NBA Basketball Power Ratings

1. Oklahoma City (40-11) - The run that the Thunder has been on has been pretty impressive, Kevin Durant is definitely the top choice for MVP new the halfway point.

2. Indiana (38-10) - The Pacers have put themselves in a night nice position, they are three games ahead of Miami for the top spot in the Eastern conference.

3. Miami (35-13) - The Heat's win and Los Angeles last Wednesday night was evidence of how this talented team can turn the switch on and off when they want.

4. Los Angeles Clippers (34-18) - The injury to Chris Paul has been somewhat of a blessing in disguise, Blake Griffin is playing his best basketball of his career. Paul returns to the lineup January 9th.

5. Portland (35-14) - We will see how this Blazers team stacks up against the top team in the East tonight when they take on Indiana, they haven't been winning much as of late yet their offense of power firepower can't be ignored. That defense is a serious concern.

6. San Antonio (36-14) - The Spurs are still a legitimate threat in my book. They have been losing a bit as of late, but when they get healthy and they're well rested, look out.

7. Houston (33-17) - The Rockets have been pretty impressive in the last 10 games besides a respectable loss to Oklahoma City, and back to back head scratchers against Memphis.

8. Memphis (26-22) - Their record might not reflect it, but Memphis is 9-3 since the return of Mark Gasol. They'll be a factor come playoff time.

9. Golden State (30-20) - After last season's playoffs, the Warriors are probably one of the more disappointing teams. They've hit a bit of a rough patch losing 7 out of their last 13.

10. Phoenix (29-20) - You can't say enough about the coaching job Jeff Hornacek has done this year. The Suns have one of the deepest rosters in the league.

11. Toronto (26-23) - The Raptors are one of those teams that are one player away from being relevant. Despite leading their division in the East, they are well below the top two teams in the East.

12. Washington (24-24) - The Wizards are having quite the homestand with quality wins over Oklahoma City and Portland, yet choked away a win over San Antonio. John Wall has definitely lived up to expectations.

13. Brooklyn (22-25) - It was only a matter of time before Brooklyn started winning games, with a 12-4 record in 2014 it looks like Jason Kidd and their somewhat new roster have found their niche.

14. Dallas (29-21) - The Mavs are one of just five teams to avoid a three-game losing streak this season. That was quite the beatdown they put on Memphis on Wednesday night.

15. Atlanta (25-23) - Probably one of the best coaching jobs this year by Mike Budenholzer. The Horford-less Hawks are 2nd in their division and 4th in the East.

16. Minnesota (24-25) - The T-Wolves have yet to win more than 3 games in a row this season and are 5-15 against the top 10 teams in the league.

17. Denver (24-23) - The Nuggets lost bench catalyst Nate Robinson for the season. The loss of Robinson along with the loss of Gallinari for the year make it tough for the Nuggets.

18. Chicago (24-25) - Coach Tom Thibodeau can only do so much. Boozer wants out, Noah is a hothead, and the team only shows up after poor outings. Super inconsistent.

19. Charlotte (22-28) - Even with Kemba Walker out, the Bobcats are in the 8th playoff spot in the East...yeah, I know it's the East, but still!!!!

20. New York (19-30) - After the 5 game losing streak the Knicks reeled off 4 street wins. Then lost to Miami, Milwaukee (ugh), and then Portland...their season in a nutshell.

21. New Orleans (21-27) - Anthony Davis is the only player in the league averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks...he should be an All-Star.

22. Utah (16-32) - For a team that wasn't projected to do much, the Jazz are only 2 games below .500 in 2014. Not too shabby.

23. Detroit (19-29) - Detroit is one of those teams that looks like world beaters one night, then cellar dwellers the next.

24. Sacramento (17-32) - The Kings lost 7 straight without Demarcus Cousins...he returns and they win 2 straight...yeah, he's a difference maker.

25. Boston (17-33) - I didn't expect much from this team, yet they continue to be competitive. Avery Bradley, Rajon Rondo, and Jared Sullinger point to a bright future, along with the many picks they have.

26. Philadelphia (15-35) - There are rumors circulating that Evan Turner will be moved out of Philadelphia. When you've lost 10 out of your last 12, it's probably a good idea to start thinking about the draft.

27. Los Angeles Lakers (16-31) - Let's be honest, the victory against Cleveland was pretty amazing. However, they really should trade Gasol and start fresh.

28. Cleveland (16-31) - Losing to a depleted Laker roster might have been the straw that broke the camel's back. The GM has been fired, Anthony Bennett is a bust, and now they want LeBron to come back...poor Cleveland.

29. Orlando (14-37) - The Magic are a hungry ball club. Even though they've only won 4 games in 2014. Victor Oladipo is going to be a good one, they nailed that pick.

30. Milwaukee (9-40) - The rebuilding effort continues for the Bucks. The Bucks are winless against teams that are above .500.