HoopsVine.com NBA Power Rankings 1.30.2008

Here are the latest HoopsVine.com NBA Power Rankings for January 29, 2008. The surging New Orleans Hornets dethrone the Boston Celtics for the top spot and the defending champion San Antonio Spurs are dropping fast.

1. (7) New Orleans Hornets (32-12) - The Hornets have won nine straight and 12 out of 13 overall, which include wins over the Spurs, Blazers and Nuggets. At this point, what's not to like about this team?

2. (1) Boston Celtics (34-8) - Funny how quickly the 70 win season talk has ended. With KG the latest Celtic to miss time due to injury, the team is desperately looking forward to the All-Star break for rest.

3. (5) Dallas Mavericks (31-13) - Dirk Nowitzki has been on a tear averaging 24 points and 10.2 rebounds over his last five games. So has Josh Howard averaging 25 during the same span.

4. (3) Detroit Pistons (31-13) - We still like the Pistons in a seven game series against the Celtics, but the team still likes to use cruise control too often.

5. (4) Phoenix Suns (32-13) - We were hoping that Grant Hill's body could hold up for the whole season, unfortunately it's showing signs of wear and tear at the halfway mark.

6. (6) San Antonio Spurs (28-15) - The Spurs are facing a brutal nine game road trip and were just humbled by the Jazz in Utah. Suddenly the defending champions find themselves 3.5 games out of first place in the Southwest division.

7. (16) Utah Jazz (27-18) - The Jazz are rising quick winning nine out their last 10 and five straight overall. If only the team could win on the road (8-15)

8. (2) Los Angeles Lakers (27-15) - The Lakers are clearly not the same team without Andrew Bynum and we think Trevor Ariza's injury has impacted them more than anticipated.

9. (13) Orlando Magic (28-18) - The Magic remain an enigma, capable of beating the best teams like Boston (twice) and Detroit, but also playing inconsistent basketball.

10. (11) Golden State Warriors (27-18) - News out of California is that the Warriors have signed Chris Webber. That makes them even more dangerous come playoff time.