25. Toronto Raptors (26): Look past the fact that the Raptors became the NBA’s third team to hit 40 losses on the season this week, and look at how good Bargnani has been playing this month: 25 PPG, 47 percent from the field and 89.2 percent from the charity stripe.
24. Detroit Pistons (23): It was a tough week for the Pistons, who drew San Antonio, Miami and Portland (all losses), but they showed a strong effort in each of the contests and rookie Greg Monroe continues to remind folk of a young Chris Webber.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (22): One would think, that with a healthy Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut and Corey Maggette, this Bucks team should at least be in playoff contention; however, they haven’t been able to score more than 98 points since an overtime win against Toronto on Jan. 28. They play good defense (there’s the love), but not good enough to offset their struggles on the other end of the floor.
22. Los Angeles Clippers (24): Until Eric Gordon returns, the Blakers are probably going to float around the mid-20s. Blake Griffin is still a monster, and barring injury he’s only going to get scarier as time passes. However, with any shot at the playoffs now down the drain, it might not be so bad for the Clippers to enjoy another high pick in the draft.
21. Charlotte Bobcats (21): Even at 47 years old, Michael Jordan scrimmaging with the Bobcats sounds more exciting to watch than a Bobcats vs. Nets or Pacers game. But the Cats went 2-2 this week, including a five-point win over the Celtics, so MJ doesn’t need to come out of retirement just yet.
NEXT: 20-16