Eastern Conference Quarterly Power Rankings

Eastern Conference Power Rankings

*In this Article


*Atlanta Hawks 41 23^(28-16) .641 -
*Washington Wiz 33 28^(22-16) .541 6.5
*Indiana Pacers 35 26^(22-15) .574 4.5
*Orlando Magic 32 28^(18-17) .533 7.0
*New Jersey Nets 31 29^(20-17) .517 8.0
*Milwaukee Bucks 30 29^(19-22) .508 8.5
*Charlotte Hornets 29 32^(19-22) .475 10.5
*Detroit Pistons 31 34^(20-22) .477 10.5
Boston Celtics 28 32^(19-18) .467 11.0
Chicago Bulls 24 32^(18-20) .429 13.0
Philadelphia 76ers 25 42 .373 17.5
Toronto Raptors 21 39 .350 18.0
New York Knicks 19 41 .317 20.0
Miami Heat 18 44 .290 22.0
Cleveland Cavaliers 16 43 .271 22.5

Some high movers this last quarter, a couple expected, a couple more, not so much. Milwaukee shot up the standings as we predicted, and Detroit as well as Charlotte are holding their own with some key wins over some rival opponents. Let's begin!

1. Atlanta Hawks 41-23: Even

Atlanta is still on top, with the excellent defensive play from the entire team. Dampier is still playing like an MVP, and his supporting cast is right on his heels for the award. Given the Hawks have one of the best home records in the league, we expect the team to make it very far, if not all the way to the championship.


2. Indiana Pacers 35-26: Even

Along with the Hawks, Indiana is again, locked in at number 2. Tim Duncan and Penny Hardaway are proving to be amazing clutch performers, and the renewed play of Shawn Kemp is one of the many reasons why this team is playing great ball this year.



3. Orlando Magic 32-28: +2 (Previous Rank: 5)

The Magic are back in the number 3 spot, with a very nice bounce back the past few sims. Even though they are 5-5 in their last ten, they've put together a nice stretch of games since the All-Star Game. We expect the Magic to overtake the Wizards in the Atlantic Dicision by seasons end.

4. Milwaukee Bucks 30-29: +3 (Previous Rank: 7)

Milwaukee continues to push up the standings with excellent play since the ASG. Led by Ray Allen, and fortified by Danny Fortson and Keith Van Horn, the Bucks have reached the 6th seed in the East by beating some formidable and key opponents. The recent acquisition of Juwan Howard only helps their already deep bench.

5. Washington Wizards 33-28: -2 (Previous Rank: 3)

Washington is starting to see the consequence from their lack of depth, and their free-fall has begun. They've gone 4-6 in their last ten, and 7-10 in their last 17. Salmons and Walker, seemingly a broken record for this team all year, are playing their hearts out, with no help from anyone else. Their lead of the Atlantic Division won't last with Orlando making a major push.

6. New Jersey Nets 31-29: -2 (Previous Rank: 4)

New Jersey is finally starting to waver from their year long number 4 rank, as they cracked and lost 2 spots in the power rankings. While they are still above .500, barely, they continue to lack the strength in depth that many teams have acquired here before the trade deadline. New Jersey is still talented enough to make the playoffs, but not inside the top 4.

7. Charlotte Hornets 29-32: +3 (Previous Rank: 10)

Charlotte has stayed around .500 long enough for other teams to lose their position in the playoffs. The Hornets are finally playing up to the least of their potential, but if they make the playoffs, could make some real noise. Led by Elton Brand, the Hornets could be a real sleeper in the post season.

8. Detroit Pistons 31-34: +1 (Previous Rank: 9)

The Pistons too have starting playing with some consistency, and have played themselves into the 8th position in the weak Eastern Conference, despite their sub-.500 record. The Celtics are close on their tails however, and they do have the potential ROY leading them, so Detroit better be careful and start putting together some win streaks.

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On the outside looking in:

9. Boston Celtics 28-32: -3 (Previous Rank: 6)

The Celtics have hit a rough patch in their schedule, and have dropped 3 slots in the rankings - overcome by a Detroit team, a renewed Charlotte squad and the Milwaukee Bucks who have made their expected push up the rankings. However, nobody can count Boston out, led by James and his play for ROY. Making the playoffs would only solidify his win, and nothing should get in his way.

10. Chicago Bulls 24-32: -2 (Previous Rank: 8 )

Chicago has had a disappointed slide this quarter - falling in 8 of their last 10 games. We're not quite sure what happened, however, the team has traded away two key pieces that might be the reason for their recent downfall - JaRon Rush and Jason Terry could have been more resourceful than the BullGM thought. However, given the weak conference, the Bulls are just 2.5 games out of a playoff spot, and still have a fighting chance with Anthony leading them.