Story Created:
Feb 22, 2010
Story Updated:
Feb 22, 2010
1. Los Angeles Lakers.
The ultimate help is on the way. After going 3-1 without the game’s best closer, they get back Kobe Bryant this week. Last week: 2
2. Denver Nuggets
If only they can get there – combined record is 4-0 against Cleveland, Orlando and Boston. Last week: 3
3. Cleveland Cavs
Who knew that Zydrunas Ilgauskas was the key that keeps this team together? Since trading The Big Cue Ball, they are 0-3 – and this after winning 13 consecutive games. Last week: 1.
4. Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard handles Shaq in the Superman battle. New Superman has had a double-double in 20 consecutive games. Last week: 4.
5 Utah Jazz
David James has no faith. Why shouldn’t they be thinking NBA championship? Last week: 6.
6. Dallas Mavericks
Watch out for these guys. They’ve won both games since trading for Brendan Haywood and Caron Butler. Showdown with the Lakers comes Wednesday. Last week: 7.
7. Oklahoma City.
Can they go undefeated for the month? Absolutely. Standing in the way are three home games (Phoenix, Minnesota and Toronto) and one road game against San Antonio. Last week: 10.
8. Atlanta Hawks
Mike Bibby’s scoring output in three games out West: 2, 6 and 3 points. Four-game road trip closes Monday in Salt Lake City. Last week: 5.
9. Boston Celtics
How “old” is the 33-year-old Kevin Garnett? The 14-year veteran last broke the 20-point barrier on Dec. 18. Last week: 8.
10. Phoenix Suns
Give Stoudamire credit. Despite all the trade talk, February numbers are 23.9 points and 11.6 rebounds a game. Last week: 9
11. Toronto Raptors
They catch a huge break with the schedule. When ankle injury sidelines Chris Bosh, , they’re still able to beat lowly New Jersey and Washington. Then three days off allows Bosh to heal. Last week: 12.
12. San Antonio Spurs
I come here not to praise, I come here to bury. Last two games were inexcusable losses to Philadelphia and Detroit, even if they were on the road and Tony Parker didn’t play against the Pistons. Last week: 11
13. Portland Trail Blazers
Brandon Roy’s return doesn’t help, as they lose first two games with star guard back in the lineup. Now comes a five-game road trip. Last week: 13.
14. New Orleans Hornets
Did lousy game against the Jazz (5 points, 5 rebounds), motivate David West. In the following two games he averaged 28.5 points and nine rebounds. Last week: 15.
15. Houston Rockets
Is Kevin Martin a poor man’s Tracy McGrady? In the two games since coming over from the Kings, Martin is 8 of 28. Last week: 14.
