NBA power rankings: Dec. 20, 2009
Mike Monroe

TOP 10

(Last rank in parentheses; comments through Friday’s games)

1. Lakers (1): Tell the truth: Did you really think a broken index finger on his shooting hand would slow down Kobe Bryant?

2. Celtics (2): Just when it seemed they might run toward 72 wins, they lose fourth home game — and to a sub-.500 team.

3. Hawks (3): Guess which team has the longest active win streak? (Hint: It’s not Lakers or Celtics).

4. Cavaliers (6): My, how time flies. Today’s game in Dallas will be the 500th of LeBron James’ career.

5. Nuggets (4): What worries Karl? Anthony’s technical fouls. ’Melo is tied for league lead with seven in 27 games.

6. Magic (5): Van Gundy says Hack-A-Howard is out of control. League agrees, rescinds tech for retaliatory shove.

7. Rockets (8): T-Mac’s back but admits he’s thinking too much. Rockets thinking he might be great trade bait.

8. Mavericks (7): Docs remove pieces of Carl Landry’s teeth from Dirk’s elbow. Are rabies shots next?

9. Suns (9): They’ve got to figure out a way to stay off TNT telecasts. Loss at Portland was 17th straight when on that network.

10. Heat (13): Riley on Wade: “His efficiency is down from last year, and we’re addressing this with him.”

THE REST

11. Jazz (10)
12. SPURS (12)
13. Blazers (16)
14. Hornets (19)
15. Thunder (11)
16. Grizzlies (17)
17. Kings (14)
18. Pistons (15)
19. Clippers (23)
20. Knicks (20)
21. Bucks (18)
22. Bobcats (22)
23. Raptors (25)
24. Bulls (24)
25. Pacers (26)
26. 76ers (28)
27. Wizards (21)
28. Warriors (27)
29. Wolves (29)
30. Nets (30)