Despite losing to Denver a week ago, the Boston Celtics leapfrogged the L.A. Lakers into first place following their convincing 98-80 win over Detroit. The Lakers, who suffered their first loss at the hands of the Pistons one week ago, continue to play some of the best defense in the league and face a tough test tonight against the Denver Nuggets. Since acquiring Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets have transformed themselves from one of the NBA's highest-scoring teams a year ago to one that is starting to win games on the defensive end (96.3 points per game). The Nuggets have reeled off four straight wins including the win at Boston and are certainly a team to watch moving forward.

	1. Boston Celtics (11-2) - The Celtics are 3-0 against Detroit and Cleveland this season, and those are two teams Boston is sure to see in May. The fact that Rajon Rondo outperformed Allen Iverson on Thursday night is another good sign for Boston.
	2. Los Angeles Lakers (9-1) - L.A.'s loss to the Pistons reminded us of the Lakers' lack of toughness against Boston in the Finals, but they managed to recover against Chicago and Phoenix. Tune in for tonight's tilt with the red-hot Nuggets. You won't be sorry you did.
	3. Detroit Pistons (8-4) - Detroit split its brutal four-game schedule with wins against the Lakers and Cavs while losing at Phoenix and Boston. The good news is Rasheed is flourishing offensively and the team has adjusted to A.I.'s arrival.
	4. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-3) - Eight-game winning streak was snapped at Detroit, but the Cavs' role players are learning to play winning basketball behind LeBron and Mo.
	5. Denver Nuggets (8-4) - A didn't-see-that-one-coming win at Boston was followed by more predictable triumphs over Minnesota, Milwaukee and at San Antonio. Denver is 7-1 since acquiring Chauncey Billups.
	6. Orlando Magic (8-3) - Orlando has won four straight and eight of its last nine. A big reason why is the team's defense which has allowed just 93.0 points per game, good for third best in the East.
	7. Utah Jazz (8-4) - Playing without Boozer (strained left quad) and Williams (sprained left ankle) will test the Jazz. Fortunately, Andrei Kirilenko is experiencing a resurgence and C.J. Miles is playing at a high level.
	8. Phoenix Suns (8-5) - The Suns have been through the fire over the last week, but the going should get easier with games against Portland and at Oklahoma City and Minnesota this week.
	9. Atlanta Hawks (7-4) - Perhaps we were a bit too generous last week as the Hawks went on a downward spiral after we ranked them No. 3. Back-to-back losses to New Jersey were followed by a thumping at Indiana. A win over the Wizards righted the ship. Saturday's trip to Cleveland will be fun to watch.
	10. New Orleans Hornets (5-5) - It's tough to figure out why the Hornets have started so poorly. Since beginning the year 3-0 with wins over Phoenix and Cleveland, the Hornets have dropped five of their last seven including one at Charlotte and another at home to the Kings.
	11. Houston Rockets (7-5) - Houston has surrendered a league-best 89.5 points per game, and they get Yao back tonight at Washington. Just imagine the Rockets' defense with a healthy Shane Battier.
	12. Portland Trail Blazers (7-5) - The Blazers are turning the ball over less than any team in the NBA. Credit Steve Blake who is quietly putting together a solid season (9.4/1.5/3.8). Now, if he can only avoid those pesky cameramen...
	13. Toronto Raptors (6-5) - The Raptors welcomed Jose Calderon back to the lineup on Wednesday, and the team responded with a 101-95 win in Miami. Chris Bosh averaged 33.5 points in the two games that Calderon missed, but the team is better off with the Spaniard manning the point.
	14. New York Knicks (6-5) - At 4.16, Chris Duhon's assist-to-turnover ration is behind only Toronto's Jose Calderon. D'Antoni loves this guy, and his play is one of the main reasons the Knicks could afford to trade away Jamal Crawford. And with their leading scorer Zach Randolph departing with Mardy Collins, the LeBron sweepstakes now has a favorite.
	15. Indiana Pacers (5-5) - After giving one away to the Bulls on Saturday night, Danny Granger became a leader and willed his team to a 113-96 win over the Hawks on Tuesday.