The strike shortened NBA season is already twenty games in for most teams, and the Chicago Bulls currently have the best record in the Eastern conference, while the Oklahoma City Thunder currently are perched on top of the Western Conference.

The upcoming week features a number of key matchups, headlined by the Sunday evening star studded game between the Bulls and the Heat.

In KP’s inaugural NBA Power Rankings, the aforementioned Bulls and Thunder have earned the top two spots.  The surprising 76ers and Nuggets are also featured in the top ten.

Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls headline this week's NBA Power Rankings

KP’s NBA Power Rankings: January 29, 2012

* Statistics and rankings include results up to January 28, 2012

1. Chicago Bulls – 17-4 (101 points)

Chicago’s 87.0 points per game allowed is tied for the lowest in the NBA this season.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – 16-3 (97 points)

Kevin Durant and the Thunder have the best record in the Western conference

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook each are in the top ten in points per game average, combining for over 47 points per game.

3. Philadelphia 76ers – 14-6 (90 points)

The Sixers are outscoring opponents by nearly 12 points per game and the team’s 11.7 differential is the best in the NBA this season.

4. Atlanta Hawks – 14-6 (73 points)

In his first season seeing significant playing time, point guard Jeff Teague is averaging 12.4 points per game, 2.1 steals per game and shooting nearly 48% from the floor.

5. Miami Heat – 14-5 (71 points)

Despite an injury to Dwyane Wade, the “Big 3” each is still averaging more than twenty points per game, with LeBron James headlining the trio, scoring 29.2 per game.

6. Denver Nuggets – 14-5 (71 points)

The Nuggets have six players averaging in double digits, headlined by Danilo Gallinari, who leads the team averaging 17.9 points per game.

7. Houston Rockets – 12-8 (61 points)

Shooting guard Kevin Martin is averaging 20.1 points per game this season, and over his last three games played, he totaled 85 points in that span.

8. Dallas Mavericks – 12-8 (57 points)

With 16 games under his belt this season, it’s important to note that Dirk Nowitzki (17.5 ppg) is currently more than five points below his career average.

9. Indiana Pacers – 12-6 (56 points)

Danny Granger leads the team in points per game (16.8) and steals per game (1.5).

10. Orlando Magic – 12-7 (56 points)

Dwight Howard continues to put up gaudy numbers with the Magic.  His 15.6 rebounds per game are nearly two boards more per game than any other player in the NBA.

11. Portland Trail Blazers – 12-8 (52 points)

Of qualified players, Jamal Crawford currently leads the league in free throw percentage, missing just three on the year and posting a 94.9 percentage from the charity stripe.

12. San Antonio Spurs – 12-8 (49 points)

Kawhi Leonard has been a youthful compliment to the team, starting ten games on the year, and averaging 7.2 points per game.

13. Los Angeles Clippers – 10-6 (48 points)

Chris Paul leads the league in the steals to date, posting 2.55 per contest.

14. Memphis Grizzlies – 10-9 (42 points)

The Grizzlies have been very balanced offensively.  Just how balanced?  Tony Allen (9.9 ppg) is sixth on the team in scoring.

15. Utah Jazz – 11-7 (41 points)

Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and C.J. Miles are the only three Jazz team members to currently average in double figures on the season.

16. Boston Celtics – 9-9 (39 points)

Even with all the injuries and trade rumors, the Celtics have found a way to win four straight, including a huge comeback against the Magic a few days ago.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves – 9-10 (39 points)

Kevin Love’s 18 double-doubles (in 19 games) are currently four more than any other player in the NBA this season.

18. Los Angeles Lakers – 11-9 (29 points)

Kobe Bryant can't be pleased by the Lakers' 11-9 start this season

Kobe Bryant, averaging 30.0 points per game, leads the league in scoring and is the only current NBA player to average thirty-plus on the season.

19. Milwaukee Bucks – 8-11 (22 points)

Andrew Bogut, the team leader in rebounds and blocks, recently suffered another major injury and will be out for significant time.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers – 7-11 (6 points)

Kyrie Irving (17.6 points per game) and Antawn Jamison (15.3 points per game) are the only two players to average in double figures.

21. Golden State Warriors – 6-12 (5 points)

Of qualified players, Brandon Rush leads the league in three-point field goal percentage, posting a 57.1% percentage from behind the arc.

22. Phoenix Suns – 7-12 (4 points)

Marcin Gortat leads the team in points per game (14.8), rebounds per game (10.1) and blocks per game (1.6).

23. New York Knicks – 7-13 (1 point)

The Knicks have four players that average in double figures, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Iman Shumpert and Tyson Chandler.

24. New Jersey Nets – 7-13 (-1 point)

Deron Williams (19.4 ppg and 8.6 apg) has played well, but the team has struggled to perform.

25. New Orleans Hornets – 4-15 (-9 points)

Eric Gordon leads the team in points per game (21.0), steals per game (2.0) and even blocks per game (1.5).

26. Toronto Raptors – 6-14 (-11 points)

He’s only appeared in 13 of the team’s 20 games, but Andrea Bargnani is averaging 23.5 points per game, nearly ten more than any of his teammates.

27. Sacramento Kings – 6-14 (-26 points)

Defensive minded DeMarcus Cousins leads the team in rebounds (10.9 per game) and blocks (1.4 per game).

28. Washington Wizards – 4-16 (-27 points)

JaVale McGee leads the league in blocks per game, with an average of 3.15 per contest and 63 total blocks in Washington’s 20 games.

29. Detroit Pistons – 4-17 (-31 points)

Greg Monroe leads the team in points per game (15.8), rebounds per game (9.5) and steals per game (1.3).

30. Charlotte Bobcats – 3-18 (-45 points)

The Bobcats are 1-10 on the road and 0-8 versus the Southeast division so far this season.

* All stats per NBA.com

The Wife Hates Sports’ NBA Power Rankings system has a method to its madness, attempting to be different and not just rank by popularity and record.  It mixes a secret formula of six completely different categories, meshed into a points system.  The categories don’t just include team results regarding record, but how each team has performed recently, as well as incorporating some statistics on both a team’s offense and defense, too.

Back by popular demand, or perhaps by blatant indifference, it’s Throwing Tomatoes.

It’s been a busy stretch in the world of sports lately, leaving plenty of opportunities to show displeasure at people in the world of sports, whether it be directed at baseball’s offseason, the NBA or NHL seasons, College Football, or the NFL as it nears its finale.

So as the sports world turns, the stories pile up and more sports frustration emerges.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them all covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: January 19, 2012

Target: The New York Jets

It feels like the negative Jets headlines are coming out faster than Rob Lowe can break sports news.  First, it was New York’s subpar season, followed by Santonio Holmes.  But that was only the beginning…

Sub-Target: Mark Sanchez

The artist formerly known as “Sanchise” has taken the brunt of it, first being referred to as “lazy” by some unnamed teammates, who also endorsed the acqusition of Peyton Manning.

Then again, it’s hard to argue the history, what with GQ and other pretty boy ads coming out of the woodwork, plus an open video on the sidelines featuring Sanchez eating a hot dog.  Those stories never had legs when the team was winning games.

Sub-Target: Rex Ryan

The New York head coach chimed in, stating that “the majority of our football team” had confidence in Sanchez.  Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but…

Sub-Target: LaDainian Tomlinson

LT opened up on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” show, tossing shots at nearly everyone.  But while Tomlinson could have found a way to take the heat off the Jets, he instead threw gas in the fire.  The better move would have been to keep everything behind closed doors.

Sub-Target: Woody Johnson

That’s not all on Sanchez.  Jets owner Woody Johnson said that “we think he’s our guy”, but also wouldn’t dismiss the idea of Peyton Manning wearing green.  For those that are counting, that’s another ringing endorsement for Sanchez.

Sub-Target: The Final Word on the Jets – “The D”

In the end, the majority of the criticism has been against offensive players like Sanchez, LT, Holmes, plus the departed Brian Schottenheimer.  Somehow avoiding the heat is the Jets defense, who deserves its fair share.  A clear strength in past seasons, the Jets did manage to finish 5^th in yards per game and 5^th in pass yards allowed.  However, the run D was in the middle of the pack, and the team defense also allowed 22.7 points per game, good for 20^th in the NFL.

Target: Rob Lowe

For those that hadn’t heard, Rob Lowe recently tweeted that Peyton Manning would retire.

Keep in mind, a guy that played a character known as “#2” can easily be full of crap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_A8bFsBKTs

Joe Biden

In front of a San Francisco crowd, Biden said that the Giants are “on their way to the Super Bowl”.

Don’t worry… he didn’t follow that by predicting that Tim Lincecum would be the Super Bowl MVP.  Still, ouch.  Poor guy.

Target: Aaron Rodgers

Recently crowned Miss America Laura Kaeppeler gave a recent shout-out to Rodgers, asking him to call her.  Rodgers saw the broadcast, and has yet to drop her a line.

While the rest of the world is doing a “discount double take” on Kaeppeler, the Green Bay quarterback is clearly still fuming over the team’s recent loss to the Giants.

(h/t Shutdown Corner)

Innocent Bystander: Laura Kaeppeler

A woman this beautiful (below) is likely not used to rejection.  Eh, she’ll get over it.

While many men are giving Kaeppeler "discount double takes", Aaron Rodgers is not biting.

Target: Matt Antonelli

Signing with the Baltimore Orioles during the offseason, Matt Antonelli is basically an unknown in baseball, but he does tweet a whole heck of a lot – including this recent nugget:

MattAntonelli9 Matt Antonelli

“Day one in the books and still haven’t been beat up for wearing my Brady jersey around Baltimore”

Now, it’s my turn.  Hi, I’m Matt Antonelli.  I’m new to Baltimore.  This new fanbase is very disgruntled, and before I came here, no one had ever heard of me.  I know how passionate this city is about its football team, yet I’m going to wear a Tom Brady jersey during AFC Championship week.  Oh, and if you didn’t see me wearing it, I’m also going to tweet about it.  Bravo, Matt… BRAVO.

Target: Glen Davis

“Big Baby” Davis was called for a technical foul after dropping his drawers after a call that frustrated him.  Fortunately, there was no resulting visual where we’d have to call him for traveling, too.  If you didn’t catch that joke, then don’t ask me to explain it.

(h/t Game On!)

And finally, the current faces of team frustration in sports:

Boston Celtics – A slow 5-8 start is stirring up trade rumors in Beantown

Buffalo Sabres – Four straight losses and a 2-6-2 record over its last ten games

Columbus Blue Jackets – The team’s 31 points is seven fewer than any other NHL team.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where we practice the “discount double chuck”.

The sports world has been active yet again, especially on the National Football League front, and especially in the NFC East, where DeSean Jackson, Donovan McNabb, Mike Shanahan and every team in the division has made recent headlines.

So as the holiday season continues, the stories pile up and more sports frustration emerges.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them all covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: December 22, 2010

DeSean Jackson

…for being “like school on Saturday” – no class.

DeSean Jackson needs to "shut up and play"

Jackson is a playmaker and a fiery player, in every case a perfect fit for the City of Brotherly Love.  But the showboating and taunting has got to stop.  Multiple times over recent weeks, the Eagles receiver has refrained from simply walking across the goal line, but instead falling backwards, dancing along the end zone, and so on.  As they say, shut up and play – or who knows, some player may eventually pop him for his antics – and think the eventual fine would be 100% worth it.

Donovan McNabb

…for playing the “disrespected” card one time too many.

Certainly, Shanahan could have handled the situation better (you’ll get yours soon enough, Mike), but Donovan McNabb needs to realize this: This is the National Football League – the best of the best – and as a player, you need to continue to perform at a high level or you can be replaced.  Reputation won’t always take you where you need to go – and this year’s performance by McNabb was… simply put, going nowhere.

Mike Shanahan

…for mishandling a franchise in need of a savior.

McNabb and Shanahan are likely not getting along these days

Consider this “soon enough”.  Shanahan brought respect and a reputation to Washington, but the only result during his young tenure has been another train wreck for the Redskins faithful – from Albert Haynesworth to Donovan McNabb – and so on.  One more abysmal season and we can start calling this the “Curse of Daniel Snyder”.

New York Giants

…for having the biggest meltdown of the 2010 NFL season.

It is days since the Giants’ monumental fourth quarter collapse against the Eagles, but the wound left will be fresh for weeks – and heck, maybe years for some folks.  The only way out of this one is if the team can get revenge on the Eagles in the playoffs.  That is, if the team can recover, refocus and make the playoffs in the first place.

The NFC West

…for bathing in a sea of football mediocrity.

Actually, that’s putting it kind.  The NFC West is a joke and we all know that.  Sadly, one of these teams is not only going to make the playoffs, but also get a home game!  We all know by now that the division winner can be no better than 8-8, and there’s an outside chance that the eventual winner could finish 7-9.  Many critics have discussed this over the last month, but this is a situation that the NFL should address in the offseason, with a potential rule that could eliminate a division winner with a sub-.500 record.

The Rex Ryan Foot Fetish Story

…for being TOO MUCH INFORMATION.

Enough said.

Rafael Cabrera-Bello

…for an empty feeling – and an empty bag.

It’s unbelievable that a professional golfer can actually run out of balls during a tournament, but that’s just what happened here, and it’s a safe bet that Cabrera-Bello will NEVER let this happen again.

And finally…

…a quick-strike pelting of red to the following teams…

Denver Broncos – Make that 5-19 over the franchise’s last 24 games

Washington Redskins – 4 straight losses and nothing but turmoil within the franchise

Orlando Magic – Once 15-4, the Magic are 1-8 over its last 10 games

Washington Wizards – The Wiz are now an abysmal 0-13 on the road

Sacramento Kings – 9 losses in 10 games, and only 5 wins on the season

New Jersey Devils – Only 9 wins in 33 games (plus losers of 8 of the last 10)

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where red is the color of the holidays.

Athletes with spectacular performances earn all kinds of accolades, from MVP awards to trophies, and so on.

Here, at The Wife Hates Sports, GOLD STARS are earned – kind of like a grade school teacher would stamp on a good student’s homework.

After another hot weekend in the world of sports, there were just too many great stories and performances not to break out a new batch of stars to honor some of the best…

Gold Stars: December 19, 2010

Orlando Magic

It’s not often that you see a strong contender complete a roster overhaul one-third of the way into the season, but that’s just what the Orlando Magic have done by making two major trades – one with the Washington Wizards and another with the Phoenix Suns.

Gone: Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat

Arriving: Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark

These are gold star worthy moves by Orlando.  First off, Turkoglu was a fan favorite and had a great impact on the team before leaving a few seasons ago.  Both Rashard Lewis and Vince Carterfloundered in last year’s playoffs, and it was becoming more apparent that if the Magic wanted a chance to compete with the Celtics and Heat, something would have to be done.

Orlando can only hope these moves appease big man Dwight Howard, who was growing more frustrated with the team’s defensive performance – or lack thereof.

Tim Tebow

If you hadn’t heard, “The Chosen One” made his debut for the Denver Broncos on Sunday, and Tebow’s overall performance likely exceeded the expectations of many.

While the Broncos lost to the Raiders, here was Tebow’s line by game’s end: 8-16, 138 yards, 1 passing TD, 8 carries, 78 yards, 1 rushing TD

Not bad, rook.

Dan Connolly

Listen, DeSean Jackson’s game-winning punt return was impressive, but New England Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connolly’s kickoff return was among the best ever.

It was record setting – and no lineman has ever returned a kick that far – as Connolly rumbled 71 yards to set up a Patriots touchdown against the Packers on Sunday night.

Maryland Football

The situation with Ralph Friedgen and Maryland is not a positive one, but if one Big 12 source is accurate – and it’s true that Mike Leach will be the next coach for the Terps – then Maryland deserves props.  Sure, Leach is controversial (e.g. the Adam James closet story), and he’s also a little weird with his pirate obsessions.  But one thing’s for sure, Leach can sure build a potent offense, and if he can score a ton of points in the Big 12, then imagine what he can do in a weaker ACC conference.

That is, if he does wind up there.

Philadelphia Eagles

In a game that could very well decide the NFC East, the Eagles never gave up.  Trailing 31-10 with 7:30 to go, Philadelphia pulled off a miracle comeback, scoring four touchdowns, including the game-winning punt return for a TD by DeSean Jackson as time expired.

The Big Ten Conference

After an overwhelming negative response towards its new logo and division names (Legends andLeaders), the Big Ten reportedly may consider making a change.

One poll had a vote of 90 percent against the new logo and names.  It’s hard to imagine 10 percent approval – unless it was Delany himself logging in as hundreds of different fictional people.

Either way, the conference shouldn’t consider it… they should just do it – end of story.

UConn Women’s Hoops

Make that 88 straight wins for Connecitcut women’s basketball, which ties the mark previously set by John Wooden and UCLA men’s hoops.

It’s a safe bet that Geno Auriemma and his team will break that record, and then some.

And finally, five stars to…

Penn State Volleyball – for winning its fourth straight championship

Matt Flynn – for filling in admirably for the concussed Aaron Rodgers

Michael Vick – for engineering a huge comeback for the Eagles

Milwaukee Brewers – for making a splash and trading for Zack Greinke

Detroit Lions – for ending their record 26-game road losing streak

This has been Gold Stars, where legends and leaders are made – and honored.

The 1995-96 NBA season was one for the history books, as the Chicago Bulls – led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman – left its stamp on the basketball world by posting the best record in league history, a 72-10 regular season mark.

Former NBA head coach and current analyst Jeff Van Gundy thinks that record is soon to be broken by the Miami Heat.

“They will break the single-season win record,” Van Gundy told the Miami Herald.

Jeff Van Gundy thinks the Miami Heat will break not one, but two major NBA records this saeson

And that isn’t the only major NBA record that Van Gundy thinks LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Heat could surpass during the upcoming season.

“And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers’ 33-game streak, as well,” Van Gundy added.

To say those are strong words would be the understatement of the year, especially with the Heat playing in the same division as brother Stan’s Orlando team that won 59 games last season.

That’s also the same Southeast division that featured four teams with winning records last year – a feat that was only matched by the West’s Northwest division.

To put it bluntly, Jeff Van Gundy is bordering on crazy with this smorgasbord of heightened predictions.

The Miami Heat will certainly be a talented bunch – and there’s no doubt that they’ll win a lot of games, and be poised for a deep playoff run – but cruising by NBA records held by the 1971-72 Lakers and 1995-96 Bulls teams?

C’mon, Jeff: Please give JaMarcus his “purple drank” back and slowly step away from the mic.

There are simply too many factors in play that can prevent the Miami Heat from winning a title, let alone inking itself in the NBA’s history books.

Dwyane Wade has had a few injury plagued seasons in the past

For one, there’s health – specifically with Dwyane Wade.

Wade plays hard – we’re talking 110% all game, every game – and that can lead to injuries… and has led to injuries.

While Wade played the majority of the last two seasons, he only managed to start 50 games in 2006-07 and 49 games in 2007-08.

That’s back-to-back years missing thirty-plus games – and if that were to happen again, you’re likely kissing the two aforementioned records goodbye, even with LeBron and Bosh still on the court.

It’s not just health that will be a question mark heading into the upcoming season, as the Heat also will have to deal with a lack of size when compared to other powers in the NBA.

Miami has the 6’10” Bosh on its roster, but the other players on the Heat’s roster that are his size (or larger) include Dexter Pittman, Shavlik Randolph, Jamaal Magloire and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Those names simply don’t stack up against the likes of Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Theo Ratliff and Pau Gasol in Los Angeles.

They also don’t stack up against the size of teams such as the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.

While the Miami Heat have a brand spankin’ new roster of superstars featuring newcomers LeBron James and Chris Bosh, let’s not go and hand them the Larry O’Brien Trophy just yet – and let’s especially not go and hand them some of the game’s greatest records of all time.

Anything can happen during an 82-game regular season and when all is said and done, the basketball world could easily wind up avoiding Jeff Van Gundy’s quotes, and instead moving on to a few famous lines of another former coach – that being Dennis Green.

For the time being, it’s safe to say that Jeff isn’t getting invited over to Stan’s pad for Thanksgiving – but expect a heaping helping of great NBA games when the season starts in a few months.

Still yet to be determined: If the Miami Heat “are who we thought they were”…