Tribune Power Rankings

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Through Friday

No. 1 Cleveland (55-15)

Already clinched division

No. 2 L.A. Lakers (51-18)

Appear back on track

No. 3 Dallas (46-22)

Terry returns from injury

No. 4 Orlando (49-21)

Eight-game streak over

No. 5 Denver (47-22)

Five-game trip ahead

No. 6 Utah (44-25)

Next five against East

No. 7 Boston (44-24)

Fighting for No. 3 seed

No. 8 Phoenix (43-26)

Scored 152 on 'Wolves

No. 9 Oklahoma City (42-25)

Harden out 2-4 weeks

No. 10 San Antonio (41-26)

Struggles without Parker

No. 11 Atlanta (44-24)

Teague getting minutes

No. 12 Portland (42-28)

Next: Suns, Mavericks

No. 13 Milwaukee (37-30)

The difference? Defense

No. 14 Houston (35-32)

On a roll, but too late?

No. 15 Memphis (36-33)

Costly loss to Rockets

No. 16 Charlotte (35-33)

Jordan becomes owner

No. 17 Miami (35-34)

Wright back after DUI

No. 18 Toronto (33-34)

Bosh beats the Hawks

No. 19 New Orleans (33-37)

Paul close to returning

No. 20 Chicago (31-37)

Will Del Negro survive?

No. 21 Sacramento (23-46)

Still trying for Westphal

No. 22 L.A. Clippers (26-43)

Woke up vs. Bucks

No. 23 Philadelphia (24-45)

Jordan's future in doubt

No. 24 New York (25-44)

Ended Mavs' win streak

No. 25 Indiana (23-46)

Four years, no playoffs

No. 26 Detroit (23-46)

What will Dumars do?

No. 27 Washington (21-46)

Played 5 in 6 nights

No. 28 Golden State (19-49)

Nelson nears record

No. 29 Minnesota (14-56)

Finished 2-2 vs. Jazz

No. 30 New Jersey (7-61)

Can still make history

three-pointers

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Quick shots

Home team » After L.A. edged Sacramento at rowdy Arco Arena, Kings coach Paul Westphal said, "It's fantastic to have the building full, but there were too many Laker fans for my taste."

Net worth » New Jersey needs two wins in its final 14 games to avoid the worst record in NBA history. "That's the only goal we should have," said Chris Douglas-Roberts.

Irish luck » Boston's 109-97 win over the Knicks on Wednesday was the Celtics' 11th straight at home on St. Patrick's Day. The streak dates back to 1968.

Taking Stock

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AARON BROOKS, Rockets

In back-to-back victories over Denver and Memphis, Brooks scored 62 points on 22-or-31 shooting. He hit the game-winning jumper against the Nuggets.

BEN GORDON, Pistons

In a 12-game stretch, Gordon averaged 8.8 points on 35-for-94 shooting, including 8-for-35 from the three-point line.

JASON MAXIELL, Pistons

In eight straight starts in place of injured center Ben Wallace, Maxiell averaged 10.9 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Ask the Expert

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Question » Last week, you said Jerry Sloan had a chance to be Coach of the Year. Any chance Deron Williams will be the MVP?

-- Joyce H

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Answer » No. Williams has put together a marvelous season. He's played hurt and he's produced big-time numbers. The Jazz would not be close to where they are right now without him. That said, the MVP race is going to be a two-man battle between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Because the Cavs will likely finish with a better record, I'd say James is the morning line favorite. If you want me to fill out a top five, I'd go with Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki and either Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant or Williams.

-- Steve Luhm