THE TIMES’ RANKING : Top to Bottom : CAPSULES AND RANKINGS

Team (Record): 1. Chicago (12-1)

Comment: No. 1 in offense, No. 2 in defense.

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Team (Record): 2. Seattle (11-2)

Comment: East, schmeast: 4-0 on current trip.

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Team (Record): 3. Houston (11-1)

Comment: Barkley still outrebounding Rodman.

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Team (Record): 4. Detroit (10-2)

Comment: Hill: 24 ppg, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals.

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Team (Record): 5. Utah (8-2)

Comment: Mailman forever.

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Team (Record): 6. Lakers (9-4)

Comment: Wake me when the dynasty starts.

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Team (Record): 7. New York (8-4)

Comment: Larry Johnson: Prisoner of Seventh Avenue.

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Team (Record): 8. Cleveland (8-3)

Comment: Scored 73 one game and won by 10.

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Team (Record): 9. Miami (8-4)

Comment: Mourning has 20 assists already.

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Team (Record): 10. Atlanta (7-6)

Comment: Hawks had the 63 vs. Cavaliers.

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Team (Record): 11. Milwaukee (6-6)

Comment: Since Vin Baker left, 1-2.

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Team (Record): 12. Portland (8-5)

Comment: Good Eastern swing: 3-1, no arrests.

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Team (Record): 13. Orlando (6-2)

Comment: One road game (vs. Nets in Japan).

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Team (Record): 14. Washington (6-6)

Comment: Despite eight games at home.

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Team (Record): 15. Charlotte (6-5)

Comment: Divac’s last two: 32 points, 28 rebounds.

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Team (Record): 16. Clippers (6-6)

Comment: Let’s hear it for Fitch.

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Team (Record): 17. Philadelphia (5-7)

Comment: Good news: Iverson’s back.

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Team (Record): 18. Minnesota (5-6)

Comment: Despite seven on road.

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Team (Record): 19. Indiana (3-8)

Comment: Smits riding stationary bike!

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Team (Record): 20. Dallas (3-8)

Comment: Playing like they hate each other.

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Team (Record): 21. Denver (4-9)

Comment: Oops: 1-5 in Denver.

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Team (Record): 22. Sacramento (4-8)

Comment: Still No. 24 offense.

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Team (Record): 23. Toronto (3-8)

Comment: Despite seven at home.

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Team (Record): 24. Golden State (3-9)

Comment: Tip-off: tried 220-pound Joe Smith at center.

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Team (Record): 25. Boston (2-8)

Comment: Despite seven at home.

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Team (Record): 26. San Antonio (2-9)

Comment: Mr. Robinson’s neighborhood: slum.

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Team (Record): 27. New Jersey (2-6)

Comment: Won one, now join race for Tim Duncan.

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Team (Record): 28. Vancouver (1-11)

Comment: Big Country hibernates ‘til December.

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Team (Record): 29. Phoenix (0-11)

Comment: Not even in Duncan race; Cavs own their pick.

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GAME OF THE WEEK

SEATTLE AT NEW YORK

* When--Tonight. Time--5.

* Storyline--A nice test for both teams, but one that means more to the reformed Knicks than the Western champions. Larry Johnson, just compared by the New York Post’s Peter Vecsey to Charles Smith, and Allan Houston, who has a “suburban jump-shooting, free throw-less game,” (Vecsey again) are learning what it means to be a Knick. Now to see how, or if, they hold up.