NBA: The team tracker #3

The latest standings:

1) LA Lakers: Nine straight and gunning for 10 against the Jazz. Everything seems to be going the Lakers' way - just ask the Heat who were sunk by Kobe's late 3. They hit the road again later in the week and a visit to Utah will test their resolve before a trip to the slumping Bulls. The streak might well still be going by the end of the week.

2) Boston Celtics: Kevin Garnett continues to make up for lost time and the Celtics are riding an eight-game winning streak. The defense looks rock solid and they are getting plenty of contributions offensively. Trips to Washington, Chicago and Memphis should pose few problems for Boston this week.

3) Orlando Magic: The Magic have not missed a beat since Jameer Nelson's injury, with Vince Carter and Dwight Howard taking control. A six-game winning run and nine victories from their last 10 has Orlando bang on track but this is a big week for the Magic with visits to Utah and Phoenix before ahome banker against the Pacers.

4) Denver Nuggets: Until the loss in Charlotte, the week was looking perfect. The win in San Antonio settled the road nerves and Chauncey Billups put in a masterclass against the Sixers to overshadow AI's return. Melo is still dominating but the Nuggets have work to do if they want to match the Lakers. Games against the Pistons, Suns and Thunder this week will tell us more.

5) Cleveland Cavaliers: The loss in Memphis was a shock but otherwise the Cavs are sailing along nicely. LeBron and his team-mates have been dancing their way to victories but find themselves two games back from Orlando and Boston. A tricky week awaits Mike Brown's team with games against Houston, Portland and Oklahoma City and the Cavs will not want to surrender more ground on the top two teams.

6) Dallas Mavericks: Winning against Phoenix was a big statement and went some way to repairing the damaging home loss to the Hawks. Dirk Nowitzki has been outstanding but there are a few consistency issues for the team to address. Home games with Charlotte and New Orleans this week give the Mavs a chance to strengthen their position in the West.

7) Atlanta Hawks: It has been an up and down week for the Hawks, picking up a big win in Dallas but falling to the Knicks. The feeling remains that the top three are a class apart and that fourth is their likeliest finish but Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and company can improve their record with games against Chicago, Toronto and New Jersey this week.

8) Phoenix Suns: Dropping their last two and fiveof their last 10 has led to question marks about the Suns' chances of lasting the pace. They have had a tough patch and things will get no easier with upcoming games against the streaking Magic, the Nuggets and the Spurs. Phoenix will need to lean once again on Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire as they try to stay in the hunt.

9) Utah Jazz: A big win in San Antonio made up for the loss to Minnesota and the Jazz have won eight of their last 10. Deron Williams continues to lead from the front and Utah are now three games back from division leaders Denver. They may struggle to close that gap, though, with games against the Lakers (twice) and Orlando ahead.

10) Oklahoma City Thunder: Still going strong after solid wins over the Sixers and Warriors. Their progress has been exceptional this year and, with the Spurs and Hornets struggling, a top eight spot is within reach. But after facing the Grizzlies on Friday, the Thunder take on the Cavs and Nuggets in games that will further assess their playoff potential.