1. Los Angeles Lakers
The reigning NBA champions are still the best in the league. As long as they stay healthy, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers will be extremely difficult to beat.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Although they lost to the Magic last year in the playoffs, in LeBron James the Cavs have the best player in the world. Add Shaquille O’Neal and a few other quality free agents and Cleveland has to be the favorite in the East.

3. Orlando Magic
The Magic made it to the Finals last year and they very well could be better right now. As long as Vince Carter fits in smoothly, the Magic will once again be dangerous.

4. Boston Celtics
Although the Big Three is getting up their in age, the Celtics very well could have another run left in their gas tank. However, for that to happen, Kevin Garnett will need to be healthy.

5. San Antonio Spurs
In the West, the Spurs jumped back near to the top of the conference due to a number of quality offseason moves — namely their trade for Richard Jefferson.

Tim Duncan - San Antonio Spurs (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

NBA Power Rankings 2010 – September Edition

5) Los Angeles Dodgers
Even without Manny Ramirez, the Dodgers have the best record in baseball at 28-13. A big reason for their success is that Juan Pierre has been able to fill in for Ramirez and the Dodgers haven’t skipped a beat.

4) Detroit Tigers
The Tigers started slowly but they are now turning it around. They have won four straight games and are 12-5 at home on the season. Dontrelle Willis recently had a very good game and if he can return to form, Detroit would be dangerous.

3) Philadelphia Phillies
The reigning World Series champions are starting to get back into a groove. They’ve won five straight games and are now 21-16. Oddly enough, they are 8-12 at home and 13-4 on the road.

2) New York Yankees
The Yankees had three straight games with a walk-off and now with Alex Rodriguez hitting homers once again, New York is looking very good. They’ve won seven straight games and are sitting at 22-17.

1) Milwaukee Brewers
Winners of seven in a row and nine of their last ten, the Brewers are the surprise team in the NL at the moment. That said, it’ll be tough for the Brewers to hold on after they learned that Rickie Weeks is out for the season.

Can the Brewers Stay Hot without Rickie Weeks? (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Hottest Teams in 2009 Baseball