NBA Sunday

Unfortunately for Minnesota, Milicic's statistical renown ends at blocks, as he is still showing an inability to rebound.

—New York Times News Service

Who's hot

Portland Trail Blazers: They have won six straight games for the first time since November of 2009, and they'll get starters Brandon Roy and Marcus Camby back soon after the All-Star break.

Golden State Warriors: They have won seven of their last nine games. They've also defeated the last six teams they've played with winning records, including the Jazz on Wednesday.

Dwight Howard, Magic: He has shot at least 80 percent from the field and scored more than 30 points in his last two games.

Who's not

Atlanta Hawks: They lost three of four before the All-Star break and are an average 8-7 in their last 15 games.

Utah Jazz: At 4-13 in their last 17 games, they've been one of the worst teams in the league during that stretch.

Los Angeles Lakers: Reigning NBA champs followed up a solid stretch with losses to the Magic, Bobcats and Cavaliers. That's the same Cavs team they beat by 55 points earlier this season.

Paul Pierce, Celtics: Scored one point on 0-for-10 shooting against the Heat.

MVP watch

1. Derrick Rose, Bulls: Kept Chicago afloat despite injuries before the break.

2. LeBron James, Heat: Numbers are ridiculous in recent weeks.

3. Dwight Howard, Magic: Efficient on offense and dominant on defense. He still can struggle at the free-throw line though.

4. Kevin Durant, Thunder: Can score in different ways, and leads a team that will be a difficult out in the playoffs.

5. Amare Stoudemire, Knicks: Presence has helped Knicks matter again.

By the numbers

10 — The New York Knicks, at 28-26, have a winning record at the All-Star break for the first time in 10 seasons.

30/10 — When Phoenix's Channing Frye had 31 points and 11 rebounds against the Jazz on Tuesday, it was the first 30/10 game of his career. He has played in 413 games.

99 — The Lakers hadn't lost a regular season game by 20 points in 99 contests before they were routed 109-89 by the Bobcats on Monday night.

16 — Minnesota has been beaten 16 straight times by two teams — the Spurs and Blazers.