Last week’s rank in parentheses *-late game not included
1. Cavaliers 27-9 (4): After donning paper party hats for LeBron James’ birthday — really — they won sixth in row.
2. Lakers 26-6* (2): At this pace, Kobe Bryant will lock up MVP by Feb. 1 and need IV fluids rest of way.
3. Magic 24-9 (3): With defenses taking him away, Dwight Howard down to 9.0 shots, 17 points a game.
4. Celtics 24-8 (1): Paul Pierce gains in MVP race as Celtics turn into the Nets without him.
5. Suns 21-13 (6): Look who’s back to where they were before Lakers got too big for them.
6. Spurs 20-12 (11): Just went 7-1 starting 6-7 rookie DeJuan Blair in position 7-0 David Robinson once played.
7. Mavericks 23-10* (8): Jason Terry, Josh Howard, Drew Gooden making up for Dirk Nowitzki slump.
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8. Hawks 21-11 (5): Only New Year’s Day worse than that of Wizards: Blew 14-point fourth-quarter lead versus Knicks.
9. Rockets 20-14 (10): Tired of Tracy McGrady’s act, Rockets tell him to take a hike if he can’t take a hint.
10. Nuggets 21-13 (7): 1-6 since Chauncey Billups left with sore groin as he tries to return, leaves again.
11. Thunder 18-15 (14): Major move for team that was 3-29 a year ago and made no major deals.
12. Trail Blazers 22-13 (9): Can’t go on like this: Just went 9-5 while losing Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla, LaMarcus Aldridge.
13. Jazz 18-15 (12): Remember all those times we said they’re back? They’re not.
14. Grizzlies 16-16 (16): Highest scoring starting five averages 96.7 with everyone in double figures.
15. Heat 16-15 (13): Stalled out: 7-9 since their 9-5 start with 19 of next 26 on road.
16. Raptors 17-18 (19): Was it real or a schedule opportunity? Raptors end 2009 on 5-0 run.
17. Kings 14-19 (17): If they won half their close games, they would really be shocking the world.
18. Clippers 14-18 (20): Chris Kaman an All-Star candidate, and owner has stopped moaning about his contract.
19. Hornets 15-16 (15): George Shinn “No Moneyball:” Just tried to dump starter Devin Brown to save bucks.
20. Bucks 13-18 (18): Scott Skiles yo-yos Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd as free fall extends to 15 losses in 19 games.
21. Bobcats 14-18 (21): D.J. Augustin, whom Larry Brown wanted over Brook Lopez, now chained to his bench.
22. Knicks 14-20 (23): Krypton-Nate Robinson indeed: Gets 41 in first game in month as they stun Hawks.
23. Bulls 14-17 (24): Hiring Vinny Del Negro was a joke. Firing him with no comment on reports he’s gone would be too.
24. 76ers 10-23 (26): It works?! 3-0 with Allen Iverson and clone Lou Williams starting before reality sets in.
25. Pistons 11-21 (22): Not all they hoped for: Lost six in row, got Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince back, now up to nine.
26. Wizards 10-21 (25): Nice knowing you.
27. Timberwolves 7-28 (28): Love is all you need, almost: Averaging 15-12, missed triple-double with 17-11-9 game.
28. Pacers 10-23 (27): Better rethink lineup: Starters just scored 26-46-50 to opponents’ 76-63-105.
29. Warriors 9-23 (29): Anthony Randolph Tango: Averaging 12-7, still playing only 23 minutes a game.
30. Nets 3-30 (30): Yi Jianlian averages 23 since return. Nets even win one!
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