With 3 weeks into the new NBA season, teams battle for domination and we get a good look at the playoff contenders. Although it may still be hard to predict which 16 teams will be making the playoffs, we still are able to assess the teams that are on course. Starting from the top:

1. LA Lakers (6-0) - With Bynum back in the lineup and a deep bench (not to mention the chip on their shoulder from the finals), the Lakers are looking to make a statement and lead the way as 1 of 2 undefeated teams left.
2. Boston Celtics (7-1) - With only a slip-up against the Pacers, the C's look like they are back on track as they have won their last 4 games.
3. Atlanta Hawks (6-0) - Starting the season undefeated and a couple of impressive wins against the Hornets and Raptors will get you to the #3
spot.
4. Utah Jazz (6-1) Even without starter Deron Williams they Jazz have been able to get the W's.
5. Cleveland Cavs (6-2) - LeBron has turned up the heat in the past couple games and has shown teams he means business.
6. NO Hornets (4-2) - Despite a few injuries the team faces, New Orleans seems to moving along at their normal space.
7. Phoenix Suns (6-2) - Now that Shaq has picked up the pace, the suns are one of the most threatening teams in the paint.
8. Detroit Pistons (5-2) - Is Allen Iverson the new 'Answer' to this team getting back over the hump?
9. Houston Rockets (4-3) - With newly acquired Ron Artest and superstars Yao Ming and TMac, the rockets SHOULD have what it takes to go far.
10. Orlando Magic (4-3) - This was a toss-up between the them and the Rockets. Since the Magic are a younger team and have an easier conference, they take this spot.

Back on Feb. 5, 2008, Kobe tore a ligament in his right pinkie against a game with the New Jersey Nets. Since then, Kobe was able to lead his team to the NBA finals, win his first MVP award, and help lead Team USA to a gold medal. His initial plan was to get surgery done on it after the Olympics, but now he has decided to hold off on that until who knows when. Kobe has said that he has spoken with several hand specialists and feels the best move for his team is to forgo surgery. Had he stuck to the original plan and received surgery, it was estimated that Kobe would miss 4-6 weeks of regular season play - a number too high in his mind.

        WEST                         EAST______
1. New Orleans (55-23)       1. Boston (62-16)
2. LA Lakers (54-25)           2. Detroit (55-23)
3. Houston (53-25)             3. Orlando (49-29)
4. SA Spurs (53-25)            4. Cleveland (43-35)
5. Phoenix (53-26)              5. Washington (41-37)
6. Utah (52-27)                  6. Philadelphia  (40-38)
7. Dallas (50-29)                7. Toronto (39-39)
8. Denver (48-31)              8. Atlanta (36-42)

With only 2 regular season games left for most teams, this is pretty much how the playoff rankings will go. However, since the western conference is so tight and 1 loss is all it takes to drop you anywhere from 1 to 4 ranks, there is potential for a whole difference playoff lineup than showed above. I don't think the NBA has ever had  so many teams with records so close to each other. This should make for one of the best playoff contentions ever.