TOP TO BOTTOM / NBA
Team (record): Comment (last week’s position)
1. Portland (44-11): Showdown at the Rose Garden Corral: Blazers roll in on 10-0 streak. . . (1)
2. Lakers (44-11): . . . as do Lakers, who need to win it, trailing the season series, 2-1. (2)
3. Indiana (38-17): Leader in shots isn’t Reggie or Smits, but Rose. (4)
4. San Antonio (36-19): Think they’re not scared? Offered heart and soul Avery Johnson for Taylor. (3)
5. Miami (35-20): Peers and Heat officials say Tim Hardaway still looks a step slow. (7)
6. New York (33-20): Houston on career highs: 21 points, 49% shooting, 44% on threes. (5)
7. Utah (34-19) Crunch time for the old guys: 12 of
next 17 games on the road. (9)
8. Phoenix (34-20): Free at last: Ex-Clipper Rogers averaged 18 off bench this month. (10)
9. Seattle (34-22): High-power backcourt: Payton, Barry No. 1, 3 in NBA in three-pointers. (6)
10. Sacramento (31-23): Unfortunately, Kings’ bad shot selection is as contagious as their passing. (8)
11. Charlotte (30-24): Bummer for Baron who isn’t getting much time, isn’t doing much with it. (11)
12. Minnesota (31-23): Timberwolves put oft-injured Brandon and his $53-million deal on block again. (13)
13. Philadelphia (30-24): Big start(?): Toni Kukoc averages 8.5 off the bench as 76ers go 3-1. (12)
14. Toronto (28-25): Remember what happened to Kobe after All-Star hype? It’s Vince’s turn. (14)
15. Detroit (27-27): Gee, no kidding: Hill says they can’t win title with Mills at center. (16)
16. Milwaukee (27-29): Nice timing: With fans booing swoon, Kohl seeks public money for arena. (15)
17. Orlando (25-30): Homesick for Mild, Mild East: Just lost three on West trip by average of 21. (17)
18. Denver (25-30): In three meetings, Nick had 91 points, 32 assists to Jason Williams’ 35-21. (18)
19. Boston (23-32): After 1-5 Western swing, only question is how high in lottery they get. (19)
20. Houston (21-34): Another rookie hits the wall: Francis’ average dropped to 13 in February. (20)
21. New Jersey (22-33): This was his NBA finals: Marbury beats Timberwolves with 39 in “homecoming.” (21)
22. Dallas (23-31): Must have got ‘em in honky-tonk: Dennis misses drill with ‘back spasms.’ (22)
23. Cleveland (22-33): On the block: Brevin Knight, as Andre Miller takes over starting job. (23)
24. Atlanta (22-31): Talked big but the only guard they got rid of was Anthony Johnson. (24)
25. Vancouver (18-37): Anyone want Big Country? Versace’s first priority is dumping him. (25)
26. Golden State (15-40): New phenom Hughes is averaging 18.5 for them but shooting 32.5%. (28)
27. Chicago (12-41): What wall? Brand just had best month, averaging 19 and shooting 50%. (27)
28. Washington (16-40): Flattering: Only offer they got for Austin was retired Bison Dele. (26)
29. Clippers (12-45): Management, players quit but team continues to charge admission. (29)
GAME OF THE WEEK
LAKERS at PORTLAND
When--Tuesday. Time--7:30 p.m. TV--Ch. 9, TNT.
* Story line--This game, which could go a long way toward deciding first place in the West and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, is the Lakers’ biggest to date under Phil Jackson. Unfortunately for them, it takes place in the Rose Garden, where the Blazers are 22-3.
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