| | Rankings as of Tuesday, Dec. 21
|  | | Kidd and the Suns shoot up in the rankings. |
After what the Heat did to us (and themselves) last week, we'll just be happy if the Lakers are competitive in the Christmas day game against the Spurs. With Shaq continuing to post amazing numbers, the Lakers are tough to beat. We've returned them to the top spot, despite the efforts of their superstitious fans who think our top spot is jinxed.
The Heat? Well, they dropped a few spots, but they'll probably run off a big win streak now that the pressure's off. At least that's what their fans tell us via e-mail.
Strange stat: As of Tuesday, every Central team was on a losing streak. Weird, but we still gave props to Charlotte, which is finally looking like a contender for the Eastern crown. While the Kings' major drop still has them safely in the playoffs, lose a few in the East and it's serious.
Anyway, here are the ESPN.com Power Rankings as of Dec. 21. With Santa on the prowl this week, our theme for comments is Christmas wishes. Whether you're a Laker fan or not, let us know your thoughts by clicking here and giving us a few Rank Comments of your own. But please remember that these rankings were compiled Tuesday morning and anything that happens beginning Tuesday night will not be reflected.
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Team (Record)
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Last week
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Pvs.
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Christmas wishes
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1. Lakers (22-5)
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5-0
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2
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Karl Malone, or even the old A.C. Green; A bigger rim on free throws
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2. Blazers (18-7)
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1-2
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3
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Sabonis circa 1985; Bill Walton circa 1977; Stoudamire circa 1997
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3. Suns (17-7)
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4-0
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10
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Health; Amazing how a seizure and plantar whatever spurns a win streak
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4. Sonics (18-7)
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3-1
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7
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Keeping Payton happy; Really, 18-7 is about all they could've wished for
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5. Spurs (18-8)
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3-1
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5
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A really good chiropractor for Admiral, and a bad agent for Duncan
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6. Hornets (16-8)
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3-1
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9
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That DC and Mase don't kill each other; That Eddie decides to stay
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7. Nuggets (13-11)
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3-1
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13
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That the bubble doesn't burst; That Issel shoots higher than 8th seed
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8. Knicks (16-10)
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3-1
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11
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To prove that run to the Finals wasn't a fluke; Terrell Brandon
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9. Pacers (15-9)
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2-2
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4
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A trip to the Finals and a proper sendoff for Larry, and likely Reggie
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10. Jazz (16-9)
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3-2
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6
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An autographed photo of Michael Jordan, now that he's not in the way
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11. Heat (16-8)
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1-3
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1
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Miracle surgery that gives Tim Hardaway his knee cartilage back
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12. 76ers (14-13)
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3-1
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14
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Peace, love and harmony between Iverson and Brown; Tracy McGrady
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13. Bucks (14-11)
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3-1
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16
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Bob Lanier, or any post player with moves; A live body for Tractor
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14. Kings (13-9)
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1-3
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8
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At this point, a playoff berth; A shooting guard who can shoot
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15. Magic (13-11)
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3-1
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18
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For Grant Hill and Tim Duncan to buy a house in Orlando
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16. Raptors (13-11)
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1-3
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12
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More defense to go with the dunks; Experience; A decent point guard
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17. Nets (8-17)
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3-1
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21
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They've already gotten it: Better play from Steph, Keith and Kerry
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18. Pistons (12-13)
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2-2
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22
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Bison back in the middle, or some other big man to post up
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19. Wolves (9-13)
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2-3
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23
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Fans to realize Garnett is an amazing player, even if team's struggling
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20. Wizards (8-17)
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2-1
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24
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Strickland attitude adjustment; Their coach to stop using the word soft
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21. Hawks (10-14)
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1-3
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20
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J.R. to keep playing well; Terry to develop now; Lenny to stick around
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22. Cavaliers (11-13)
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1-4
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15
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Kemp to drop Chalupa and visit Weight Watchers; Ilgauskas' health
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23. Rockets (8-17)
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1-2
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25
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A new era, a new building and a new style; More huge Cato games
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24. Celtics (10-14)
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0-5
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17
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For Antoine, Paul and Vitaly to be the next Larry, Kevin and Robert
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25. Warriors (6-18)
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2-2
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27
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Less talk about Spree and more focus on Antawn, Adonal and Caffey
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26. Mavericks (8-18)
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0-4
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19
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Better coaching; Team with this much talent should win more games
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27. Clippers (6-18)
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1-3
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26
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Same as Mavs; Lamar to stay; A few points, and wins, against Lakers
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28. Grizzlies (6-18)
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2-1
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28
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Better decisions on draft day; Vancouver campaign on why to go
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29. Bulls (2-20)
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0-4
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29
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10 wins; More Michael, Scottie and Phil, less Rusty, Dedric and Kornel
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ALSO SEE
NBA Power Rankings, Dec. 14
NBA Power Rankings, Dec. 7
NBA Power Rankings, Nov. 30
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