Lakers
The defending champs might be benefiting from a soft schedule, but their offence is firing on all cylinders.
- Hornets
N.O. continues to impress, and just got stronger with the acquisition of Jarrett Jack.
- Spurs
The Spurs have won ten straight, and Duncan isn’t being asked to score at all.
- Celtics
Boston’s losses to a KD-less Thunder team and a spirited Raptors squad shouldn’t be overvalued.
- Mavericks
The Mavericks are finally playing defence, but need offensive options other than Dirk if they want to play with the elite teams.
- Magic
Orlando has been flying more under the radar than usual this season, but they’re still an elite team.
- Bulls
The Bulls could make a big jump in the NBA standings once Carlos Boozer gets healthy.
- Jazz
The Comeback Streak is over, and defences are keying in on Paul Millsap.
- Thunder
Russell Westbrook is making an All-Star bid with Durant out of the lineup.
- Heat
Miami’s title hopes took a major blow with news of Haslem’s foot injury that should keep him out until March. Could this dream season turn into a nightmare for LeBron and Co.?
- Blazers
Injuries continue to pile up in Rip City.
- Bucks
The Bucks’ offensive struggles continue, and they’ve now lost three in a row.
- Suns
Without Nash and Lopez, the Suns can’t compete with any team in the league, as evidenced by Phoenix’s blowout loss to Charlotte.
- Hawks
Atlanta has fallen from the Eastern elite, but could regain that status if the Heat really start to crumble.
- Nuggets
The Carmelo watch heats up with every game Denver drops.
- Grizzlies
Rudy Gay’s dagger is certainly a morale-booster in Memphis.
- Warriors
Golden State is hurting without David Lee, and now they might face time without leading-scorer Monta Ellis.
- Bobcats
Stephen Jackson put up the first triple-double in franchise history; a good sign for Charlotte’s sputtering offence.
- Pacers
Despite Darren Collison’s extended absence, Indy is hanging right around .500.
- Knicks
The Knicks are at their best putting up big NBA scores against weak teams. They’ll have a chance to keep up
that trend with a home-and-home against the Bobcats.
- Rockets
Missing two franchise pieces, Houston has now dropped to 3-9.
- Nets
Jersey continues to improve, but still hasn’t found a way to close out games.
- Cavaliers
The Cavs are somehow eighth in the East.
- Raptors
The Jarrett Jack trade might actually benefit Toronto more than New Orleans.
- Timberwolves
Beasley’s torrid scoring continues, but so does the losing.
- Pistons
Detroit is still dealing with emotional issues and an unclear rotation.
- Sixers
Only a matter of time before Iguodala asks out of Philly.
- Wizards
The upside to John Wall’s injury? Gilbert Arenas is helping his trade stock greatly.
- Kings
DeMarcus Cousins’ inability to contribute consistently is costing the Kings games.
- Clippers
Blake Griffin is the undisputed league leader in highlight plays, but there’s not much else to celebrate in Clipperland.
