Records through Friday. (Last week’s ranking)
1. Bulls (33-9):
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Playoffs shaping up as a Bulls market for first time since 1998. (2)
2. Thunder (31-9):
Cleveland loss shows that slow-mo mode can ground lightning-quick Thunder. (3)
3. Heat (30-9):
Trying to get Pat Robertson on board as adviser for “The .700 Club.” (1)
4. Spurs (26-13):
At 2-3 on this homestand, Spurs continually left at a loss for explanations. (4)
5. Magic (26-15):
Rest of NBA hopes Magic takes a just-do-it approach to Dwight Howard trade. (6)
6. Pacers (23-14):
Reading SI article, one may think Pacers have more balance than Cirque du Soleil. (7)
7. Clippers (23-15):
Michael Olowokandi still considered promising last time team won in San Antonio. (5)
8. Lakers (24-16):
Barring overhaul, trips to D.C. won’t include White House visit anytime soon. (9)
9. Grizzlies (23-15):
Obama may take credit for food safety system overhaul, Grizzlies’ surge. (11)
10. 76ers (24-17):
In 10 years, the legendary Harvey Pollack can scrawl “100” on his birthday cake. (8)
11. Falcons (23-17):
Don’t hurry back: Joe Johnson returns just in time for loss to lowly Pistons. (13)
12. Nuggets (23-18):
“Birdman” Chris Anderson makes a peep with Timofey Mozgov, Kosta Koufos out. (14)
13. Mavericks (23-19):
Lamar Odom being cast for lead role in “Mav-wrecks, Part Deux.” (10)
14. Celtics (21-18):
It won’t be long before Paul Pierce, teammates are in wheelchairs for good. (18)
15. Rockets (21-19):
Recent losing streak reads like reverse countdown: One, two, three, four, five. (12)
16. Timberwolves (21-20):
Ricky Rubio’s season-ending injury a downer for NBA’s top feel-good story. (15)
17. Jazz (19-20):
Up-and-down season more convoluted than MTV’s short-lived “The Brothers Grunt.” (19)
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18. Trail Blazers (19-21):
At this rate, Jamal Crawford better served playing for Idaho Stampede. (16)
19. Suns (18-21):
Creeping back toward .500 with this group shows that miracles do happen. (20)
20. Knicks (18-22):
Why did they want this guy again? Knicks 2-6 since Carmelo Anthony’s return. (17)
21. Warriors (15-21):
New Warriors marketing campaign: “Come see the best of the worst!” (21)
22. Cavaliers (15-23):
Rookie-of-year voting will make ’84 presidential election resemble tight race. (23)
23. Bucks (16-24):
Strange brew of misfits somehow creeping up on Knicks for final playoff spot. (22)
24. Pistons (14-26):
Not much fight in Metta World Peace (four points) in return to The Palace. (26)
25. Kings (14-26):
Kings gladly preparing to leave the former Arco Arena on empty. (24)
26. Raptors (13-26):
Not best time to remind Kevin O’Neill that DeMar DeRozan could be USC senior. (25)
27. Nets (14-27):
Snooki’s pregnancy overshadows team expecting only high lottery pick. (27)
28. Wizards (9-29):
Team Dysfunction looked cohesive compared with the Lakers. (29)
29. Hornets (9-31):
Leaving Kansas early for this mess ensures March Madness for Xavier Henry. (28)
30. Bobcats (5-33):
Only team in NBA history that could leave The Onion at a loss for words. (30)