Don't look now... but the 2 hottest teams in the league are making waves like no other...

The Portland Trailblazers (17-8) have burned the opposition on their way to the top of the Pacific and the league with an 8-game winning streak.  The tandem of Joe Johnson and Raja Bell have been very effective for Blazers, leading the team with a combined, potent 42.7 ppg average.  Both are launching treys with an average shooting clip of 40%.

The Sacramento Kings (17-12), on the other hand, have put together a scintillating 7 game run of their own.  Interestingly, the Kings prevented any of their opponents to score more than 98 points.  Sacramento's defense is 3rd best in the league in Points Allowed per Game, but is the league's most effective in forcing the most missed shots.

Atlantic

The Miami Heat has finally caught up with its cross-state rival, the Orlando Magic, to share the division's leadership position at 17-9.  Ron Mercer of the Heat is playing a career year this season, averaging 27.5 ppg, 5th best in the league and posting a career high 41 points vs the Clippers.  The Magic's Tony Parker, 3rd best scorer in Retro, is averaging a career best 29.1 ppg himself to spearhead Orlando's offense.

Central

The Milwaukee Bucks continue to hold on to the division lead, owning just a game advantage over the Pacers.  The Bucks have hit a road block of some sorts as they have lost 6 out of their last 10 outings.  Stephen Jackson's absence has taken its toll on the Bucks' firepower off the bench.  Jackson will be out for 29 more days.

The Pacers could've vaulted to the top spot in the Central if not for its back to back losses suffered against the Heat and the Blazers.

Midwest

The Mavericks and the 2-time Retro Champs, the Rockets, are tied at the helm in the Midwest.  The Mavericks have slowed down in the last 10 games while the Rockets are now finding their groove and poised to overtake the erstwhile upstart Dallas.

Jon Davis continue to be stellar for the Mavericks with his 30.5 ppg and 12.2 rpg averages.   JRichardson lead the Rockets campaign with his 25.8 ppg, ably backed up by Bradley's 18.8 ppg, 13.3 rpg, and 3.3 bpg norm.

Player of the Week

Carlos Arroyo of the Bullets

DISCUSS