WESTERN CONFERENCE
1LOS ANGELES (52-11) -- Showtime is on a roll. Phil Jackson's squad has won 18 straight. Can they be stopped? vs.8SACRAMENTO (36-26) -- Permission granted to push the panic button. The Kings are just 5-5 over past 10 games.
4SAN ANTONIO (40-23) -- The defending NBA champions will be hard-pressed to repeat -- 6-4 over past 10. vs.
5PHOENIX (39-23) -- Will the Suns set or rise with Googs? Season-ending injury could prove fatal.
2UTAH (41-20) -- The NBA's graybeards refuse to go away. The Jazz have won seven straight. vs.
7SEATTLE (38-26) -- Not so super lately. The up-and-down Sonics are a mediocre 5-5 over their past 10 outings.
3PORTLAND (48-15) -- Blazing a new trail with two consecutive wins after three-game skid. Can they catch L.A.? vs.
6MINNESOTA (37-25) -- Pesky Timberwolves (8-2 over past 10 games) are setting their sights on ailing Suns.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1INDIANA (43-20) -- Setting the pace in the East. Playing well despite a rare loss at home Sunday. vs.
8MILWAUKEE (30-33) -- In a dogfight with Orlando for final playoff spot. Bucks lead season series 2-0.
4TORONTO (36-26) -- Vince Carter has things taking off in the Great White North. Dino-mite, eh. vs.
5PHILADELPHIA (34-27) -- The Liberty Bell isn't the only thing cracked in Philly. The Sixers have lost two straight.
2MIAMI (39-23) -- The Heat is on. Pat Riley's crew is coming off a big win at Indiana. Is it a sign of things to come? vs.
7DETROIT (30-31) -- Will the Pistons begin hitting on all cylinders with a new coach? What do you think.
3NEW YORK (38-24) -- Start spreading the word, the Knicks aren't going away. Will fight Miami for Atlantic crown. vs.
6CHARLOTTE (34-28) -- What's the buzz here? The Hornets are weakening -- just 4-6 over past 10 games.