Story Created:
Mar 9, 2010
Story Updated:
Mar 9, 2010
1. Dallas Mavericks
Nothing, not injuries or tough schedule is stopping these guys. Eleven-game winning streak includes three back-to-backs. When Jason Terry goes down, Rodrigue Beaubois – who? – scores 24 points in win over Chicago. Last week: 4.
2. Denver Nuggets
Kenyon Martin is the latest sidelined with an injury. It could be serious if he needs surgery on his knee. But with Carmelo and Chauncey, will it even matter? Last week: 2
3. Cleveland Cavs
True sign of the MVP: Lakers can win without Kobe, but Cavs can’t without LeBron, as they showed Saturday against Milwaukee. Last week: 3.
4. Orlando Magic
Five different players have led the team in scoring during current 5-0 streak. Last week: 5.
5. Los Angeles Lakers.
They shot only 37 percent from the field in Orlando loss. They are 0-8 in games they’ve shot under 40 percent this season. Last week: 1
6 Utah Jazz
Is Junior sleeping more than a few hours at a time? Mehmet “New Daddy” Okur strings together 24 and 27 points, his best two-game stretch of the season. Last week: 6.
7. Oklahoma City.
Just finished a two-game road trip against the Clippers and Sacramento. Sound familiar? Difference is they won both games. Last week: 7.
8. Phoenix Suns
Strange scheduling gives them a spring break time – no games until March 12. The final 17 games include only four against teams at. 500 or better.
9. Atlanta Hawks
Five games in seven nights caught up to them with loss Saturday at Miami. But the other four games were all wins. Last week: 8.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker’s broken hand puts major dent into four-game winning streak. Last week: 10
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Even when they’re injured, they get injured. Joel Przybilla, who was already out for the season, had again ruptured the right patella tendon he tore in late December when he slipped in the shower at his home in Milwaukee over the weekend. Last week: 11.
12. Boston Celtics
Hard to criticize a week in which they won four in a row, but I’ll do it anyway. Barely beating Detroit and Washington isn’t all that impressive.. Last week: 12
13. Milwaukee Bucks.
Who would have thought John Salmons was the difference? Since he came in trade from Chicago, they are 9-1.
14. Miami Heat
In current three-game winning streak Dwyane Wade is averaging 33.3 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. Last week: NR.
15. Toronto Raptors
Not even the return of Chris Bosh can prevent embarrassing home loss to Philadelphia. Last week: 14.
