With this being the second from last Power Rankings before the Playoff, it’s been a very entertaining week with some big matchup’s. Boston beating Miami on the road,  then getting beat by Toronto at the end of it. Chicago beating both Miami and New York at home while also losing to the Knicks on the road. The Lakers also beat reigning champions Dallas. In a time of the regular season where legs are rested, and teams being to ‘tank’ how did your team fair up in our weekly Power Rankings. Catch up with NBA Nation Australia same time next week for the last regular season Power Rankings.

1. Chicago Bulls (46-15)

With the return of Rose this week, the Bulls continued their strong finish to the regular season. Beating New York, Miami & Detroit this week with only one loss against the Knicks on the road Chicago continue to look the team most certain of a Finals appearance.  With the current best record in the league and obviously the best percentage (.754) the Bulls continue to dominate and top our Power Rankings this week.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (44-17)

While the Thunder topped most Power Rankings last week and could very well top a lot this week, we at NBA Nation Australia believe Chicago did just enough by beating teams of Playoff worth to pip Thunder to the top spot. Still, a very strong week playing 5 games and winning 4 of those, with more than convincing wins against Toronto, Milwaukee, Sacremento, and Minnesota. With Durant and Westbrook still continuing to tear it’s way through the league, and KD still in run for the MVP spot the Thunder still have one of the best records in the league. With a great win percentage of .721, and another strong week, the Thunder sit at out number 2 spot.

3. Los Angeles Lakers (39-22)

Having what looked to be a tough week with grudge matches against San Antonio and Dallas, plus… also being without Kobe Bryant, things looked like a big challenge for the Lakers. With massive wins over both teams as well as New Orleans and Denver, the Lakers  rocket back up the Power Rankings list. Of course they will welcome Kobe back with open arms, but it does cushion the blow of his injury when the team step up to the plate like this. Bynum pulling down 30 rebounds is just mega. With a win percentage of .639 and currently sitting top of the Pacific division and 3rd in the Western the Lakers also sit at 3rd in our Power Rankings this week.

4. Boston Celtics (36-25)

The Celtics have been one of the most consistent team since All-Star break and of late have really turned their season around. This week was looking to be a fairly tough week for Boston, especially with Ray Allen out injured and the importance of resting Garnett and Pierce the Celtics have a huge run. Starting with a win on the road against Miami, win in Boston against Atlanta, a loss against Toronto and wins over New Jersey and Charlotte proved to be a successful week. Rondo continuing his double digit assists record which is mind-blowing and the Celtics peaking at just the right time they currently sit at 4th in this weeks rankings.

5. Miami Heat (43-17)

Dropping down the rankings a touch this week, the Heat still had a relatively ok week. Starting off with a crushing loss at home to Boston and then another to Championship favourites Chicago, the Heat seemed to have taken their foot off the gas. Wins against Charlotte, New York, and what could arguably be Lebron’s best game this year against New Jersey, the Heat go into the final week of the regular season still looking strong for the Playoffs.

6. Indiana Pacers (39-22)

After a strong first week of April the Pacers have gone from strength to strength. Shooting up the Power Rankings this week with wins over Toronto, two over Cleveland and another over Milwaukee the Pacers continue to prove why they are being called dark horses for this years Playoffs. With Indiana sat currently at 3rd in the Eastern Conference and a win percentage of .639, the Pacers currently sit at 6th in our rankings. 

7. Los Angeles Clippers (38-23)

After having a frustrating March, and legs looking to be tiring somewhat the Clippers seemed to be slipping. This month they have seemed to pick up some momentum and had a reasonable first week of April. This week began with a loss at Memphis, but then picking up a massive win in Oklahoma then going on to wins in Minnesota and Golden State the Clippers have pushed themselves back up quite a few Power Ranking lists. Still questionable on their ability to contend deep into the playoffs, the Clips should have a decent end to the regular season and find themselves at number 7 in our rankings list.

8. Memphis Grizzlies (35-25)

Memphis have had a great year and a great April. First week of the month saw massive wins against league giants OKC, Miami, and Dallas. This week wasn’t as huge but was successful none the less. Wins at home against the Clippers, Phoenix and Utah but disappointing losses against SouthWest rivals San Antonio and the awful New Orleans saw them slip in this weeks rankings. Despite that they should finish out the regular season strong and will look to upset in the playoffs.

9. Denver Nuggets (34-27)

After an up and down first week with big wins over Orlando and Phoenix, and disappointing losses to New Orleans and Golden State the Nuggets picked up with a strong second week to the month. Seeking revenge after the bad result against Golden State the following week they started this week demolishing them at home. With massively convincing wins against Minnesota and the destruction of Houston the only down point of the week was the loss on the road to the Lakers. With what seems a rejuvenated energy amongst the roster the Nuggets seem to be peaking just at the right time, and currently sit 9th in our rankings this week.

10. New York Knicks (31-29)

Since Woodson has taken over the reigns from D’Antoni, New York seemed to be finding their feet at the right time. Linsanity has calmed after Jeremy’s injury and Carmelo is beginning to pull big after the promises of big performances. Despite that the Knicks are currently 6-4 over the last 10 games and this week they beat Chicago in a entertaining 1-point win, a revenge loss to the Bulls in the days following but wins over Milwaukee and Washington finished the week off nicely. Finally toppling Philadelphia from 2nd in the Atlantic division and sitting firmly in a playoff spot, the Knicks may not have the depth to go deep into this years Playoffs.

Did we get it right this week? Leave us any comments you may have.

Enjoy the last week of the Regular Season, and be sure to come back here next week for the final Regular season Power Rankings.