THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

RANKINGS, COMMENTS (WITH LAST WEEK’S RANK)

THEY’RE B-A-C-K

1. LAKERS (38-17)

Spurs and Suns start four 30-year-olds, Mavericks three, Lakers none. (T3)

2. DETROIT (40-15)

Saunders erupts as All-Starred-Out Pistons lose to Orlando, Milwaukee. (T1)

3. BOSTON (41-12)

Not quite comeback Celtics hoped for: KG averages 13 as they go 0-3. (T1)

4. SAN ANTONIO (37-17)

May re-sign Barry but unlike Stackhouse, he isn’t announcing it beforehand. (T3)

5. NEW ORLEANS (37-17)

Welcome to the West: Paul greases Kidd in his latest Mavericks debut, 31-8. (T3)

6. HOUSTON (35-20)

NBA’s hottest team: Wins in Cleveland, New Orleans make it 20 of 23. (9)

7. UTAH (36-20)

Still too soft, giving up 109 in win vs. Warriors, 114 in loss to Clippers. (T3)

BRAVE NEW WORLDS

8. PHOENIX (38-17)

Shaq goes one for five from floor in win over Celtics but takes 14 rebounds. (7)

9. DALLAS (36-19)

If things go south, may waive Devean George on general principle. (8)

10. DENVER (33-22)

Whoever upstairs tried to get Artest must really have it in for Karl. (11)

11. ORLANDO (35-22)

Were 13 for 20 on threes in win in Detroit, 9 for 28 on threes in loss in Toronto. (10)

12. GOLDEN STATE (33-22)

In Webber’s six starts, Warriors have been outscored by 24 in first quarters. (12)

13. CLEVELAND (31-24)

If Cavaliers started with this roster, they might be on heels of Celtics, Pistons. (13)

14. PORTLAND (29-26)

Winning season would be first in five years, but Trail Blazers have lost 10 of 14. (15)

15. TORONTO (29-24)

So desperate for big men, targeted Joe Smith, settled for Primo Brezec. (14)

16. SACRAMENTO (26-28)

Someone tell Kings they’re supposed to be in pieces: Just won 14 of 22. (16)

17. WASHINGTON (26-29)

Tell injured guys to take their time: 10 wins could get them in playoffs. (17)

STILL IN EAST RACE AND FUBAR

18. PHILADELPHIA (25-32)

76ers are all excited about making playoffs but they’re also on road. (18)

19. ATLANTA (22-31)

At last the Hawks have a point guard but are 1-3 in the Mike Bibby Era. (19)

20. NEW JERSEY (25-31)

Hold that rebuilding program: Devin Harris sidelined for two weeks. (21)

21. CHICAGO (22-32)

It took nine years to reach 49 wins. How long until they win 49 again? (20)

22. INDIANA (22-34)

Untouchables: Still no takers for the Wrong O’Neal, Party Time Tinsley (22)

FOULED UP BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION

23. MILWAUKEE (21-35)

Talented enough to make playoffs. Just need a heart, a brain and/or coach. (23)

24. CHARLOTTE (19-37)

Remember when Bobcats were 6-4 and season was dewy with promise? 13-33 since. (24)

25. CLIPPERS (19-34)

Dear Donald: Did I miss that trade for player who can get you to the playoffs? (25)

26. NEW YORK (17-38)

Next, food fights? Randolph throws cup of water at Robinson during timeout. (26)

27. MEMPHIS (14-41)

Bashed throughout universe for Gasol deal, Heisley keeps Miller, Lowry. (27)

28. SEATTLE (15-39)

With children in the key roles, NBA’s version of ‘Lord of the Flies.’ (28)

29. MINNESOTA (11-42)

With Foye back, No. 2 scorer McCants, who makes Wittman crazy, goes to bench. (29)

BLACK HOLE OF MIAMI

30. MIAMI (9-44)

Well, it took Michael and Scottie four seasons to win a title too. (30)