NBA Vine Power Rankings 1-15-08

Here are the latest NBA Vine Power Rankings for January 15, 2008. The Boston Celtics keep the top spot despite consecutive losses to the Wizards. The Los Angeles Lakers surge up the rankings and sit at number two - but have lost emerging center Andrew Bynum for two months. Rounding out the top 5 this week are Detroit, Phoenix and Dallas. The Minnesota T-Wolves temporarily vacate last place after beating the Miami Heat.

1. (1) Boston Celtics (30-6) - The Celtics have now lost back-to-back games to a Gilbert Arenas-less Washington Wizards team and are only 1-3 in their last four contests. The talks of a 70 win season have quieted dramatically.

2. (6) Los Angeles Lakers (26-11) - The Lakers have won 7 straight and 16 of their last 19 games. Now, can they withstand the loss of young gun Andrew Bynum for two months? Kobe will be shooting more - but will it be beneficial to the team?

3. (2) Detroit Pistons (28-10) - An up and down week for Detroit, culminated with a spanking by the New York Knicks. No questions the boys in Motown have the goods, but the lack of focus against weaker teams is still evident.

4. (7) Phoenix Suns (26-11) - Grant Hill will miss the next couple of weeks after undergoing an appendectomy. Boris Diaw steps back into a larger role and Raja Bell's production should increase.

5. (5) Dallas Mavericks (26-12) - Avery Johnson is still tweaking the lineup, but Dirk Nowitzki's early season struggles are history.

6. (3) San Antonio Spurs (25-11) - The Spurs are doing their usual fly under the radar and then explode in the second half of the season routine. Just wait and see.

7. (4) New Orleans Hornets (25-12) - How long can Peja stay healthy?

8. (9) Portland Trail Blazers (23-14) - Portland is not a fluke. There young players have just matured quicker than expected. With Greg Oden in the paint next year, this team will be dangerous.

9. (12) Washington Wizards (20-16) - The Wizards move into the top 10 with back-to-back victories over the top ranked Celtics. Even though the victories weren't lopsided, give the Wizards credit for closing the show.