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Team/Record
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Prev rank/
Last week
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ESPN.com skinny
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CLOSE AT THE TOP |
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1. Kings 33-10
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1/2-1 |
Yeah, they lost a game, so what. In OT at Portland is a lot better than the Wolves and Lakers going a combined 2-5 and falling to Detroit and Denver. The Kings are No. 1, live with it. They might not win the title. In fact, once Shaq and ... |
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2. Mavericks 32-12
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4/3-0
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One hot streak and look where you can end up. Mavs have won seven straight, which is even more impressive considering Finley didn't play at all. |
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3. Wolves 31-12
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2/1-2
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Is it us or does this team simply play better with Billups at the point over Brandon? We're not saying Billups is better. It's styles, and the ball's in Garnett's hands more when Brandon doesn't play. Or maybe it isn't.
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4. Lakers 29-12
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3/1-3
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We refuse to bury them. It's called boredom. And we're bored with people telling us the Lakers aren't even top 10. |
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5. Nets 29-14
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6/2-1 |
OK, OK, they get the Spurs' spot by beating Duncan's crew. But we're not moving them ahead of L.A. JKidd is great, but would you start a team with him, or Shaq? |
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6. Spurs 29-13
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5/2-2
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It was pretty obvious they wouldn't beat the Lakers, but are there any good teams they can beat? |
| CHALLENGERS TO THE THRONE
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7. Celtics 26-17
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8/2-1
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Getting contributions from more than the Big Two, which is nice. Eric Williams, Erick Strickland and the rejuvenated Kenny A are key guys. |
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8. Raptors 26-19
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9/2-1
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The loss of Hakeem for a month shouldn't be taken lightly. It hurts. Now Keon and Tony Davis must not take games off. |
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9. Bucks 26-16
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7/0-3
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Like the Lakers, the Bucks might very well end up winning the conference. But how can you justify losing three straight at home, and all to possible lottery teams (Suns, Sonics, Knicks). |
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10. 76ers 22-21
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16/3-0
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OK, we couldn't wait any longer. This team is a mere seven games behind the East-leading Nets and getting closer and closer. Playoffs? How about a potential home series.
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11. Sonics 23-20
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15/2-1
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Won at Milwaukee and Indy, and that's not bad. Just imagine how good they would have been if Calvin Booth had worked out. |
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12. Magic 23-22
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11/2-1
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Right now, the epitome of a .500 East team. Should be better, had an injury, now scuttle to reach the playoffs. |
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JORDAN SECTION
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13. Wizards 21-20
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13/2-1
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Now they get Rip Hamilton back, but really, are they capable of winning 45 games? If MJ just had to play the first half of games they might be... |
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NOT REALLY HORRIBLE |
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14. Blazers 22-20
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17/2-0
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Alright, we give them their due. A nice win over the Kings, and really, they're better than the Clips. |
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15. Jazz 23-22
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10/1-3
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Got blown out twice by the Kings, but the Jazz aren't near that level. The last few weeks have proven that Kirilenko might be more valuable than Donyell. |
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16. Clippers 22-23
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14/1-2
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This road losing thing is getting way outta hand. Losing in Memphis? A 3-15 road mark? No chance at the playoffs at this rate. And by the way, Elton Brand deserved an All-Star nod. |
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17. Pacers 23-23
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12/1-2
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Is it just not their year? O'Neal gets hurt, Jalen struggles, the constant trade rumors with Best and now Harrington is done. |
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18. Pistons 21-20
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21/2-0
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Big win over the Wolves shows how inconsistent this team can be. Still in the playoff mix if they can continue to defend. |
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19. Heat 15-28
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20/2-2
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Still relatively hot, but still have a way to go. He won't win comeback player honors, but Rod Strickland is playing good ball. |
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20. Suns 21-22
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18/1-2
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Five guys score in double figures, but the Suns really needed an inside presence, and Tsakalidis and Voskuhl aren't it. |
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21. Hornets 20-23
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19/1-2
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Maybe Mashburn will make a difference when/if he comes back. Team's record hurt Baron's All-Star selection possibility. |
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ONE WORD: LOTTERY
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22. Knicks 17-25
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26/3-0
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Just when you bury them, and people call for them to be in last, they start winning. Of course, how often will Sprewell pour in 48 points... |
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23. Nuggets 13-29
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23/1-1
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Beautiful win at L.A. shows that on any given night they are dangerous. Of course, when your center and point guard can go from 25 points to 6 on a daily basis, what do you expect? |
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24. Rockets 14-30
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24/1-2
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Francis as an All-Star starter? It's a nice story, and Francis is a great player, but missing 19 games is tough. Gary Payton deserved it more. |
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25. Hawks 14-29
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22/0-3
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It doesn't matter when Theo Ratliff comes back, or Toni Kukoc or anyone. We were wrong about this team. Playoffs? We'll let Jim Mora's quote ride here. |
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MAKE US CRINGE |
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26. Warriors 14-28
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29/1-1
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Don't get the impression this is a good team. We just found three teams that are worse. How's that for a marketing campaign by the bay? |
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27. Bulls 9-33
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28/1-1
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The Bulls have as many wins in their last 10 games as the Hawks, Cavs and Warriors combined. And they have a road win! |
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28. Grizzlies 13-31
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25/1-3
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Would have been last if not for Monday win over Clippers. Grizz looked bad when they dealt for JDub. Then they signed him long-term. Wouldn't Brevin (15 assists Monday) have done just fine? |
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29. Cavaliers 13-30
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27/0-2
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Talk about just giving up. At least the Bulls try. Poor Andre Miller.
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