THE TIMES RANKINGS

Mark Heisler’s NBA rankings and comments

1 LAKERS

(3-0)Phil drops we-won’t-be-ready-’til-Easter mantra, meaning everyone’s in trouble.

2 MILWAUKEE

(3-0) Maybe I’d better get off their case: Bucks average 110, win at Utah, Denver.

3 SAN ANTONIO

(2-1) Giving up 114 points to Seattle shows Spurs’ defenses still needs some work.

4 MINNESOTA

(3-0) New rules help: All of their long-armed defenders help Timberwolves cover floor in zone.

5 SACRAMENTO

(20) Ten of first 16 on road and Webber, who has sprained ankle, may miss most of them.

6 ORLANDO

(2-1) Bragged about new defense after holding Raptors to 85, then gave up 117 at Indiana.

7 DALLAS

(2-1) Dirk Nowitzki gets 51 points, 20 rebounds in first two, gets hurt in No. 3.

8 TORONTO

(1-2) There you go again: Vince shoots eight for 32 in first two, says, “It’s not about me.”

9 CHARLOTTE

(2-1) Silas, told that Coleman says he’s happy now: “That’s good because I’m happy as hell.”

10 INDIANA

(2-1) Surprise: Tinsley, the 27th pick, starts at point guard and averages 11 assists, third in NBA.

11 PORTLAND

(1-2) Wallace must have promised Cheeks he’d hold it to 82 Ts but only one per game.

12 HOUSTON

(2-1) Who is this guy, Oscar? Stevie Franchise gets 55 points, 23 rebounds in first two.

13 NEW JERSEY

(3-1) Old hands await usual disaster, but so far Kidd has totally changed the atmosphere.

14 MIAMI

(1-2) Must have had to keep Riley away from sharp objects after loss at home to Cavaliers.

15 PHOENIX

(1-2) Early hint of disaffection between Skiles, Hardaway suggests the Suns aren’t so sunny.

16 BOSTON

(2-2) Still Antoine after all these years: Walker shoots six for 29 in the home opener.

17 NEW YORK

(1-2) Clock ticking on Sprewell? Brass bristles as he says Knicks could miss playoffs.

18 SEATTLE

(1-2) Really big surprise: After loss in opener, Gary Payton says it was all his fault.

19 CLIPPERS

(0-3) OK, gang, let’s see what you’ve got: 18 of their next 21 are in Staples.

20 UTAH

(1-2) Good news: Rookie Kirilenko off to an impressive start. Bad news: Mailman isn’t.

21 WASHINGTON

(2-1) Oh oh: Jordan, a relentless practice player, now has sore knee, practices sparingly.

22 PHILADELPHIA

(0-3) Starting at guard for your defending East champs: Speedy Claxton, Raja Bell.

23 CLEVELAND

(1-3) Not that he has to carry the team or anything: Miller gets 30-10-12 in upset at Miami.

24 DETROIT

(2-1) New Coach Rick Carlisle has an impact: No. 25 in defense last season, No. 1 now.

25 DENVER

(1-2) Nicky’s team now: Without McDyess, Nuggets look like Van Exel’s early ‘90s Lakers.

26 ATLANTA

(1-2) Hawks putting a better-looking team out there. Just ask the Heat.

27 GOLDEN STATE

(1-2) Another low-key debut by a No. 23: Jason Richardson shoots two for 10 in his first two.

28 CHICAGO

(1-2) Internal debate growing between front office and Floyd on playing the kids.

29 MEMPHIS

(0-2) North of border, south of Mason-Dixon line, same old spot in the standings.

GAME OF THE WEEK

ORLANDO AT SAN ANTONIO

When--Tuesday. Time--5 p.m. TV--TNT.

Story line--I assume by now, you’d scream at the mere sight of Jordan and the Wizards, who make their third national TV appearance Thursday. This game matches two legitimate contenders. They’re also contenders for Tim Duncan the Magic almost landed him in 2000 and he has an out in his contract in 2003, when David Robinson will be 38.