THE TIMES’ RANKINGS
RANKINGS, COMMENTS (WITH LAST WEEK’S RANK)
THEY’RE B-A-C-K
1. LAKERS (38-17)
Spurs and Suns start four 30-year-olds, Mavericks three, Lakers none. (T3)
2. DETROIT (40-15)
Saunders erupts as All-Starred-Out Pistons lose to Orlando, Milwaukee. (T1)
3. BOSTON (41-12)
Not quite comeback Celtics hoped for: KG averages 13 as they go 0-3. (T1)
4. SAN ANTONIO (37-17)
May re-sign Barry but unlike Stackhouse, he isn’t announcing it beforehand. (T3)
5. NEW ORLEANS (37-17)
Welcome to the West: Paul greases Kidd in his latest Mavericks debut, 31-8. (T3)
6. HOUSTON (35-20)
NBA’s hottest team: Wins in Cleveland, New Orleans make it 20 of 23. (9)
7. UTAH (36-20)
Still too soft, giving up 109 in win vs. Warriors, 114 in loss to Clippers. (T3)
BRAVE NEW WORLDS
8. PHOENIX (38-17)
Shaq goes one for five from floor in win over Celtics but takes 14 rebounds. (7)
9. DALLAS (36-19)
If things go south, may waive Devean George on general principle. (8)
10. DENVER (33-22)
Whoever upstairs tried to get Artest must really have it in for Karl. (11)
11. ORLANDO (35-22)
Were 13 for 20 on threes in win in Detroit, 9 for 28 on threes in loss in Toronto. (10)
12. GOLDEN STATE (33-22)
In Webber’s six starts, Warriors have been outscored by 24 in first quarters. (12)
13. CLEVELAND (31-24)
If Cavaliers started with this roster, they might be on heels of Celtics, Pistons. (13)
14. PORTLAND (29-26)
Winning season would be first in five years, but Trail Blazers have lost 10 of 14. (15)
15. TORONTO (29-24)
So desperate for big men, targeted Joe Smith, settled for Primo Brezec. (14)
16. SACRAMENTO (26-28)
Someone tell Kings they’re supposed to be in pieces: Just won 14 of 22. (16)
17. WASHINGTON (26-29)
Tell injured guys to take their time: 10 wins could get them in playoffs. (17)
STILL IN EAST RACE AND FUBAR
18. PHILADELPHIA (25-32)
76ers are all excited about making playoffs but they’re also on road. (18)
19. ATLANTA (22-31)
At last the Hawks have a point guard but are 1-3 in the Mike Bibby Era. (19)
20. NEW JERSEY (25-31)
Hold that rebuilding program: Devin Harris sidelined for two weeks. (21)
21. CHICAGO (22-32)
It took nine years to reach 49 wins. How long until they win 49 again? (20)
22. INDIANA (22-34)
Untouchables: Still no takers for the Wrong O’Neal, Party Time Tinsley (22)
FOULED UP BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION
23. MILWAUKEE (21-35)
Talented enough to make playoffs. Just need a heart, a brain and/or coach. (23)
24. CHARLOTTE (19-37)
Remember when Bobcats were 6-4 and season was dewy with promise? 13-33 since. (24)
25. CLIPPERS (19-34)
Dear Donald: Did I miss that trade for player who can get you to the playoffs? (25)
26. NEW YORK (17-38)
Next, food fights? Randolph throws cup of water at Robinson during timeout. (26)
27. MEMPHIS (14-41)
Bashed throughout universe for Gasol deal, Heisley keeps Miller, Lowry. (27)
28. SEATTLE (15-39)
With children in the key roles, NBA’s version of ‘Lord of the Flies.’ (28)
29. MINNESOTA (11-42)
With Foye back, No. 2 scorer McCants, who makes Wittman crazy, goes to bench. (29)
BLACK HOLE OF MIAMI
30. MIAMI (9-44)
Well, it took Michael and Scottie four seasons to win a title too. (30)
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