Celtics still just #17 in latest ESPN power rankings

#17 isn't all bad...

ESPN's Marc Stein has released his weekly NBA power rankings, and Boston checks in at #17, two places higher than last week.  Obviously Stein has no faith in the Rondo-less (and Sullinger-less) C's, and is putting very little stock in their impressive 4 game winning streak.

Two weeks ago the Celtics occupied the 15th spot in the rankings despite a 3 game skid.  Last Monday Stein dropped the Celts to #19 after the loss of Rondo, even though they had just knocked off Miami without him.  Despite two more blowout wins (against Sacramento and Orlando) and a solid victory yesterday over the Clippers, the 24-23 Celtics are still ranked in the bottom half of the league.

Immediately above them are the #16 Blazers with an identical record, however the Celtics torched Portland in their only meeting this season.  The Lakers at 4 games under .500 (22-26) still sit at the #14 spot, but Boston will have a chance to do something about this when LA comes to town on Thursday.

Follow Mark on twitter @LucidSportsFan