5.Houston Rockets: Shane Battier isn't one of the Rockets' "Big Three." But Battier is a key contributor and an all-around player who can knock down a 3-pointer and play defense with the best of them. Battier had surgery on his left foot during the off-season and only returned this week. The Rockets' star trio of Tracy McGrady (knee), Yao Ming (ankle) and Ron Artest (ankle) have all been hobbled at times this season too. Still, Houston hasn't had a real problem yet on the court, as the Rockets are right in the thick of the battle in the Southwest Division.

6.New York Knicks: How bad was the injury situation for new Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni? So bad that he was wanting point guard Stephon Marbury on the court. Quentin Richardson (bruised forearm), Nate Robinson (groin), Cuttino Mobley (heart condition), Al Harrington (back) are just some of the maladies the Knicks have been dealing with of late. After a strong start to the season, the Knicks entered Saturday night's game under .500.

7.Sacramento Kings: Kevin Martin, the team's best player, has been able to play in only seven of 18 games this season because of an ankle injury. In addition, forward Francisco Garcia (calf) missed the team's first 17 games. Center Brad Miller has been hobbled this season as well, missing five games. The injuries, especially the one to Martin, is a big reason the Kings have struggled to a 5-13 start.

8.Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks were the talk of the NBA after a 6-0 start to the season. Since then, however, Atlanta went 3-6 through Friday night's games. Part of the problem has been injuries to star forward Josh Smith (ankle) and guard Joe Johnson (sprained toe). Smith has played in just four games, but is expected to return next week. Johnson has played through his toe injury, but it seems to have affected his effectiveness. He went 12-for-42 in the three games prior to Saturday night's contest at Washington.

9.Milwaukee Bucks: Michael Redd, who was on the U.S. Olympic team for his outside shooting touch, had played in just four games this season due to an ankle injury. Milwaukee has missed his scoring, but he is returning soon. Redd isn't the only Buck that has been slowed by being hurt. Ex-Ute Andrew Bogut (bruised knee), Luke Ridnour (knee) and Charlie Villanueva (hamstring) have been hobbling around too. Not surprisingly, the Bucks wereonly 7-11 entering Saturday night's game vs. Cleveland.

10.Dallas Mavericks: Up-and-coming forward Josh Howard, the Mavs' second leading scorer, has missed six games with an ankle injury. In addition, veteran shooting guard Jerry Stackhouse has only appeared in eight games this year because of an injured right heel. Even before his injury, however, Stackhouse was unhappy in his role with the team and he has asked to be traded. Dallas, which was one of the top teams in the NBA not too long ago, is now struggling to be a .500 club.

The good news for all these teams is that the season is only a month old. There is plenty of time for most of the injured guys to heal and have productive campaigns.

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E-mail: lojo@desnews.com