The men in robes and red caps have met. The white smoke has risen from the chimney. No, we're not talking about the conclave to name the next Pope. We're talking about this season's final edition of Power Rankings. Here's how the college of cardinals (OK, yours truly) sees the league's 30 teams stacking up as the NBA playoffs get set to begin:

This week's high riser: SONICS (No. 6 from 12)
This week's big drop: WARRIORS (No. 19 from 11)

NBA Power Rankings Rank LW Team 1 6 San Antonio Spurs (59-21) They yield the fewest points in the league (88.3) and own the best home record by far (38-3). If Tim Duncan's ankle holds up, they look good for a third NBA Finals berth in seven years. 2 2 Miami Heat (57-23) Shaquille O'Neal did what he promised to do, leading them to the top of the East. With Dwyane Wade at his side, he just might have the right sidekick this year to get past the Pistons. 3 1 Phoenix Suns (61-19) The NBA's best (and biggest surprise) of the regular season. But can Steve Nash & Co. continue to control the tempo and play their style of ball in the rough-and-tumble playoffs? 4 5 Detroit Pistons (53-27) The defending champs are healthy and enter the postseason as the hottest team in the NBA. With Larry Brown and their cast of proven vets, they could bring Motown a second straight crown. 5 4 Dallas Mavericks (56-24) The trendy "dark horse" of this year's playoffs. With Dirk Nowitzki and a real defense for a change, new coach Avery Johnson has the weapons to take advantage if the Spurs and Suns stumble. 6 12 Seattle SuperSonics (52-28) Their surprising season fizzled at the end due to injuries. But with Rashard Lewis back in the lineup, and Vladimir Radmanovic getting close, they have the firepower to beat anybody. 7 10 Indiana Pacers (43-37) They survived the Malice in the Palace, and all sorts of injuries, to finish sixth in the East. Now Jermaine O'Neal (shoulder) is healthy again and looking to send Reggie Miller out a winner. 8 8 Sacramento Kings (49-31) Like the Pacers, they endured a slew of injuries to notch a fifth straight 50-win season. If Brad Miller and Bobby Jackson come back, they too have the talent and experience to make a run. 9 7 Houston Rockets (49-31) After a slow start, coach Jeff Van Gundy finally got Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming working as a tandem. But the loss of Juwan Howard to a season-ending injury will be tough to overcome. 10 3 Denver Nuggets (48-32) No team was better over the second half of the season, and they have a proven coach in George Karl. But their playoff road looks brutal, especially if they draw the Spurs in the first round. 11 15 Boston Celtics (45-35) Antoine Walker's return was enough to push them over the top in the weak Atlantic. With him, Paul Pierce and Gary Payton, coach Doc Rivers has they savvy to challenge in the East. 12 17 Washington Wizards (45-35) Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes and Antawn Jamison were the NBA's highest scoring trio, spearheading their surprise season. But will their lack of playoff experience hurt them? 13 9 Chicago Bulls (46-34) They overcame an 0-9 start to make the playoffs for the first time since the end of the Jordan Dynasty in 1998. But can they overcome season-ending injuries to starters Eddy Curry and Luol Deng? 14 13 Memphis Grizzlies (44-36) Mike Fratello picked up where Hubie Brown left off, getting the most of this deep roster that plays at both ends. However, a late-season fade won't help their confidence entering the playoffs. 15 19 New Jersey Nets (40-40) With Jason Kidd and a rejuvenated Vince Carter, they rallied from a disastrous start to get back in the playoff hunt. If they make it, and Richard Jefferson (wrist) returns, they could be dangerous.