RANK(LAST WK) TEAM REC. COMMENT

1. (2) Los Angeles Lakers 3 - 0 After dominating their first two opponents, the Lakers overcame a poorly played, foul-plagued game in Denver and still pulled out the victory. They'll be tested on Sunday when the host the Rockets.
2. (1) Boston Celtics 2 - 1 It's just a three-game sample size but the Celtics are leading the league in turnovers (20.3 a game) and are second in personal fouls (26.7 a game). Boston can make a statement on Tuesday night by winning in Houston.
3. (3) New Orleans Hornets 3 - 0 The Hornets keep winning but minor injuries are a concern, specifically to Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic (both have sprained ankles). Then again they beat the Cavaliers without either in the lineup.
4. (4) Detroit Pistons 2 - 0 While guard Chauncey Billups was Mr. Big Shot in 2004 - he wasn't able to get the Pistons over the hump the last few seasons. Incoming guard Allen Iverson may be the right match alongside a far better defensive squad than he ever had with the Nuggets.
5. (5) Houston Rockets 3 - 0 The early signs suggest the Rockets are a legitimate threat in the West. They'll certainly be tested in November against teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Blazers, Suns, Hornets, Mavericks, Magic and Spurs.
6. (8) Utah Jazz 2 - 0 The Jazz have managed to win a pair despite the absences of star point guard Deron Williams. Ronnie Price and Brevin Knight hold it together against the Clippers and the Jazz set a franchise record with just five turnovers for the game.
7. (9) Phoenix Suns 2 - 1 The Suns averaged 110.1 points a game in former Coach Mike D'Antoni's final year (giving up 105.0). So far through three, Phoenix is scoring 101.7 points while allowing 100.7. It's still very early in the Terry Porter era, but it'll be interesting to see how the Suns evolve.
8. (12) Toronto Raptors 3 - 0 His experience with Team USA this summer has matured forward Chris Bosh. Along with a very strong start from point guard Jose Calderon, the Raptors look determined to take the next step.
9. (6) Orlando Magic 1 - 2 It's probably an early season slump as the Magic start off 0-2 before spanking the Kings.
10. (7) Cleveland Cavaliers 1 - 2 The Cavaliers have had two big games on the road (Boston and New Orleans) and lost both. Thus far Coach Mike Brown is going with Delonte West at the two with newcomer Mo Williams at the point. As the team looks to develop chemistry, forward LeBron James is averaging just 19.7 points a game.
11. (10) San Antonio Spurs 0 - 2 In addition to missing guard/forward Manu Ginobili, the Spurs were without starting center Fabricio Oberto, out with an irregular heartbeat. Meanwhile guard Roger Mason looks like a great summer pickup.
12. (11) Dallas Mavericks 1 - 1 It's still difficult to rank the Mavericks. This week should give a glimpse as they host the Cavs before visiting the Spurs the following night. Forward Josh Howard has responded to a tumultuous summer with very focused play.
13. (17) Atlanta Hawks 2 - 0 The Hawks make a leap in the rankings by beating two solid teams (Orlando and Philadelphia). Guard Joe Johnson's game sealing three-point shot against the Sixers was at least two steps behind the arc.
14. (13) Philadelphia 76ers 1 - 2 It's taking a minute for the Sixers to learn how to play together. Forward Elton Brand and center Samuel Dalembert are averaging a combined 26.3 rebounds a game. The Wizards, collectively as a team, are at just 32.5 boards a night.
15. (14) Denver Nuggets 1 - 2 Guard Allen Iverson appears to be headed to the Pistons with guard Chauncey Billups returning to Denver a seasoned veteran. While Billups is not nearly as explosive a scorer as Iverson, he's rock solid on both sides of the ball. The Nuggets may not suddenly leap into a playoff spot but deal could make them a better all around team . . . although Iverson will be missed.
16. (15) Portland Trail Blazers 1 - 2 Greg Oden Watch II: He got hurt in his first half of basketball as a pro (foot/ankle). While he'll only be out two to four weeks, his long-term durability is obviously a concern.
17. (18) Golden State Warriors 1 - 2 Forward Al Harrington demands a trade after Coach Don Nelson gets his contract extension. Meanwhile the Warriors are having trouble closing games without guard Monta Ellis (oh - and Baron Davis).
18. (21) Chicago Bulls 2 - 1 In addition to his crazy facial hair, forward/center Drew Gooden pulled down 20 boards against the Grizzlies.
19. (20) Indiana Pacers 1 - 1 Is forward Danny Granger this good? Guard/forward Mike Dunleavy Jr. is trying to get his knee right. The Pacers aren't perfect but at full strength they have a viable mix to challenge for a spot in the East.
20. (19) Minnesota Timberwolves 1 - 2 The Wolves have lost two straight after winning their season opener against the Kings. Where the team desperately needs to improve it from the outside where as a team is hitting just 17.4% from three.
21. (16) Los Angeles Clippers 0 - 3 The Clippers are struggling without two key starters. Guard Baron Davis is day-to-day after falling hard on hip. Forward/center Marcus Camby is close to returning from a heel injury. It'll be easier to judge LA when they actually have their best players on the floor.
22. (22) Miami Heat 1 - 2 It looks like forward Shawn Marion is going to try and play despite breaking his nose on Saturday in a loss to the Bobcats.
23. 23 (29) Milwaukee Bucks 2 - 2 The Bucks did not have a strong preseason but three games in and they've already won two on the road. All of last season Milwaukee won just seven games away from the Bradley Center.
24. (23) New York Knicks 1 - 2 Whatever resolution is decided for guard Stephon Marbury - the sooner the better. Closure can work wonders for the psyche of a basketball team.
25. (24) Washington Wizards 0 - 2 Is guard Nick Young finally breaking out? In two games he's averaging 16.5 points on 57.9% shooting. The Wizards have some issues to work defensively - allowing 106.0 points a night.
26. (25) New Jersey Nets 1 - 1 The duo of centers (Josh Boone and rookie Brook Lopez) may make the Nets more formidable than expected. Both are averaging at least eight boards and two blocks a night.
27. (27) Memphis Grizzlies 1 - 2 Another game winner for forward Rudy Gay. The Grizzlies are still a work in progress, averaging just 81 points a game as a team . . . lowest in the NBA.
28. (26) Sacramento Kings 0 - 3 Will center Brad Miller's return after a five-game suspension (drug violation) make a significant difference or will the Kings flounder for much of the season?
29. (30) Charlotte Bobcats 1 - 1 It took nine straight losses for the Bobcats to finally ring up a win. Fortunately for Charlotte, the preseason games don't count and they're a .500 team.
30. (28) Oklahoma City Thunder 1 - 2 To the delight of the Oklahoma City crowd, the Thunder get their first win of the season at home. Last year's heralded rookies are struggling as guard/forward Kevin Durant is hitting 35.7% from the field and forward Jeff Green is at just 28.6%