Team Milton Kent's comment

1. Sacramento (1) Hoping for Xmas retribution against Lakers.

2. Philadelphia (4) Dikembe who?

3. Dallas (3) Ugly home loss to Utah on Friday.

4. Indiana (2) Need O'Neal healthy soon.

5. Detroit (5) Hamilton returns to Washington Thursday

6. New Jersey (6) Could have used win over Lakers last June.

7. New Orleans (7) Long road trip ends this week.

8. San Antonio (8) Dealt Kings first home loss.

9. Houston (10) Will trade of Thomas for Posey ruin chemistry?

10. Boston (9) Still in Atlantic mix with Sixers and Nets.

11. Phoenix (15) Big home game with Seattle tomorrow.

12. Portland (20) Ugly brawl mars road win vs. Warriors.

13. Orlando (14) McGrady's recurring back troubles loom ominous.

14. Minnesota (12) Szczerbiak (toe) not expected back until Jan.

15. Seattle (11) Falling fast from early perch.

16. Washington (16) Jordan leads big turnaround after N.J. debacle.

17. Utah (13) Beat Dallas but still hovering around .500

18. L.A. Clippers (21) For now, Clips are best Staples Center tenant.

19. Milwaukee (19) Thomas only Buck to start every game.

20. L.A. Lakers (17) With 2-13 road mark, it's time to panic.

21. Memphis (22) Very nice young team just needs seasoning.

22. Atlanta (18) Defense just a rumor.

23. Golden State (23) Jamison's longest consecutive start streak in 14 years.

24. Denver (24) Home game Saturday with Lakers looks winnable.

25. Chicago (26) Just one road win all season.

26. Toronto (25) Walking wounded hamper Raptors.

27. New York (27) Surprise win over Nets (first in six meetings).

28. Miami (28) Is complaining about refs part of Riley exit strategy?

29. Cleveland (29) Miami and Indiana visit Gund Arena this week.

(Last week's ranking in parentheses)