For years the talk has been about how deep the Western Conference is and the lack of depth in the Eastern Conference.
But this season we've seen Philadelphia and Indiana make strides and possibly start to change that since Miami, Chicago, Boston, Orlando and Atlanta have remained competitive.
It's fun to debate now, but there are a lot of games to be played before we know which conference is best.
1. Miami Heat (18-6, Last week, 2) - Could LeBron James win his third MVP in four seasons?
2. Chicago Bulls (20-6 LW 3) - When healthy, the Bulls could eventually overtake the Heat and win the Eastern Conference.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (18-5 LW, 1) - Sure Kendrick Perkins was embarrassed by Blake Griffin, but the Thunder are still good.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (14-7 LW 4) - Current six-game road trip will be a big test for the Clippers.
5. Philadelphia 76ers (17-7, LW 6) - Miami reminded the Sixers they have some work to do before they're truly elite.
6. Indiana Pacers (16-7, LW 11) - Who on this squad deserves an All-Star selection?
7. San Antonio Spurs (16-9, LW 12) - Four wins in a row.
8. Atlanta Hawks (16-8, LW 7) - Somehow the Hawks are hanging around without Al Horford.
9. Denver Nuggets (15-9, LW 4) - Did loss to Lakers highlights need for more in the frontcourt?
10. Portland Trail Blazers (14-10, LW 9) - The Blazers still need to play better on the road.
11. Boston Celtics (13-10, LW 16) - Looks as if the Celtics are over their slow start.
12. Utah Jazz (11-7, LW 14) - Pulled off another impressive home win over Lakers.
13. Los Angeles Lakers (14-10, LW 13) - Six-game road trip is opportunity to prove team can win away from Staples.
14. Dallas Mavericks (13-11, LW 8) - Dirk is back but Mavs have lost three in a row.
15. Orlando Magic (15-9, LW 18) - Shook off their scoring slump to rebound and start winning again.
16. Houston Rockets (13-11, LW 10) - No longer the hottest team in the league, but back still in playoff contention.
17. Memphis Grizzles (12-12, LW 15) - It will be nice to see how this team plays when Zach Randolph is healthy.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-12, LW 17) - Kevin Love will miss two games for going Stone Cold Steve Austin and stomping on Luis Scola.
19. Milwaukee Bucks (10-13, LW 19) - Brandon Jennings thrives against big opponents like Miami.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-13, LW 20) - Yes, Boston coach Doc Rivers mentioned Anderson Varejao as an All-Star for what he does as a role player.
21. Phoenix Suns (9-14, LW 21) - Michael Redd's comeback from injuries is one worth following.
22. New York Knicks (9-15, LW 24) - Still one of the most disappointing teams in the league.
23. Golden State Warriors (8-13, LW 25) - Adding Nate Robinson is proving to be one of the better in-season moves this season.
24. Sacramento Kings (8-15, LW 26) - Looking for first three-game winning streak of season tonight.
25. New Jersey Nets (8-17, LW 22) - Anthony Morrow showed he is among the best shooters last week with his career-high 42 points.
26. Detroit Pistons (6-20, LW 27) - Who expected Brandon Knight to contribute so much this season.
27. Toronto Raptors (8-17, L 23) - Could the Raptors really trade guard Jose Calderon?
28. New Orleans Hornets (4-20, LW 28) - On a five-game losing streak
29. Washington Wizards (4-20, LW 29) - On a four-game losing streak.
30. Charlotte Bobcats (3-21, LW 30) - Losing streak is at 11 games.
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