NBA Power Rankings: Blazers still having blast at midway point
A look at who's hot and who's hotter in the FOX Sports Ohio NBA Power Rankings:
1. Indiana Pacers: Paul George's 360-dunk vs. Clippers was eye-catching highlight of the year. And Pacers indeed continue to open eyes.
2. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge led way in first-half season of absolute fun.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant making life without Russell Westbrook a cinch.
4. San Antonio Spurs: With Gregg Popovich in charge, Spurs seem to win no matter who's on the floor or who's healthy.
5. Miami Heat: LeBron James and the gang haven't looked as invincible lately and perhaps have put it in cruise control.
6. Los Angeles Clippers: Finding ways to survive without Chris Paul, but is it sustainable?
7. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry and pals still a smidge inconsistent, but when they're good, they're very good.
8. Houston Rockets: No way should a team with James Harden, Dwight Howard and others ever be limited to 19 points in a half.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion and Vince Carter only show their age, like, once every six games.
10. Phoenix Suns: If Suns can maintain early-season success without injured Eric Bledsoe, Jeff Hornacek will be coach of year.
11. Memphis Grizzlies: Chemistry and defense are coming back, resulting in five straight wins entering Monday.
12. Atlanta Hawks: May not go out of their way to replace injured Al Horford and could still finish third in East.
13. Toronto Raptors: No one's talking about Raptors giving away Kyle Lowry these days.
14. Denver Nuggets: Sure could use Danilo Gallinari, but no telling when he'll return.
15. Washington Wizards: Every time you think John Wall and Co. are really onto something, they lose a bad one.
16. Chicago Bulls: A world without Derrick Rose and Luol Deng hasn't been too terribly awful (so far).
17. Minnesota Timberwolves: A big trade to improve things and keep Kevin Love may soon become vital.
18. Brooklyn Nets: Starting to turn it around a little, Lawrence Frank report by Lawrence Frank report.
19. Charlotte Bobcats: For the first time in 190 games, Bobcats must adjust to playing without Kemba Walker.
20. Detroit Pistons: Every bit as maddening as previous teams that had Josh Smith or Brandon Jennings.
21. Cleveland Cavaliers: Won three of five games out West. Luol Deng making a difference.
22. Los Angeles Lakers: Play hard, but if Nick Young is most-discussed guy on your team, it's time to start embracing the lottery.
23. New York Knicks: With J.R. Smith in the fold, it's actually fairly amazing Knicks are this high.
24. New Orleans Pelicans: Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon could be moved, and that may not be such a bad thing.
25. Sacramento Kings: Mike Malone should give Kings fans hope that this will get turned around soon.
26. Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo is back, and Celtics have to be tempted by all the cool things they could get in a trade.
27. Utah Jazz: Well, having to play without Gordon Hayward for a while sure doesn't help things.
28. Philadelphia 76ers: On the bright side, sounds like there's a chance we might see Nerlens Noel this year, after all.
29. Orlando Magic: Aaron Afflalo may garner Magic another first-round pick and they'd be wise to explore it.
30. Milwaukee Bucks: If Bucks don't move Larry Sanders by deadline, it'll be a bit of a surprise.
