With approximately 20 games left in the season, the best in show are starting to slip up when it matters most. Well, maybe it doesn’t have that type of ramifications, but the Lakers and Cavs have not looked like themselves in the past few weeks. Should we be worried? Should we start to reconsider who is the favorite to represent each other in their respected conferences?

A lot of questions, and only The Ref can give viable answers. Let’s get to it.

Biggest Gain: Milwaukee (+4)
Biggest Loss: Chicago (-4)

1.Dallas (43-21) Since the opening loss to the Thunder, they have not lost, reeling off 11 straight to push them into the number 1 spot. A spot that Cleveland owned for 11 straight weeks. We should start considering them a definite threat to win the West.
2.Orlando (44-20) The Magic have beaten both Cleveland and LA in their last respected match ups. The question with this team though is, can they play at this level when it counts? If VC plays like a Vince Carter we haven’t seen before, then yes. That is a big IF.
3.Cleveland (49-15) Shaq’s injury is affecting this team more than I could ever imagine. The offense seems lost at times and it’s all Mike Brown’s fault. If this team does win a championship, Brown will be the worst coach to win a title.
4.Denver (42-21) The biggest question for the Nuggets is who is going to stop Kobe Bryant in a playoff series? Aaron Afflalo? My point exactly.
5.LA Lakers (46-18) It is now clearly evident that Kobe rushed back from injury. He doesn’t look like the MVP that was hitting game winner after game winner. Now, the Lakers are on 3 game losing streak because they couldn’t win in the East. Ouch.
6.Utah (40-22) The Jazz are finally over .500 on the road, and they are shining at the right time. However, I still don’t think they can beat the Lakers, Mavericks, or Nuggets in a seven game series, especially if they don’t have home court.
7.Phoenix (40-25) With the Suns playing with defense this time around, I now that this is a better and more productive team then the one that started 14-3. Just think about it, a team that can get defensive stops and have Steve Nash counter attack. Frightening.
8.Atlanta (40-22) I need to see something from this team. I now I said this last week, but they are a weak 4 seed. I would almost be inclined to pick Toronto or Milwaukee to win a series against them.
9.Oklahoma City (38-24) The Thunder went 3-1 this week, but I can’t overlook the 29 blowout against Denver. It was a “Let’s see what you got kid” type of game. Need I say more after the outcome.
10.Boston (40-21) Thank you Ray Allen, if you would have not woken up the team against Washington, your Celts would have lost to the Wizards and Nets in a week’s time. Maybe, they can use this to jump start themselves into the playoffs.
11.Milwaukee (33-29) Alright, I am giving you your shot Milwaukee. You face off against Boston and Utah at home this week. You are 20-9 there, prove to me that you are worth it. You’ve had an easy schedule and winning against a Lebron-less Cavs team does not count.
12.San Antonio (36-24) The Spurs are starting to show signs of life and it’s the urgency to get Richard Jefferson going. They are 6-0 when he scores 20+.
13.Portland (37-28) Brandon Roy is not himself yet, and he doesn’t need to be. He is obviously not 100% and the Blazers are safe at the 8th spot. Nate McMillan should consider resting him against weaker caliber talent.
14.Miami (32-31) I said it in my wrap ups, and I’ll say it again: This is by far the most inconsistent team in the NBA. It’s not D-Wades fault, it’s Mr. Beasley’s. If he can step up on a consistent basis, then they are solid squad that could make some noise in the playoffs, but I don’t see that happening this season.
15.Toronto (32-29) Honestly, I know Chris Bosh is the best player on the team, but the Raptors should be a lot more competitive than they have shown in his absence. Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Barganni need to step up.
16.Memphis (32-31) 6 game road winning streak, and 5 game home losing streak. You explain that one, because I can’t.
17.Houston (31-31) The Rockets are playing a little bit better, and maybe we should allow Kevin Martin to prove himself more than just in a week and half trial. He deserves a little more time.
18.Chicago (31-31) The Bulls are stumbling when the tough gets going. Maybe Chicago should grab the ‘Bull’ by the horn and start proving that they are a good team. I am tired of defending them.
19.New Orleans (31-32) The Chris Paul factor is finally in effect. They have fought hard and rookies Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison have played their hearts out. However, it caught up to them. It was admirable though.
20.Charlotte (30-31) G thinks the Bobcats can be dangerous in the playoffs. I would agree with him if the team wasn’t so terrible on the road. That’s the reason they are not going to make the playoffs in the first place. Better luck next year.
21.LA Clippers (25-38) The Clippers started to play well, but after a momentarily high level of play, they started to play like…the Clippers.
22.Philadelphia (23-39) I don’t know what’s more shocking with this team: AI’s silent retirement or Eddie Jordan’s ability to still collect a paycheck.
23.Washington (21-39) I always knew Al Thornton was a good player. I am so happy for him. He needed to get out of LA, so his career can finally begin.
24.Sacramento (21-42) You know what makes me very happy about the Kings, they are going to get a great draft pick, and I am praying that they get Evan Turner. How nasty would that be if Turner and Evans are playing alongside each other.
25.Detroit (22-41) The Pistons should have pulled a Washington Wizards during the trade deadline. Having all of these players that do nothing for the team is a waste of time and the fans money.
26.Golden State (17-45) I raise Golden State for one reason. Monta Ellis is coming back and Stephen Curry should retain his bringing up the ball responsibilities. Ellis would be a lot more explosive, not alone, more comfortable.
27.Indiana (20-43) The Pacers are extremely relieved to come from their excruciating road trip where they faced off against LA Lakers, Portland, Denver, and Phoenix. A nice home win against the Sixers would be nice for moral.
28.Minnesota (14-49) The T-Wolves are now second in the running for the John Wall/Evan Turner sweepstakes. For the first time in my power rankings, I am going to ask a question to all of the readers: Who would you take as the number pick? Explain.
29.New York (21-41) Is there any surprise why they are here.
30.New Jersey (7-55) The Nets are the best 7 win team in the history of the NBA. Good for them.

This is The Ref signaling I’m out until next time and remember: We miss calls, you miss lay ups.

In the next two weeks, one of my astute colleagues will be taking over since I will be enjoying London and Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day. I’ll be back, don’t worry.