I went a decent 3-2 yesterday in our Daily NBA Predictions, and now stand at an impressive 200-111 on the season.

Lets get right into the NBA Picks for Wednesday night:

CLEVELAND (13-17) over New Orleans (7-25)

New Orleans will be playing their fifth consecutive game on the road, while Cleveland will be at home for their eighth game in a row, where they are currently 4-3 on this home-stand. I’ll take the Cavs in this game tonight.

OKLAHOMA CITY (25-7) over Boston (15-16)

Kevin Garnett (personal) will be back in the line-up tonight after missing the last two games, and he’ll be a welcome sight as the C’s lost both games in which Garnett was absent. Even with Garnett back, I still like the Thunder at home.

Sacramento (10-22) over WASHINGTON (7-25)

The Kings will be playing their last game on a current six game road trip, where they’ve lost every one of those games. Rookie Isaiah Tomas has been a bright spot for the Kings in the last four games, as he’s averaged 18.5 points and 6 assists per game. Kings in a upset tonight.

TORONTO (9-23) over Detroit (11-23)

Toronto should be plenty rested entering tonight’s game, as they haven’t played since last Friday. Rest means a lot in this shortened NBA season, so I’ll take the Raptors 101-85.

Indiana (20-12) over CHARLOTTE (4-27)

The Indiana Pacers blew out the Bobcats 108-73, when these two teams met last Sunday. Chalk up another win for the Pacers against a bad Charlotte team.

NEW JERSEY (10-24) over Orlando (21-12)

Coming off of their upset win Monday night over the Jeremy Lin lead Knicks, the New Jersey Nets will try to prove to Dwight Howard that they are worthy of his services. Make it two upsets in a row tonight, as the Nets take down the Magic at home.

NEW YORK (16-17) over Atlanta (19-13)

The sixth and seventh seeds in the Eastern Conference will square off, as Jeremy Lin and company will look to rebound after a tough loss Monday night. The Knicks are favored by 6 1/2 points tonight, which is way to many, so if you like betting the spread take the Hawks plus the points, but take the Knicks to win straight-up.

CHICAGO (26-8) over Milwaukee (13-19)

Chicago is 11-1 over the past 12 games at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bulls should have little trouble tonight dispatching the injury riddled Bucks.

HOUSTON (19-14) over Philadelphia (20-13)

Houston is 4-1 in games decided by 3 points or less, while Philly is 0-3 in those games. It figures to be a close low scoring game tonight, so I’ll roll with the home team Rockets.

MINNESOTA (16-17) over Utah (15-16)

The Jazz have struggled all season long on the road, as evidence by their 3-10 record, and they’ve lost six of the past seven games away from Utah. I’ll favor Kevin Love and the Timberwolves in this match-up.

Golden State (12-17) over PHOENIX (14-19)

The last time these two teams met, the Warriors walk away with the victory 102-96, as David Lee recorded a double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds. I’ll pick the Warriors tonight for the upset win.

Los Angeles Lakers (19-13) over DALLAS (20-12)

The Lakers took down the Mavericks in their only other meeting this season, 73-70. It was a offensively anemic game that saw the Lakers score only 7 points in the 3rd quarter, but they pulled out the victory as Derrick Fisher knocked down the game winning three with 3.1 seconds left. I’ll roll with Kobe and Co. tonight, but with more offense this time around.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (19-11) over Denver (18-15)

Denver has owned Los Angeles as of late with a 12-4 overall record against them, but they’ve struggled in the Staples Center, as they’ve lost 17 of the past 24 games versus the Clippers. I like the Clippers 115-108.

I finished off Monday’s NBA Picks with a 7-4 record, while hitting my upset pick of the day, Golden State over the Los Angeles Clippers, and I now stand at 197-109 on the season.

Here are Tuesday’s Daily NBA Predictions with some analysis:

Detroit (11-22) over CLEVELAND (12-17)

The Pistons have put together a nice run of games recently, with three consecutive wins, including two over the Celtics, and they’ve won seven of the last nine games. Since coming back from his concussion, rookie Kyrie Irving is averaging 20 points per game, while shooting 44% from the field. I’ll roll with the Pistons for the upset tonight, 101-99.

INDIANA (19-12) over New Orleans (7-24)

David West will be making his debut against his former team for the first time in his career. West was drafted 18th overall by the Hornets in 2003 and enjoyed eight solid years of production. After losing five games in a row in mid February, the Pacers have won two consecutive games, while outscoring their opponents by an average of 20 points. I like the Pacers to win big tonight.

MIAMI (25-7) over Sacramento (10-21)

Sacramento is an awful 3-16 on the road this season, while Miami has been outstanding with a 13-2 record. The Heat have won nine straight against the Kings in Miami, and lead the all-time series with a record of 30-16. Miami takes this one tonight.

MEMPHIS (18-15) over Philadelphia (20-12)

After starting off the season with an 18-7 mark, the Philadelphia 76ers have lost five of the last seven games dropping them to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia is 0-3 in games decided by 3 points or less, and I think this will be a close game, so I’ll take the Grizzles in this contest.

San Antonio (23-9) over PORTLAND (17-16)

San Antonio has won eleven straight games, including the past seven games which were on the road. Meanwhile, Portland has dropped four of the last five games at home, including a 103-92 loss last night at the hand of the Los Angeles Lakers. Spurs win a close game tonight to make it twelve in a row.

The NBA is starting to come together in terms of contenders and pretenders, but chances are you are still trying to figure out who you should be starting and sitting in Week 9.

No worries, we have you covered here in our weekly start and sit column.

Start

Roy Hibbert, C, Indiana Pacers

There was a lot of hype surrounding Hibbert’s fantasy potential in 2012, in fact, people were going as far as rating him the second best fantasy center behind D-Howard, anybody who predicted that placement looks like a fool as Hibbert isn’t even averaging double-digit rebounds with just 9.4 boards. Hibbert might be playing at an all-star level, but through eight weeks the big man out of Georgetown has been nothing but mediocre in FANTASY terms.

He does deserve some credit as he did make the all-star team, and the way he ended the week with 18 points and 14 rebounds performance against the measly Bobcats is somewhat positive, but then again, those stats are against the Bobcats. Hibbert’s opponent’s in week nine lack interior presences much like the Bobcats, as the Hornets rank 18th in deficiency rankings, while the Warriors and Bobcats are 29th and 30th.

Nick Young, SG, Washington Wizards

Whether he is giving a speech at a wedding or knocking down jumpers from the perimeter, Nick Young can do no wrong at the moment. If you were to open a good old dictionary (Or ask Siri), and search for the definition of a shooting guard, it wouldn’t surprise me if you were to come across a picture of Nick Young; he shoots the ball even if he has clanked his last 20 shots, the ball is still going up no matter what his coaches may say.

Well, Young is shooting the ball remarkably well on this five game road trip which will wrap up in Phoenix Monday night.

Trevor Ariza, SF, New Orleans Hornets

Ariza is a fantasy stud because of his contribution in several categories, much like the King down in South Beach. He can score, rebound, assist, steal, and even block the ball. He manages to do all of this while playing big time minutes, as he played 45+ minutes twice last week and averaged 15.4 points, seven rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals in each game.

I wouldn’t think that Ariza is going to average 41.6 minutes in week nine as the Hornets have six games against the Thunder, Pacers, Cavs, Bulls, Raptors, Mavericks, and Indiana again. All six of those teams with the exception of the Cavs and Bulls stand in the bottom 20 of the league in giving up steals to small forwards, which is where Ariza posses most of his value. Keep starting Ariza until his minutes and numbers come to a halt.

Tony Parker, PG, San Antonio Spurs

Parker is blazing hot of these past couple of weeks, as he has scored 30+ points three times in his past five games. Manu Ginbooli reinjured his wrist Saturday against the Clippers, and his status for this week is unknown. With or without Ginobloi, Parker should continue his hot streak in week nine because the Jazz, Blazers, and Bobcats all sit towards the bottom of the cellar in deffineceny rankings against opposing point guards.

My only concern for Parker is that Greg Popovic might rest him as a six game week tends to be a lot for veterans, but we will see how this situation plays out.

Jose Calderon, PG, Toronto Raptors

Calderon is also another streaking point guard as he averaged 20.4 points and 9.6 assists in week eight. Calderon is the Raptor’s key playmaker and just recently was given the green light to shoot the ball more. He couldn’t be in a better situation for fantasy owners because the Raptors aren’t going anywhere this season, and without Andrea Bargnani, they lack offensive weapons.

Even when Bargs returns to action, Calderon’s stats should remain the same because they feed off of each other. There aren’t many point guards that have a more favorable schedule in week nine as Calderon faces the Pistons, Rockets, Hornets, Grizzlies, and Warriors all who play at an up-tempo pace. Continue to ride Calderon’s hot streak, but I don’t think it will be ending anytime soon.

Sit

Raymond Felton, PG, Portland Trail Blazers

Those of you who haven’t been following Felton’s status under head coach, Nate McMillan, it’s not good. When your coach has no confidence in you, it’s hard to play 100% night in and night out. They are going to sit down and try to talk this situation out, but I don’t see this situation being sorted out in the near future.

Lou Williams, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers

Williams has been a consistent scorer for the 76ers off the bench this year, but he doesn’t provide much else than scoring. He averaged nearly 18 points in week eight including two 20+ point performances, but week nine brings some stiffer competition. The Warriors, Grizzlies, Rockets, Bulls, Thunder, and yes, the Pistons all play solid defense on scoring two guards.

This doesn’t mean that Lou will get shutdown in each one of these games, but he might not be averaging 18 in week nine.

Serge Ibaka, PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder

It may seem silly to bench a guy who just posted a triple-double with 11 blocks, but when your opponents are good at giving pump fakes and keeping you off balance; it’s hard to swat the ball. It would be accurate to say that the big men on the, Celtics, Lakers, 76ers, Magic, and Hawks are all pretty skilled, and don’t give up many blocks to opposing centers such as Ibaka.

When Ibaka doesn’t block shots his fantasy value comes crashing down. I know it’s hard to do, but put Ibaka on your bench in week nine.

Gerald Wallace, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers

I wouldn’t imagine myself debating whether to start or sit Wallace, because he is usually a fantasy stud. Well, that hasn’t been the case over the past couple of weeks.

He is averaging 14 points and just 4 rebounds over his past five, and the competition doesn’t get any easier, as the Blazers will play the Spurs, Nuggets, Heat, and Timberwolves in week nine. All four of those teams shutdown small forwards, making Wallace a “must sit”.

Tim Duncan, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs

It’s clear to us all that Duncan’s best years are far behind him, but his fantasy production hasn’t slacked off too much. The problem with the aging Duncan is that he can’t perform at a high level on back to backs, let alone three games in a row where he doesn’t even play the third night.

The Spurs have six games in week nine, and I wouldn’t be surprised of Duncan takes a breather somewhere during that stretch. If you are in a league where you can adjust your rosters daily, Duncan might be a great play on certain days in week nine, but in a weekly, set your lineup at noon league it’s best that you sit Duncan.

Michael Burke filled in for me on Sunday and he fared fairly well going 6-4. I’ll look to continue our winning ways as of late with our NBA Predictions for Monday.

Here are the NBA Picks for February 20th:

CHICAGO (25-8) over Atlanta (19-12)

Derrick Rose remains questionable for tonight games, but I would not expect him to play. Chicago is 11-2 at home this season, and even with their loss on Saturday at the hands of the Nets, I think they get the win today, 89-85.

NEW YORK (16-16) over New Jersey (9-24)

Carmelo Anthony (groin) is expected to give it a go tonight, but he’s officially listed as questionable.  Jeremy Lin and company should be able to handle the Nets regardless if Melo plays. New York 105, New Jersey 89.

DALLAS (20-12) over Boston (15-15)

Both teams are coming off of losses on Sunday, but the Celtics have dropped three in a row and have lost 12 of the past 16 games on the road in Dallas. Dallas wins by double digits.

Memphis (18-14) over HOUSTON (18-14)

The Grizzles have two wins over the Rockets this season, albeit both games were in Memphis. Memphis has won six of the past eight games this season, and they’ll make it seven in the past nine after tonight’s game.

Orlando (20-12) over MILWAUKEE (13-18)

Orlando won the previous match-up against Milwaukee, 99-94, as Jason Richardson lit up the score board for 31 points, a season high for Richardson. I’ll roll with the Magic once again tonight.

OKLAHOMA CITY (24-7) over New Orleans (7-23)

The Thunder have one loss at home this season in thirteen games played. OKC wins by double-digits.

Minnesota (16-16) over DENVER (17-15)

Minnesota enters tonight’s game with a three game winning streak, while Denver has dropped three straight, and seem to be struggling without leading scorer in points per game Danilo Gallinari. Minnesota wins a close one.

PHOENIX (13-19) over Washington (7-24)

Phoenix is 14-3 over the past 17 games when playing at home against the Wizards. I’ll take the Suns, 105-92.

UTAH (15-15) over San Antonio (22-9)

Led by Al Jefferson, the Utah Jazz are an impressive 12-5 at home this season. Jefferson is averaging 21 points and 11 boards over the past five games. Utah wins a low scoring close game tonight.

GOLDEN STATE (11-17) over Los Angeles Clippers (19-10)

Golden State is 10-2 over the past 12 games at home versus the Clippers. Los Angeles won the season opener against the Warriors, 105-86, but I’ll take the Dubs tonight in a upset.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (18-13) over Portland (17-15)

Kobe Bryant is not happy with the Lakers management, and I think he’ll go off tonight and lead the Lakers to a huge victory over the Trail Blazers. The Lakers win by 6, while Kobe scores 40 plus.

Nevertheless, we have spotted some sleepers that will lead your fantasy basketball team to a win in week nine.

Jordan Crawford, SG, Washington Wizards (22% owned in standard leagues)

Crawford’s role is quietly increasing for a struggling Wizards team, as he has played 30+ minutes in each of his last three games. During that stretch, Crawford is averaging an impressive 18 points backing up the scorching hot, Nick Young. His contribution basically falls on the back of Nick Young because if Young is in the zone, it is unlikely that Crawford will make much of an impact. With five games in an extended week nine, the Wizards will need all the production they can get out of players like Crawford.

Chris Kaman, C, New Orleans Hornets (66% owned in standard leagues)

Kaman has yet to show any fatigue since missing a couple of games due to trade rumors, but now he is back and has recorded three double-doubles in his last five outings while playing an average of 36.8 minutes in each game. His extended minutes are mostly due to the fact that Emeka Okafor has been out for the past three contests, and the Hornets have very little depth in their frontcourt. Indiana, Cleveland, Chicago and Dallas all give up at least two blocks per game to centers, and defending the rim is Kaman’s bread and butter. Kaman’s real test will come against the Thunder as Serge Ibaka is a master at defending the rim. With six games on the schedule in week nine, the Hornets will be placing a huge burden on Kaman to be the main offensive threat in the post, but for fantasy owners that is what we want to see.

Marreese Speights, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies (27% owned in standard leagues)

Speights has been sizzling hot of late, averaging 12.6 points and 10.4 rebounds while posting three double-doubles over his past five games. Speights actually recorded one of the more dominant fantasy performances of the year with 20 points and 18 rebounds against the Nets on Wednesday. All of this is good, but he tends to be inconsistent which can be frustrating for fantasy owners. Who knows, he could completely shut down in his next game and then come back a week later and go on a torrid run. With Zach Randolph’s return looming, now might be a good time to snatch him up and hold onto him until Zee-Bo makes his highly anticipated return.

J.R. Smith, SG/SF, New York Knicks (49% owned in standard leagues)

In his much awaited return to the NBA after spending months in China, Smith posted 15 points against the defending champs on Sunday afternoon. Yes it might be jumping the gun to put him on this list, but J.R. is already owned in 49% of standard leagues and could potentially be the best source of scoring out of all fantasy free agents. Considering that Jeremy Lin has the ball in his hands nearly 80 percent of the time, it will be interesting to see of Smith can transform into “winning” player and adapt to a new-look Knicks offense led by Lin. With all of this said, Carmelo Anthony is expected to return Monday night and he tends to demand the ball more than most. It’s going to be a learning process for the entire Knicks coaching staff, but if your league didn’t event a ball hog stat, Smith will fulfill your needs.

Gustavo Ayon, PF/C, New Orleans Hornets (15% owned in standard leagues)

Ayon has footwork that most big men dream about having. Part of this is due to the fact that he sets himself up for success, by working for great positioning deep in the post and when he catches the rock he’s got a plan of action. These minor tendencies are translating into major results for Ayon as he is averaging 9.2 points and 8.4 rebounds in his last five games including two double-doubles. With Carl Landry (knee), Jason Smith (concussion) and Emeka Okafor (knee) all out with injuries, Ayon will have to carry the load in the frontcourt alongside running mate, Chris Kaman. The Hornets have six games in an extended week nine, so Ayon should see no lack age of playing time.

Ben Gordon, PG/SG, Detroit Pistons (50% owned in standard leagues)

Gordon is in a sticky situation as one of three guards that all deserve starter’s minutes. It’s unfortunate that they all stand in the 6’2-6’4 range, making them too undersized to all play together simultaneously.  The only way to go about this situation is to ride the hot hand, and Lawrence Frank is doing just this. The Pistons have a phenomenal rookie in Brandon Knight, a great scoring guard in a young Rodney Stuckey, and then there’s Ben Gordon who is still in his prime at the age of 28. This is clearly not a winning formula for the Pistons, but it’s what they have for now and Gordon should continue to get his 15 points per game.

Amir Johnson, C, Toronto Raptors (Owned in 36% of standard leagues)

Johnson has earned starts in the Raptors past two games, and has played well over the past week averaging 7.6 points and 8 rebounds. Amir is a great option for double digit rebounds, and lots and lots of blocks, as he averaged 1.8 in week eight. He should continue to swat shots at a high rate in week nine as all five of his opponents are in the bottom 20 in giving up blocks to power forwards.  Unfortunately, nobody is quite sure when Andrea Bargnani is going to make his much awaited return. Johnson is playing well and all, but if Bargs comes back Johnson’s numbers will come crashing down in all categories, so keep an eye on Bargnani, but still consider taking a deep look at Johnson for the short term.

Jose Juan Barea, PG/SG, Minnesota Timberwolves (11% owned in standard leagues)

Barea has played in just 15 games this season due to an ankle injury and personal conflicts, but it looks as if he is set to come off the bench for the Timberwolves for the rest of the season paring any more incidents. Barea doesn’t light up any specific category, but he will give you at least 12 points with at least five assists. Not mind blowing numbers, but good enough to be worth a pickup in deeper leagues. The Wolves are slowly trying to ease him back, but this will be hard to do as they have six games in week nine and will need all the depth they can get in the backcourt.

Other appealing games include the Jazz/Suns, Sixers/Timberwolves, and Lakers/Suns. Needless to say, today is a big NBA day, and here are my picks for each game:

New York Knicks (15-16) over Dallas Mavericks (20-11)

Yes, the Knicks had a disappointing loss to the Hornets on Friday night, and yes, the Mavericks have won six straight over quality teams, but none of that will matter today. Carmelo Anthony is expected to return to the Knicks’ lineup, and his presence will lead to an eighth Knicks victory in their last nine games.

Miami Heat (24-7) over Orlando Magic (20-11)

The Heat have been rolling, and are now winners of five straight, while the Magic have won four straight themselves. However, the Heat, who will certainly be looking to avenge a recent loss to the Magic, will win a sixth straight contest.

Cleveland Cavaliers (11-17) over Sacramento Kings (10-20)

Sacramento has been dismal on the road all season long, and that will not change when they lose to a Cleveland team that has done a good job winning the games they are supposed to win, going 7-5 against teams under .500 so far.

Boston Celtics (15-14) over Detroit Pistons (10-22)

The Pistons beat the Celtics just last Wednesday; there is no way the Celtics allow a team as bad as the Pistons to beat them twice in a five day span. Boston, in desperate need of a win, will take this one.

Indiana Pacers (18-12) over Charlotte Bobcats (4-26)

The Bobcats were able to win their first game in over a month on Friday night, but the fun will be short lived for Charlotte; the Pacers have feasted on the inferior teams of the NBA, and took down the Bobcats by 22 when they met in January. Today’s meeting will have a similar result, as the Pacers will win their second straight game.

Houston Rockets (17-14) over Utah Jazz (15-14)

These two teams, both of which have been pleasant surprises, meet for the first time today. Houston is simply a better team, and will be able to beat a struggling Jazz team that has been awful away from home this year.

Philadelphia 76ers (20-11) over Minnesota Timberwolves (15-16)

These two teams have undoubtedly some of the best futures in the NBA, but today’s matchup is about right now, and right now, the Sixers are a better team. Philadelphia has a better road record than Minnesota does home record, and this theme will continue when the Sixers win this game.

New Jersey Nets (8-23) over Milwaukee Bucks (12-18)

This game is a pure toss-up; both of these teams’ struggles have been immense as of late, as the Nets have lost nine straight, while the Bucks have lost four in a row. I’ll take New Jersey solely because they are at home, and have to be more desperate for a win right now.

Los Angeles Lakers (18-12) over Phoenix Suns (12-19)

These teams meet for the second game of a home and home series, and this one will have a similar outcome to Friday night—Kobe will lead the Lakers to another victory.

Oklahoma City Thunder (23-7) over Denver Nuggets (17-14)

The Thunder have not lost on their home floor in a month and a half, and that likely will not change today; the Nuggets are going through a terrible struggle right now, having lost seven of nine. Expect the Thunder to make that eight of ten after tonight’s game.

Without any further ado, here are the NBA picks for today, February 18, 2012:

Los Angeles Clippers (19-9) over San Antonio Spurs (21-9)

The Spurs enter today’s game with the longest winning streak in the NBA, as they currently sit on nine straight victories, but they should be prepared for it to be snapped today. The Clippers are 11-3 at home, and have beaten the likes of Miami and Oklahoma City at the Staples Center. Today’s victory over the Spurs will leave only the Bulls on the list of division leaders that the Clippers have yet to beat.

Chicago Bulls (25-7) over New Jersey Nets (8-23)

This isn’t a difficult one to pick. The Bulls, a far superior team to the Nets, have been off the charts good at home this year—their 11-1 record at the United Center. The Nets, meanwhile, have lost eight straight games and have only beaten one quality team on the road this year. They aren’t about to make it two quality teams, either—the Bulls take this one.

Memphis Grizzlies (17-14) over Golden State Warriors (11-16)

It has been a rollercoaster season for the Grizzlies, but they appear to be finally hitting their stride, as they have now won five of their last six games. They will make that six of seven when they beat a Warriors team that is a mere 3-7 on the road this year.

Atlanta Hawks (19-11) over Portland Trail Blazers (16-15)

Atlanta has been very good on the road this season, as their 10-6 record away from home is the fourth best road record in the league. Against a Portland team that has now lost five of seven, the Hawks will be able to improve that record to 11-6 on the road.

There are the obvious players such as Kevin Love and Blake Griffin that garner much-deserved respect, but the list goes on and on and will continue to be that way for years. But for now, let’s take a look at the top-five right now:

1. Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)

There are very few players in the NBA who can match Kevin Love’s hustle and dedicated attitude. His hard-work has definitely paid off as his stats and overall game have improved greatly since 2008 where he averaged just 11 points and nine rebounds compared to now where he is averaging 25 points and nearly 15 rebounds in a year where he will be making his first all-star game appearance.

Love has become a premier rebounder and has just now added a three pointer to his repertoire. He isn’t an offensive force, but will quietly find a way to score in the 20’s nightly.

Minnesota fans will be able to continue to watch a rising star develop, as the UCLA product will remain in Minnesota for at least four more years, after signing an extension earlier this season worth about $60 million.

Needless to say, Love is the face of a Timberwolves franchise that will continue to progress over the next couple of years, and will crack the playoffs sooner rather than later.

2. Lamarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers)

Aldridge has really stepped up big for a Blazers team that needed a new leader, after losing a fan favorite in Brandon Roy during the offseason due to ongoing knee troubles.

He is currently averaging 23 points and about nine rebounds, those stats good enough to be selected as a reserve for a Western conference all-star team that is very hard to crack, especially at a loaded power forward position.

The Blazers sit in 9th place after a blazing start to the shortened season, but without Aldridge, they wouldn’t even be sniffing the playoffs right now. He is the heart and soul of a team that has some of the best fans supporting them night in and night out, making him that much more valuable to the organization.

3. Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)

There is no doubt in my mind that Griffin will be dazzling L.A. for years to come with his exciting and up-tempo style of play. From “Griffindor” to “Blakeshow”, he deserves all the hype that playing in Los Angeles brings.

After having a spectacular rookie season in which he won the rookie of the year award, Griffin is back at it again in 2012. Through 26 games he is averaging 21.1 points and 10.8 rebounds, leading the Clippers to a much improved (18-9) record good enough for third place in the west. Despite having slightly better stats last year where he averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds, the Clippers are winning and that is the most important factor.

Griffin will be adding another accolade to his profile, as he will be making his second all-star game appearance on February 26th. Clearly Los Angles is very star studded city as he will be joining three other Los Angles players in the starting lineup for this highly anticipated game in Orlando.

4. Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers)

Gasol began the season very sluggish, but it looks as if he is on the verge of breaking out in a big way. Mike Brown is finally starting to utilize Gasol in a more effective style, and it has shown, as Gasol has recorded seven consecutive double-doubles landing the Lakers fifth place in the Western conference.

Gasol has been rumored in several trade proposals throughout the year, but this has failed to distract him from consistently performing on the court, despite not being selected to the all-star squad. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if any teams are interested in making a move for Gasol, but time can only tell.

5. David Lee (Golden State Warriors)

Between Stephen Curry missing games with his ankle and Monta Ellis’s inconsistency, Lee has always been in the lineup performing at a consistent level for a Warriors team that is starting to turn the corner.

Lee is averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds, but has been heating up of late, averaging 21.8 points and exactly 11 rebounds leading the Warriors to a 3-2 record over that five game span.

Despite posting solid numbers, Lee has been criticized for his play late in ballgames. His fourth quarter stats are much lower than the first three quarters, and this is part of the reason why the Warriors tend to lose games down the stretch.

Overall, Lee is having a solid bounce back year after having an off year in 2010. Expect him to be a key part in the Warriors success over the next couple of years.

Some teams expected to succeed have succeeded; the Heat, Bulls, and Thunder all lead their respective divisions. Some teams have been surprises; the Sixers and Clippers both lead their divisions, and the Pacers have played excellent basketball, despite a recent slump. On the other hand, some teams that had high expectations and started out roughly, but are just beginning to come around—this is the very case for the Knicks, Mavericks, and Celtics.

So, without any further ado, here are this week’s edition of the 2012 NBA Power Rankings:

1. Miami Heat (23-7)

No surprise here—the Heat have won seven of eight, including winning their last three on the road on back to back to back nights, making them the first team to accomplish this feat.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-7)

The Thunder, winners of four of six, continue to stay atop the Western Conference.

3. Chicago Bulls (24-7)

The Bulls don’t seem to be affected by the absence of Derrick Rose too much; Chicago has won two of three without him, and played well against a good Celtic team.

4. San Antonio Spurs (21-9)

With Jeremy Lin and the Knicks getting all the attention, nobody seems to recognize the fact that the Spurs are the ones with the league’s longest winning streak, having won nine straight.

5. Dallas Mavericks (19-11)

Dirk Nowitzki seems to be turning his season around, and with it so are the Mavericks; Dallas has won five straight, beating quality Nugget, Clipper, Timberwolve, and Trail Blazer teams in the process/

6. Philadelphia 76ers (20-10)

The Sixers have still yet to prove to me that they can consistently beat top echelon teams, as they are a mere 6-9 against teams at .500 or better, but their 20-9 record cannot be ignored.

7. Los Angeles Clippers (18-9)

The Clippers are still one of the most, if not the most, exciting teams in all of basketball, but need to play as well as they can on a more consistent basis.

8. New York Knicks (15-15)

Yes, a top 10 ranking seems a little high for a team with as many losses as wins, but the Knicks have won seven straight, and seem to have been refueled with Jeremy Lin.

9. Los Angeles Lakers (17-12)

The Lakers, now possibly the second best team in Los Angeles, are trying to find their form of years’ past, but it’s clear adjusting to Mike Brown has taken some time. On the positive side of things, they are winners of three of four, with solid victories over the Celtics and Hawks.

10. Boston Celtics (15-13)

After a rough start to the year, the Celtics continue to look somewhat like the team we expect them to be. It’s no secret though; Boston is built for the postseason, not the regular season.

11. Orlando Magic (19-11)

The Magic had a solid week, winning four of five, beating notable teams in the Sixers, Heat, and Timberwolves.

12. Denver Nuggets (17-13)

The Nuggets finally were able to snap a six game losing streak with a victory over the Pacers on Saturday, and followed that up with a 17 point win over Phoenix.

13. Atlanta Hawks (19-11)

After a solid start to the week with wins over the Magic and Pacers, Atlanta concluded it disappointingly, dropping two of three, and losing to the two quality teams they faced in the Heat and Lakers.

14. Indiana Pacers (17-12)

The Pacers have dropped five straight, and with it they fall six spots in the power rankings, but they should be able to get back on track with a very generous upcoming schedule.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (16-14)

The Grizzlies’ up and down season continues, but after winning four of five, Memphis fans hope this is the real team.

16. Houston Rockets (17-13)

After winning three straight, the effects of being on the road have caught up with the Rockets—Houston has now lost two of three, but did have an impressive win over Oklahoma City last night.

17. Portland Trail Blazers (16-14)

Simply put, it was a bad week for Portland. The Blazers lost four of six, including getting pummeled by a lowly Wizards team.

18. Golden State Warriors (11-15)

The Mark Jackson effect continues to have a positive result on the Warriors, as Golden State has now won three of four, two of those wins coming over quality Nugget and Rocket teams.

19. Utah Jazz (14-14)

After a surprisingly good start, the Jazz seem to have come back down to earth, and with it are fading out; Utah has now lost five of six.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-16)

The Timberwolves have lost four of five, and the team that once looked like the most exciting team in the league is now looking like one of the more lackluster teams.

21. Phoenix Suns (12-17)

The Suns started their week very nicely, winning three of four, but ended it with losses to the Lakers and Warriors.

22. Milwaukee Bucks (12-17)

The Bucks, now losers of six of eight, have cooled off this month following a very hot end to January.

23. Cleveland Cavaliers (11-16)

This season could be considered a success if compared to last year for Cleveland, as the Cavs continue to stay competitive, at the very least.

24. Sacramento Kings (10-19)

Sacramento had some good moments this week; the Kings had a very impressive win over the Thunder, and played well in a loss to the league-best Bulls.

25. Toronto Raptors (9-22)

The Raptors were able to beat a good Celtics team by double digits, and, despite losses, took the Lakers, Spurs and Knicks to the wire.

26. Detroit Pistons (9-22)

Despite dropping two of three, the Pistons had a recent four game winning streak, and although those wins came at the hands of the Nets, Hornets, and Bucks, it is a four game winning streak nevertheless.

27. Washington Wizards (7-23)

The Wizards broke their longest winning streak of the year, after astonishingly winning two straight games. In all seriousness though, the Wizards have played well, blowing out a Detroit team that was at the time on a four game winning streak, and easily beating a good Blazers team.

28. New Orleans Hornets (6-23)

The Hornets have been able to turn an eight game winning streak into a winning streak with wins over the Jazz and Bucks. Are they headed in the right direction? Well, probably not, but anything is good for a team that is 3-21 since starting 2-0.

29. New Jersey Nets (8-22)

The Nets’ seven game losing streak is second in the league only to Charlotte, and their schedule is not about to get any kinder.

30. Charlotte Bobcats (3-26)

The Bobcats have now lost 16 straight games, and have not won in over a month. This very well could be the worst team I have witnessed in any sports since the 2008 Detroit Lions.

Here are the three NBA games on the docket tonight, and links to where you can watch the NBA games live online:

New Jersey Nets @ Indiana Pacers

Easily tonight’s worst game, the Nets go on the road to face a superior Indiana team, albeit one that is still susceptible to an upset. The Nets have just eight wins on the year, and face an uphill battle in trying to claim their ninth tonight.

Watch Pacers vs. Nets Live

Boston Celtics @ Chicago Bulls

The 15-13 Celtics visit the 24-7 Bulls, in a battle of aging veterans and last year’s league MVP, Derrick Rose. It should be a tough contest, and could come down to the wire.

Watch Bulls vs. Celtics Live

L.A. Clippers @ Portland Trail Blazers

Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and “Lob City” travel to Oregon to get it on with the Blazers. The Clippers are tonight’s favorite to come out on top, but be the judge for yourself.

Watch Clippers vs. Blazers Live