The Sports Truth

1. (1) Dallas (34-8). The Mavericks retain the edge over Phoenix because of their defensive ability (92.6 points allowed per contest). Meanwhile, Dirk and Josh are deadly.
2. (2) Phoenix (27-8). Take away a two-point loss at Dallas and two overtime losses against Utah and Washington and we’d be looking at a 34-game win streak. The Suns next five games are on the road, then they get Utah, San Antonio and Denver.
3. (3) San Antonio (30-13). Even Pop admits his team is not as hungry as Dallas and Phoenix, but does it really matter? They’ll be hungry when the playoffs begin.
4. (4) Utah (28-14). AK-47 needs to tell Jazz owner Larry Miller to shut the F*%k up or Kirilenko could score more than 9.1 points per game. In case you haven’t noticed, Deron Williams is the best point guard from the 2005 draft and Carlos Boozer (22 points and 12 rebounds per game) should be a legitimate MVP candidate.
5. (5) L.A. Lakers (27-15). Lakers are 10-4 against top Western Conference teams, but they lose too many games against bad opponents. Lamar Odom’s return will help the stretch run.
6. (10) Denver (21-17). Call me crazy, but I’m convinced Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony can coexist. Why the high ranking? Do you really think any of the Eastern Conference teams are better than Denver? Neither do I. Do you think Houston or Minnesota is better? Neither do I. Did you catch that Steve Blake trade? He’s been a huge spark a point guard for the Nuggets.
7. (6) Cleveland (24-17). Road trip hangover led to that home loss against Orlando, but a 2-5 stretch was not very impressive. Still, LeBron James is enough for me to keep them at the top of the East… and I’m sure Gilbert Arenas will post this in his locker for motivation.
8. (8) Detroit (23-16). Chauncey Billups is back and the Pistons look much better. Chris Webber might actually be a good addition if he rebounds and hits jump shots after setting the pick.
9. (9) Washington (24-16). I know they are on fire, but I still think the Cavs and Pistons - and eventually the Heat - are better in the East. Wizards need to play defense and learn how to put teams like the Celtics away.
10. (12) Houston (25-16). Tough stretch — lost three straight to Dallas, Phoenix and Denver. Next up: San Antonio. Anyone notice how well Mutombo is playing? Big man can still rebound.
11. (13) Chicago (23-19). This team is riddled with inconsistency. Now they have moved Ben Gordon back into the starting lineup and they are talking to Memphis about trading for Pau Gasol. I can’t figure them out.
12. (7) Orlando (23-19). Go figure… Magic lose five straight and then win at Cleveland.
13. (20) Miami (19-22). The East should be worried. Shaq is ready to return and they are still within striking distance.
14. (11) Minnesota (20-20). Caught the Kevin Garnett foolishness on ESPN the other night. KG needs to be smarter. He can’t take the bait from a bum like Antonio McDyess. I also don’t understand why McDyess was not suspended.
15. (14) Indiana (21-20). It’s a great trade whenever you can get rid of Stephen Jackson.
16. (18) Toronto (20-22). Raps are 18-14 since they’re terrible start. That type of run can win the Atlantic Division going away.
17. (19) New Jersey (20-21). A 9-3 run keeps them alive, but I’m not very confident they can hold off the Raptors.
18. (16) L.A. Clippers (19-21). They’ll be fighting for that 8th playoff spot, but this could be the most disappointing team in the league.
19. (15) Golden State (19-23). Any trade that brings you Stephen Jackson is not a good trade. What the heck is going on in Oakland? Just play Monta Ellis and let him lead this team.
20. (17) Milwaukee (17-23). The return of Redd and Williams will help. Bogut has really stepped up his game. But they need to end this 1-8 run to stay alive in the East.
21. (21) New York (18-25). They won a few at the buzzer, but the back-to-back losses at the buzzer slowed down a pretty good run.
22. (23) Portland (17-25). Brandon Roy’s 28 points against Milwaukee was great to see.
23. (24) Seattle (16-25). Three straight wins led by Ray Allen and Nick Collison.
24. (22) Sacramento (16-23). How about that Ron Artest? He’s been a big help…to Indiana. Maybe Brad Miller’s return will help.
25. (28) New Orleans / Oklahoma City (16-23). How have they won 4 out of 5? David West is back and he’s angry.
26. (26) Charlotte (14-26). Matt Carroll is still on fire and even Adam Morrison is shooting better these days.
27. (29) Memphis (10-32). 4-13 since Gasol’s return…now you know why they want to trade him.
28. (25) Boston (12-28). 2007-2008 starting five: Rajon Rondo, Delonte West, Paul Pierce, Al Jefferson and Greg Oden. Be afraid, be very afraid. If Tony Allen did not get hurt, this would be the best losing season in Celtics history.
29. (30) Atlanta (13-25). Hawks are trying to get in on this Oden/Durant race.
30. (27) Philadelphia (11-30). Still think they might move Andre Miller. If they do, the first pick in the draft will be theirs.

[Current ranking, followed by last week’s ranking in parentheses, followed by team record]

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