NBA Power Rankings: Contenders or Pretenders?

Jan 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) stands between Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16), guard Jimmy Butler (21), guard Derrick Rose (1) and forward Taj Gibson (22) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) stands between Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16), guard Jimmy Butler (21), guard Derrick Rose (1) and forward Taj Gibson (22) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
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January 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) meets with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) following the 104-90 loss at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) meets with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) following the 104-90 loss at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014-15 NBA regular season has reached its midway point. 27 teams have played at least 41 games, with the other three floating around that number.

With half of this campaign in the book, it’s the optimal time to evaluate where each team stands on the contender versus pretender scale. Not every team is of a championship caliber, but some have established themselves as such already.

So which teams are the legitimate contenders? Which shouldn’t we be taking seriously?

Let’s find out.

Next: Finally a Win