A week into the NBA season and already a few surprises. The Lakers slipped from first to third in the ESPN Power Rankings due to a loss to Dallas at the Staples Center. That loss also dropped the Lakers to 1 game behind the Phoenix Suns in the Pacific Division.  With Pau Gasol injured, the Lakers have shown some weakness in their bench play. Last year a big plus for them.

   Another surprise has been the 2-2 start of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 2 losses have allowed the Cavs to slip down to 7th in the power rankings but they are in a tie for the Central Division lead with Milwaukee. I don't expect that to last. Cleveland still has the talent to go deep this year but an aging Shaq is not helping early in the season. Cleveland has been picked by many to win the Eastern Conference. But Boston and Orlando will have something to say.

    Right now the Celtics are firmly in in control of the Atlantic Division and undefeated thanks to a strong defense. The Celtics have moved up to the No.1 position in the power rankings. The Orlando Magic have also leapfrogged the Lakers coming in at the no.2 spot to to start the 2nd week of the season. The Magic remained undefeated along with the Miami Heat to tie for the top spot in the Southeast Division.
  Out to the Northwest Division the Denver Nuggets continue their winning ways from last season going 3-0 in the first week and leading the division behind the almost 38pts per game from forward Carmelo Anthony. The Nuggets move into 4th place behind the Lakers in the power rankings. The Dallas Mavericks round out the top 5 this week due to their strong performance againest the Lakers on Thursday. However they remain in a 3 way tie with the Houston Rockets and The San Antonio Spurs for the Southwest Division lead.