1. Los Angeles Lakers
Will Kobe Bryant need to score 61 points every night now that Andrew Bynum (knee) is out? If so, Bryant is off to a good start.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James was Eastern Conference player of month. Imagine what he'll do if he ever gets his starting center and shooting guard back in the lineup at the same time.

3. Boston Celtics
Defending champs starting to look almost as good as last season. But will that be good enough for this season?

4. San Antonio Spurs
Funny, but it seems like everyone is considering a team with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to be an also-ran. Big mistake.

5. Orlando Magic
Still not as good as they should be at home. May be headed for a slide without Jameer Nelson (shoulder).

6. Denver Nuggets
Have the Spurs at home tonight then eight straight on the road. We're about to find out if this team is for real.

7. Portland Trail Blazers
Have quietly won five in a row to reach the 30-victory plateau. Not bad for a bunch of young bucks who are supposedly still finding their way.

8. Houston Rockets
Could be in the top three or four if they ever stayed healthy. They can't, which is why they won't. Is a trade coming?

9. New Orleans Hornets
Still learning about life as a contender. May have to learn about life without Chris Paul, who injured his groin in Monday's loss to the Blazers.

10. Dallas Mavericks
Hard to tell which team you're gonna get from night to night. Who knows? Maybe win in Orlando is all Mavs needed for a run.

11. Atlanta Hawks
It's about time for all those young athletes to start playing with some consistency. Same goes for seasoned vet Mike Bibby.

12. Miami Heat
Other than Dwyane Wade, there's really no reason for this team to be this competitive. Guess Wade is just that good.

13. Phoenix Suns
Made a major trade (for Shaq) last season, and another (for Jason Richardson) this year. They may have to make yet another if they hope to be taken seriously again.

14. Utah Jazz
Wouldn't make the playoffs if season ended today. Injuries have plenty to do with that, but so does inconsistency from people Jazz had hoped would be more consistent by now (read: Ronnie Brewer).

15. Detroit Pistons
Rasheed Wallace looking old and coach Michael Curry looking overmatched. The only question is how much longer before they slide out of playoff race altogether?

16. Philadelphia 76ers
This much is clear -- Andre Iguodala is better when Elton Brand is playing a supporting role. Either way, Sixers seem to be figuring things out and could be dangerous after All-Star break (again).

17. Milwaukee Bucks
Scott Skiles for coach of the year? The fact he has Bucks in playoff race should merit him consideration. Especially if they keep it up without Michael Redd.

18. New York Knicks
Still managing to stay around the middle of the pack despite what looks to be a lack of talent and chemistry. Thank you, Mike D'Antoni.

19. Chicago Bulls
Heating up at the right time, but does anyone really believe this roster can get past the first round of the playoffs? A trade for another big man may be in the works.

20. New Jersey Nets
Reality is beginning to set in for Devin Harris and this relatively young bunch. This month will make or break season.

21. Indiana Pacers
Seem to be one player away from pretty good things. It doesn't look like that player will be arriving anytime soon, so Pacers will have to try to make do with Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy.

22. Minnesota Timberwolves
Started 2009 by winning 10 of 12, but have lost three straight since learning Al Jefferson didn't make All-Star team. So much for snubs providing extra motivation.

23. Charlotte Bobcats
Boris Diaw has never looked so good for so long. Now all the Bobcats need is for someone else to play with some type of consistency.

24. Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh denies saying he'll opt out of his contract in 2010. That doesn't mean it would be a bad move -- especially if the Raptors continue to be so disappointing.

25. Golden State Warriors
Looked good in the win at New Orleans, and not too shabby in a home loss to San Antonio. But what happens when guys who have the green light to shoot start looking ahead to next year?

26. Okahoma City Thunder
Have come a long way since everyone was saying they might not win 10 games. Kevin Durant alone makes them worth watching once in a while.

27. Washington Wizards
Eddie Jordan suddenly thankful he's getting paid not to coach this mess.

28. Memphis Grizzlies
Have won just one of last 10 and are still considerably better than Kings and Clippers.

29. Los Angeles Clippers
Baron Davis. Marcus Camby. Zach Randolph. Chris Kaman. Wonder what this team could do if those guys were actually healthy enough to ever play.

30. Sacramento Kings
Boy, will Thunder be ticked if Kings win draft lottery and rights to Oklahoma University sensation Blake Griffin.

Sam Amico is the editor of Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at amico@probasketballnews.com.