedication
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ALSO SEE
NBA Power Rankings, Dec. 28
NBA Power Rankings, Dec. 21
NBA Power Rankings, Dec. 14
NBA Power Rankings, Dec. 7
NBA Power Rankings, Nov. 30
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