#1 Miami Heat (16-5)

LeBron James and company struck a big blow recently by getting the best of reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose and his Chicago Bulls in South Beach. This win is what propelled the Heat over the Bulls in the NBA power rankings this week, but it also dropped Chicago from the top spot to number four.

If the Miami Heat continues to play this well with a healthy Dwyane Wade and LeBron James competing for another MVP award, there could be no stopping this team in the Eastern Conference this season.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder (16-4)

Coming into this shortened NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder was considered to be the favorites to come out of the Western Conference and reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history (in OKC).

It appears to be so far, so good for the Thunder and Kevin Durant and company are without a doubt the best team in the West besides the recent loss to the up-and-coming Los Angeles Clippers.

#3 Denver Nuggets (14-6)

As arguably the most surprising team in the NBA this season, the Denver Nuggets have proven that they are much better team without Carmelo Anthony and with the new additions like Danilo Galinari and young point guard Ty Lawson.

With the youth on the team leading the way and star center Nene Hilario staying healthy, the sky has been the limit as they could head into the playoffs as a high seed in the West.

#4 Chicago Bulls (18-5)

Derrick Rose and company are still one of the best teams in the league and ready to make another deep run in the playoffs, but Rose can’t do it all on his own as this team could be looking to improve via trade before the March 15 NBA deadline.

#5 Indiana Pacers (13-6)

One of the biggest free agent additions in the league coming into this season was the signing of David West. With West and Danny Granger leading the way, the Pacers have become relevant once again in the Eastern Conference.

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• The NBA releases the schedule for the upcoming 2011-2012 season