10. New York Knicks (35-21, Last Week: 15): The Knicks appear to have stopped the bleeding from Week 18, as they went 2-1 last week; and although they lost to the Miami Heat, it was a close game. This boosts the Knicks back up a bit closer to where they were two weeks ago (sixth).
9. Houston Rockets (33-28, Last Week: 10): The Rockets still maintain the eighth seed in the Western Conference above the Lakers.
8. Los Angeles Lakers (30-30, Last Week: 9): Yes, it is quite ridiculous for a .500 team to be ranked here, but the Lakers have won five of their last six, and appear to have the momentum and willpower to make the playoffs. However, Houston and Utah have held on tight to their respective positions.
7. Denver Nuggets (38-22, Last Week: 7): The Nuggets have won four games in a row, and still have just three losses on their home court all season.
6. Indiana Pacers (38-22, Last Week: 6): The Pacers have won seven of their last eight games. Danny Granger has struggled in the five games since he’s returned as he’s averaged just 5.4 points. Additionally, he played just over eight minutes on Sunday and was listed with a sore left knee after the game.
5. Memphis Grizzlies (39-19, Last Week: 5): The Grizz have gone 9-1 over their last 10 games, with their only loss coming against the Miami Heat on Friday.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (43-19, Last Week: 4): The Clippers have gone 8-2 over their last 10 games, with their only losses coming against the Spurs and Thunder. The Clips’ loss against the Thunder on Sunday raises concern, however, as OKC swept the season series, 3-0. The Clippers did make a late push after trailing significantly for much of the game.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-16, Last Week: 3): The Thunder’s win over the Clippers on Sunday keeps them in third place.
2. San Antonio Spurs (47-14, Last Week: 2): The Spurs lost their best player in Tony Parker due to an ankle injury he suffered in a victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday. The Spurs may lose some ground as Parker heals, but as long as the injury isn’t significant, San Antonio will still be poised to dominate the Western Conference.
1. Miami Heat (43-13, Last Week: 1): The Heat have won 14 games in a row, and don’t appear to be letting up on opposing teams any time soon.