A Division Of Powers

1. DETROIT (38-19)—The Pistons are running on all cylinders. Dennis Rodman played so well when Adrian Dantley was out for 10 games with a sprained right ankle that Daly has continued to start Rodman. He brings Dantley and his 21.4 scoring average off the bench now. Dumars, who was trade bait a month ago, is one of the most versatile guards in the league.

Prognosis: If the Pistons can keep their minds on business while maintaining the cocky attitude that throws opponents off stride, they should win the division. But that's only step 1. The road to the NBA Finals will no doubt pass through Boston Garden, where there are no bops. Certainly not for Atlanta, which hasn't won there since March 1, 1985, or for Detroit, whose losing streak extends back to Dec. 19, 1982.

"Right now," says Ramsay, "we're the best division in the world." It remains to be seen if that fact impresses the men in green.