The RFR would like to dedicate this post to Abe Pollin, the longtime owner of the Washington Wizards who died Tuesday at age 85.

Fire
Orlando Magic- After a slump a couple of weeks ago, Orlando has won five straight and are tied for the Southeast Division and Eastern Conference lead with Atlanta. Rashard Lewis is back and Jason Williams is doing very well in place of an injured Jameer Nelson.
LA Lakers- Los Angeles is on a four game win streak and has tied Phoenix for the Pacific Division and Western Conference lead also at 11-3. The surge has been led by the returning Pau Gasol, who scored 11 points and grabbed 16 boards among the five LA starters in double figures in a 100-90 win over the Knicks.
LeBron James- His Kingness over the past week has averaged 35 points, eight assists and six rebounds as the Cavaliers have won eight of 10 to maintain the lead in the Central Division.
Mavericks Forwards- In Dallas’ 10-4 start, Dirk Nowitzki and Drew Gooden have been integral parts. Dirk has averaged 30 points and nine rebounds over the last week and Gooden has averaged 13 and 13. By the way, Jason Kidd has averaged seven points, eight rebounds and 11 assists over that span.
Golden State Warriors- The Warriors have won two in a row and have gotten great weeks from Monta Ellis and Anthony Morrow. Third place in the Pacific is in reach and perhaps playoff contention in the west.
Ice
New Jersey Nets- Make that 0-14 for New Jersey after a 101-87 loss to Denver in which only three Nets reached double figures led by 19 each from Devin Harris and Rafer Alston. There’s no light at the end of the tunnel for these guys and the losing streak record is within reach but could be bested by the…
…Minnesota Timberwolves- The T-Wolves have dropped 13 in a row after winning their opening game, and fell to the Clippers on Monday night. They’re getting outscored 102-88 this season on average.
Detroit Pistons- I don’t remember the last time the Pistons were in last place, but after a five game skid they are right there. They’re only scoring 92.5 per game and really miss Chauncey Billups. Rodney Stuckey is not getting it done at the point.
Indiana Pacers- After a hot 5-3 start, Indiana has lost four straight and are barely ahead of Detroit in the battle for fourth place in the Central Division. They allowed seven Raptors to score in double figured in a 123-112 loss on Tuesday, and TJ Ford is having a subpar season thus far. Unless Ford or Earl Watson step it up, they’re going to have problems at the point.
Sacramento Kings- Sacto has lost four straight and are on their way to the Pacific cellar. They give up 106.1 points per game, which is 27th in the NBA. They’re not good enough offensively to play defense that poorly.