NBA Vine Power Rankings 1-9-2008

Here are the latest NBA Vine Power Rankings for January 8, 2008. The Boston Celtics have reclaimed the top spot. Detroit, San Antonio, New Orleans and Dallas round out the top 5. New York, Miami and Minnesota round out the bottom three. Read the latest rankings.

1. Boston Celtics (29-3) - The Celtics have won 9 straight games, including avenging an earlier season loss to the Detroit Pistons. What's impressive is that the team survived two horrendous scoring nights from Ray Allen, who averaged 5.5 points during that span. A boost for the club was a 20 point outing from reserve big man Glen Davis.

2. Detroit Pistons (26-8) - Before being derailed by the Celtics, Detroit had reeled off 11 straight victories and were displaying a focus and intensity that reminded us of the 2004 title season. The bench continues to grow in Motown, with Arron Afflalo, Jason Maxiell, Jarvis Hayes and Rodney Stuckey playing pivotal minutes that allow the starters to rest.

3. San Antonio Spurs (23-10) - We admit that the Spurs are getting the benefit of the doubt here, since they are only 5-5 in their last ten games. Keep in mind that injuries have been an issue with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker missing time this year.

4. New Orleans Hornets (23-11) - The rising Hornets have won 8 out of their last 10 games, with solid victories over Golden State and Phoenix. Chris Paul is a legitimate MVP candidate and Tyson Chandler has turned into one of the better young NBA centers. The team is winning on the road (14-5), but not faring as well at home (9-6). It's time for the city of New Orleans to support this collection of talent.

5. Dallas Mavericks (23-11) - Will Coach Avery Johnson ever find the magic lineup? Eddie Jones has been getting starts at shooting guard, Jason Terry has been inconsistent, Dirk Nowitzki's jumper has struggled to find the net and Johnson has relegated early season feel good story Brandon Bass back to limited minutes. But the Mavs have won four straight and 8 out of their last 10. The team is only 7-8 on the road this year. That has to improve.

6. Los Angeles Lakers (21-11) - The Lakers have found an answer in the paint and his name is Andrew Bynum. Derek Fisher's play at the point keeps the team running on all cylinders and Lamar Odom has turned into that second option that Lakers fans have been hoping for. We didn't even mention Kobe. Shows the maturity of this team.

7. Phoenix Suns (24-10) - The Suns rely heavily on their starters, which is cause for concern with Grant Hill in the lineup. The team is in the bottom three in scoring defense (104 points allowed per game), but believe they can outscore anyone. We don't doubt that.

8. Orlando Magic (22-13) - The Magic are below .500 in Orlando (7-8) and 15-5 on the road. What? To win in the playoffs a team must have the ability to win away from home, so what's the use of securing home court advantage in the postseason, if you can't win at home?

9. Portland Trail Blazers (21-13) - The Blazers reeled off 13 straight wins and then lost to the Utah Jazz which ended the streak. The Blazers have now won three straight games, including a win over the Jazz. Portland appears to be playoff bound.

10. Denver Nuggets (21-13) - Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony are playing great basketball, but their lack of frontcourt depth is cause for concern. Nene has returned from injury, but his minutes are being monitored.

11. Golden State Warriors (20-15) - Who wants to play this team in the first round of the playoffs? Nellie ball is alive and well. The Warriors need another point guard to keep Baron Davis' minutes in check for the playoffs.

12. Washington Wizards (17-15) - When Gilbert Arenas went down, most thought that the Wizards season would also head south. But behind the great play of Caron Butler, Washington has surprisingly managed to stay afloat with all of their injuries.

13. New Jersey Nets (17-16) - Five straight wins. Jason Kidd posting back-to-back triple-doubles. Memo to Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe - get a big man before the trade deadline.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers (17-17) - When you have LeBron James on your squad, anything is possible. Just remember last year's improbable trip to the finals.

15. Toronto Raptors (17-17) - If you haven't watched Chris Bosh's All-Star campaign video ... go to youtube and stream it. We don't know what to make of the Raptors, who are playing at .500 at home (9-9) and on the road (8-8)

16. Utah Jazz (18-17) - We really expected more from this club after reaching the Western Conference finals last season. The Jazz are talented enough to make a good run during the second half of the season.

17. Houston Rockets (17-17) - The Rockets have won four out of six without T-Mac in the lineup during the latest injury impacting their star. Rafer Alston has been playing great.

18. Atlanta Hawks (15-16) - The next four games (Washington, Cleveland, Chicago and Denver) will tell a lot about this team's true identity.

19. Chicago Bulls (13-19) - The Bulls are 4-2 under new coach Jim Boylan and Ben Gordon has been averaging 28 points per game since being moved to the bench.

20. Indiana Pacers (16-19) - Contrary to most experts, we don't believe the Pacers should trade Jermaine O'Neal. The future looks bright with Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger in town.

21. Milwaukee Bucks (13-20) - Cut the Bucks some slack. They've played the last couple of games without leading scorer Michael Redd.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (14-20) - Good news is that the Sixers don't have to play the Lakers again this year.

23. Sacramento Kings (12-20) - Kevin Martin & Mike Bibby are set to return. Ron Artest will be back in the lineup in 3-4 weeks. Those three players are capable of getting the Kings back to .500.

24. Memphis Grizzlies (10-23) - The coach has given rookie Mike Conley the keys to the offense. Let's see if he has the goods.

25. Charlotte Bobcats (11-21) - We really thought the Bobcats would be in a better position at this point in the season.

26. Seattle SuperSonics (9-24) - We believe that the Sonics will finish higher in these rankings at year end.

27. Los Angeles Clippers (10-21) - The Clips for a brief period a few years ago were the talk of LA. Times change.

28. New York Knicks (8-24) - The Knicks have at least been showing a pulse recently. It's time to lay off Isiah and let the soap opera continue to play out. What a story if he can actually turn things around.

29. Miami Heat (8-26) - Feels odd putting a team with Dwayne Wade and Shaq at the back of the bus. But they have earned it this year.

30. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-29) - We heard someone earlier this year ask the question, "would the T-Wolves win more games than the Celtics lose?" Right now they are one game up.