NBA Power Rankings—Feb. 23: Cavaliers Fall, Thunder Continue to Rise

With a flurry of deals having gone down prior to last week's trade deadline, the NBA landscape is different from how it was at this time last week.

Contenders have added what they hope to be the final pieces to a championship run, while some other teams positioned themselves to be big spenders come free agency this summer.

So, while some teams struggle to integrate their new parts (Cleveland, Houston), others are already reaping the benefits of the extra help (Dallas).

Here's how the teams rank this week, 1-30.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (42-14, Last Week: 3)

The Lakers were able to weather the storm without Kobe Bryant, going 4-1 in his absence. 

They'll be getting their leading scorer back for tonight's game in Memphis against the Grizzlies.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (43-14, Last Week: 1)

The Cavs have lost three in a row since trading for Antawn Jamison, but don't expect this to be a sign of further struggles.

Once Jamison is fully integrated and comfortable in the Cleveland offense, expect the Cavs to once again start steamrolling opponents.

3. Utah Jazz (36-20, Last Week: 4)

The Jazz lost a tough one to Atlanta Monday night, 105-100.

Kyle Korver has rebounded from an awful '08-'09 season, and is shooting a robust 57% from three-point range.

With Ronnie Brewer out of town, expect Korver to get more opportunities to fire away.

4. Orlando Magic (38-19, Last Week: 5)

After scoring in double-figures just four times in all of January, Vince Carter has scored 11 or more points in all nine February games to this point.

One key? He's gone from shooting 22% from three-point range in January all the way up to 53% this month.

5. Denver Nuggets (37-19, Last Week: 2)

After blowing a 20-point lead, the Nuggets were able to hang on to beat the Celtics in Denver Sunday...

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