| SI.com's Marty Burns |
| Rank |
LW |
 |
Team |
| 1 |
1 |
 |
Los Angeles Lakers (14-3)
They spanked the Spurs and Pacers over the weekend to make it six consecutive wins, nine of 10 overall and 24 in a row at Staples Center. But can they survive this week's Texas two-step at the Spurs and Mavs?
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| 2 |
3 |
 |
Indiana Pacers (14-3)
Sunday's loss at the Lakers snapped their seven-game win streak and left them 0-1 on their five-game Western road trip. Shades of 2002-03, when they also started hot (14-2) only to get cooled off out West.
|
| 3 |
6 |
 |
Sacramento Kings (12-4)
They're making the most of a favorable home-heavy schedule, but you've got to hand it to them. Sunday's win over the Nets made it eight victories in a row, including five straight at Arco.
|
| 4 |
4 |
 |
Dallas Mavericks (11-6)
They followed losses to the Suns and Nuggets with a win over the T'wolves, improving to 9-0 at American Airlines Center. Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) and Danny Fortson (suspension) should be back for Thursday's showdown with the Lakers.
|
| 5 |
2 |
 |
San Antonio Spurs (9-8)
Perhaps still hungover from their blowout loss to the Lakers, they lost again Saturday night in Golden State. They need to beat the Lakers when they meet up Wednesday at SBC or those old doubts might resurface.
|
| 6 |
7 |
 |
Detroit Pistons (12-6)
OK, so Larry Brown didn't get a victory in his return to Philly. The good news is, since coming back from their trip to the Left Coast, they'd won seven of nine and the upcoming schedule is favorable.
|
| 7 |
5 |
 |
New Orleans Hornets (11-6)
Even without Jamal Mashburn, they were 11-6 through Sunday, the same as a year ago. But recent losses at the Heat and Knicks indicate the grind might finally be catching up with Baron Davis.
|
| 8 |
10 |
 |
New Jersey Nets (7-9)
After getting blown out Sunday night in Sacramento, they'll be glad to put a tough week behind them. At least Kenyon Martin, who leads them in scoring (17.7), rebounding (9.4) and blocked shots (1.70), has been up to par.
|
| 9 |
9 |
 |
Minnesota Timberwolves (9-8)
They're still struggling to develop chemistry with all their new pieces. Saturday's loss at Dallas was their third in four games, with games to play this week at the Suns, Kings and Clippers.
|
| 10 |
8 |
 |
Houston Rockets (9-7)
They failed to score 80 points in three of five games on their recently concluded road trip (1-4) and in four of their past seven overall. Last year they were held under 80 just five times all season.
|
| 11 |
12 |
 |
Philadelphia 76ers (7-9)
Wild week for AI: He helped spoil Larry Brown's return to Philly last Wednesday, was held to 12 points in a loss to the Pacers, then exploded for a season-high 50 points in Saturday's win over the Hawks.
|
| 12 |
17 |
 |
Golden State Warriors (8-7)
They beat the Blazers, Suns and Spurs last week to run their record to 8-7, the first time they've been over .500 this late since '94. Meanwhile, Nick Van Exel (sore left knee) is starting to feel better.
|
| 13 |
13 |
 |
Portland Trail Blazers (8-7)
Their 8-7 record might not seem too bad, but they played 10 of their first 15 games at home. With an 0-5 road record, coach Maurice Cheeks knows they need to take better advantage of their early season slate.
|
| 14 |
11 |
 |
Seattle SuperSonics (8-6)
Rashard Lewis, still mourning his brother's death, had 27 points Saturday to help them down the Rockets. But they'd lost four of six through Sunday, and Ronald Murray has cooled off a bit.
|
| 15 |
21 |
 |
Denver Nuggets (10-6)
Saturday's win at the Clippers was their third straight and fifth of six overall. Carmelo Anthony will try to keep it going Tuesday, when LeBron James and the Cavs pay their only visit to the Pepsi Center.
|
| 16 |
15 |
 |
Phoenix Suns (7-8)
They followed Wednesday's blowout win over the Mavs with a home loss to the Warriors. Worse, rookie Zarko Cabarkapa could be out at least two months after suffering a broken wrist, courtesy of Fortson.
|
| 17 |
18 |
 |
Utah Jazz (9-6)
Like Sacramento, they're making the most of a favorable home schedule. Friday's win over the Sonics was their third in a row, all at home. They're now 8-1 at the Delta Center on the season.
|
| 18 |
14 |
 |
Memphis Grizzlies (7-8)
Pau Gasol scored a career-high 37 points as they rallied from 24 down in the first half to beat the Cavs in double OT Saturday night. But Jason Williams' back spasms could be a concern.
|
| 19 |
19 |
 |
Milwaukee Bucks (8-8)
Erick Strickland came off the bench in place of the ailing Tim Thomas (ankle) and helped them beat the Celtics on Saturday to earn a split in their home-and-home. Thomas should be back later in the week.
|
| 20 |
20 |
 |
Toronto Raptors (8-8)
They were held below 70 points for the fifth time this season in Saturday's loss at Miami. Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall should help cure that, but who's going to help Chris Bosh rebound?
|
| 21 |
26 |
 |
New York Knicks (7-10)
Look out above! They beat the Hornets on Saturday to make it four wins in five games, and Antonio McDyess is expected back any day. Even Dikembe Mutombo is showing signs of life.
|
| 22 |
16 |
 |
Boston Celtics (7-9)
Raef LaFrentz is back in the lineup, but four losses in six games show they still need help in the frontcourt. It hasn't helped that Vin Baker has faded a little after a strong start.
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| 23 |
22 |
 |
Washington Wizards (6-10)
Their recent brutal schedule is starting to catch up to them. Up next are games at the Mavs, Grizzlies, Bucks and Pacers. Worse, Gilbert Arenas (groin) could be out longer than expected.
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| 24 |
23 |
 |
Atlanta Hawks (6-12)
They have Theo Ratliff to protect the middle, but can't anybody on their roster defend the perimeter? One game after allowing Vince Carter to go for 43 points, they allowed Allen Iverson to go for 50.
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| 25 |
25 |
 |
Chicago Bulls (4-12)
Out with the old (Bill Cartwright, Jalen Rose). In with the new (Scott Skiles, Antonio Davis). But will things change for the better? Yes, mainly because the schedule will be easier.
|
| 26 |
28 |
 |
Miami Heat (5-12)
Victories over the Hornets and Raptors made for a good week and have taken some of the pressure off Stan Van Gundy. But as of Sunday, they were still a woeful 1-10 on the road.
|
| 27 |
24 |
 |
Los Angeles Clippers (4-8)
Chris Wilcox and Melvin Ely each have had their moments filling in for the injured Elton Brand. But with six straight losses through Sunday, after four straight wins, they're like a ship on rolling seas.
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| 28 |
27 |
 |
Cleveland Cavaliers (4-13)
They wasted a great effort from LeBron James (33 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists) in Saturday's loss to the Grizzlies. They'll look to lift his spirits in Tuesday's rookie rematch with 'Melo's Nuggets.
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| 29 |
29 |
 |
Orlando Magic (1-15)
They're hoping Rod Strickland can help shore up their weak point guard play. But with the Hornets (twice), Spurs and Mavs up this week, coach Johnny Davis might have to wait a while for that first victory.
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