(Last week's ranking in parentheses)

1. L.A. Lakers — Not even a broken finger can slow down Kobe Bryant (1)
2. Boston — Celtics have used the same starting five in every game this season (2)
3. Dallas — Return of Josh Howard should be a boost for the already hot Mavs (6)
4. Orlando — How is Dwight Howard fourth on the team in field goal attempts? (3)
5. Phoenix — Suns are the only team in the NBA undefeated at home (4)
6. Cleveland — James should be thankful Kevin McHale is no longer in the league (5)
7. Denver — Nuggets continue to struggle on the road (6)
8. Atlanta — It appears Mike Bibby has misplaced his offense (8)
9. Utah — Jazz paying a lot of money to have Paul Millsap play 26 minutes a game (9)
10. San Antonio — Spurs have just one road win this season (11)
11. Houston — Luis Scola is one of the leauge’s most underrated players (12)
12. Portland — Injuries piling up, even coach Nate McMillan is hurt (10)
13. Oklahoma City — Kevin Durant averaging 30.7 points in his last seven (15)
14. Miami — Heat searching for a third option behind Wade and Beasley (13)
15. New Orleans — Hornets were playing well until a lop-sided loss to the Knicks (20)
16. Milwaukee — Second half of December will show if Bucks are playoff contenders or pretenders (16)
17. DETROIT — Coach John Kuester has to be in the Coach of the Year discussions (21)
18. Toronto — The more games the Raptors lose, the less likely Chris Bosh stays (18)
19. Chicago — Bulls have cracked 100 points just twice this season (17)
20. Sacramento — Kings continue to be a streaky team this season (14)
21. L.A. Clippers — Clippers not willing to give away Marcus Camby (19)
22. New York — Don’t look now, the Knicks have won four straight (27)
23. Charlotte — Believe it or not Bobcats are the eighth seed in the East (25)
24. Memphis — Jamaal Tinsley providing very little since signing with the Grizzlies (22)
25. Indiana — Losing Danny Granger pretty much cements the Pacers spot in the lottery (23)
26. Washington — Wizards need Gilbert Arenas to be a leader to win (24)
27. Golden State — Don’t understand why Warriors fans are booing Corey Maggette (28)
28. Philadelphia — 76ers losing streak now up to 12 (26)
29. Minnesota — Kevin Love averaging a double-double, 13.2 points and 11.6 rebounds (29)
30. New Jersey — Brook Lopez continues to be a bright spot for the Nets (30)