Oklahoma City More

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-12; last week's ranking: 1): Injured guard Russell Westbrook could return to action against the Heat on Thursday. The Thunder were 22-8 without him.







Indiana More

2. Indiana Pacers (40-12; last week's ranking: 2): Source said Larry Bird asked newcomer Andrew Bynum if he truly wanted to be a contributor before signing him. Bynum answered yes.







Miami More

3. Miami Heat (37-14; last week's ranking: 3): There was little rest for All-Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh as they flew to Dallas late Sunday night and practiced Monday.







Houston More

4. Houston Rockets (36-17; last week's ranking: 7): Houston would love to trade center Omer Asik, and a source said it is actively shopping Jeremy Lin as well. Both, however, have pricey contracts.

Los Angeles More

5. Los Angeles Clippers (37-18; last week's ranking: 4): Their three-game winning streak will be tested with games at home against San Antonio and at Memphis and Oklahoma City.







San Antonio More

6. San Antonio Spurs (38-15; last week's ranking: 5): San Antonio entered the All-Star break splitting its past 10 games. It doesn’t get easier with games at Clippers, Portland and Phoenix up next.







Portland More

7. Portland Trail Blazers (36-17; last week's ranking: 6): Kudos to Damian Lillard for completing all five events during NBA All-Star weekend without showing any fatigue. To be young.







Dallas More

8. Dallas Mavericks (32-22; last week's ranking: 10): The Mavs are gun-shy about making a big trade since it could add losses as the team adapts, thus affecting hopes of making the playoffs.











Phoenix More

9. Phoenix Suns (30-21; last week's ranking: 8): So what is the key to the Suns’ success? Goran Dragic says they have the best team chemistry off the court of any team he has ever been on.







Golden State More

10. Golden State Warriors (31-22; last week's ranking: 9): Golden State executives have told forward Harrison Barnes that, barring a blockbuster offer, he will not be traded before Thursday's deadline, sources said.







Memphis More

11. Memphis Grizzlies (29-23; last week's ranking: 11): The improving Grizzlies have the ninth-best record in the West, but entered the All-Star break having won seven of the past 10.







Toronto More

12. Toronto Raptors (28-24; last week's ranking: 12): Source said coach Dwane Casey, in the last year of his contract, has strongly impressed first-year general manager Masai Ujiri.







Chicago More

13. Chicago Bulls (27-25; last week's ranking: 14): The Bulls were probably disappointed to hear the news that the Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony would prefer to re-sign in the offseason.







Washington More

14. Washington Wizards (25-27; last week's ranking: 15): The Wizards are desperately seeking a veteran backup guard. Denver’s Andre Miller could be a great fit behind John Wall.







Atlanta More

15. Atlanta Hawks (25-26; last week's ranking: 12): The Hawks’ organist stole the show at the All-Star Game by playing hip-hop. It’s a happy listening medium for young and old fans.







Minnesota More

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (25-28; last week's ranking: 17): The Wolves have interest in acquiring a backup point guard, but are more worried about improving their defense than a trade.







Brooklyn More

17. Brooklyn Nets (24-27; last week's ranking: 18): Oakland native Jason Kidd makes his first return back home as a head coach when the Nets play at Golden State on Saturday.







Denver More

18. Denver Nuggets (24-27; last week's ranking: 17): The Nuggets will be one of the teams to watch as the trade deadline approaches with veteran point guard Andre Miller still waiting to be dealt.







Story continues