1. Lakers: More trouble for the league when Kobe, not Shaq, gets devastating blocks.

2. Mavericks: Refs working Dallas game won't be expecting any Cuban cigars.

3. Rockets: Things are going so fine for Rudy that Rice gets applause for his defense.

4. Bucks: Karl moans about Cassell's lack of respect for game, then watches Big Dog flash his defensive teeth and Allen flash his threes.

5. Spurs: Popovich has to lift the hood and oil that creaking defensive rotation ? it's skipping a man beyond the arc.

6. Kings: Stojakovic and Divac, star and his mentor/idol, must guard the throne until King Webber returns.

7. Hornets: They have won 500 games, but will they play another 100 in Charlotte?

8. Magic: Hill has spring in his step, but Ewing is deep in the winter of his career.