NBA: The team tracker #1

1) LA Lakers: Pau Gasol is back and suddenly they are top of the West. Solid wins over Detroit, Chicago and New York sets the Lakers up for a three- day rest. Andrew Bynum is putting up big numbers and Kobe has already managed one 40-point night. Plus, they are still gelling and will improve over the coming weeks.

2) Atlanta: Adding Jamal Crawford is looking an inspired move. The Hawks are on course to push the East's top three all the way, as shown by victories over Boston, Denver and Portland. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and company can further enhance their credentials against the Magic this week.

3) Orlando: Despite injuries and Rashard Lewis' suspension, the Magic are off to a hot start. Their trip to Atlanta on Thursday has leadership of the division at stake while a visit to Milwaukee will be another test of character. The injury to Jameer Nelson is a blow but will not derail them so long as Vince Carter keeps up his scoring.

4) Phoenix: They continue to surprise with their fast start. But can they maintain it? Steve Nash is leading by example and the wins keep coming. After pounding the Pistons at the weekend, there are few demons to be found in upcoming games against Memphis and Minnesota.

5) Dallas: The Mavs have taken charge in the Southwest. Dirk Nowitzki is pouring in points and Shawn Marion is looking a good fit. The loss to the Warriors was a shock on their own floor but things are generally on the up - especially with Josh Howard still not fully fit. Games in Houston and Cleveland will tell us more about their potential over the next few days.

6) Denver: Melo is flying and he is dragging the Nuggets with him. Chauncey Billups is having a quiet patch in terms of points but JR Smith is heating up along with bright spark rookie Ty Lawson. A stretch against the T'Wolves, Knicks and Warriors should boost their record. But there are some issues to address on the road where they are 4-4.

7) Cleveland: They are not exactly pulling up trees as yet but it was bound to take time for Shaq and Anthony Parker to bed in. Meanwhile, LeBron's number are not suffering and he has been clinical in the fourth quarter. Wins in Miami and Orlando bode well but they will have to step things up for the visit of Dallas at the weekend.

8) Portland: The Blazers are still figuring out what to do with Andre Miller but the wins keep coming. Despite a blip at Golden State, Brandon Roy and company have put their 2-3 start behind them. A busy end to the week sees routine home games with New Jersey and Memphis before the crunch divisional clash with Utah.

9) Boston: Even Doc Rivers admits that the Celtics have been playing badly. They escaped in OT against the Knicks and took a painful loss at home to Orlando, provoking questions about the age of the group. They are still top of the Atlantic Division though and will fancy their chances at home to the 76ers and Raptors this week.

10) Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings has made the Bucks the surprise of the season thus far, fighting the Cavs for top spot in the Central Division. The expected slump has yet to materialise. Trips to New Orleans and Oklahoma will put the upstarts to the test this week.