TOP TEN

(Records through Thursday)

1. San Antonio (16-3):

No Duncan? No problem.

2. Boston (15-2):

Grinding down the East.

3. Phoenix (15-4):

Still scratching the surface.

4. Orlando (16-4):

Team "D" drastically improved.

5. Detroit (13-5):

Won 7 of 8 with subpar Hamilton.

6. Utah (13-6):

Jerry Sloan gets contract extension.

7. Denver (12-8):

A.I. scores 51 and 35 in back-to-backs.

8. Dallas (12-8):

What's up with the defense?

9. New Orleans (12-7):

Beating contenders, losing to pretenders.

10. L.A. Lakers (11-8):

Winning with small ball.

Moving up:

Golden State (already won six road games after winning 12 last year).

26. Charlotte (6-11):

Okafor wants to touch the ball more.

27. 76ers (6-13):

Only 4-7 at home after Friday's win.

28. Seattle (4-15):

Robert Swift injured. Again.

29. Miami (4-14):

Shaq, Riles are carping like an old married couple.

30. Minnesota (2-15):

Dancers on Web site. Good idea.

Falling down: L.A. Clippers

(longest losing streak in three years).