NBA Sunday

NBA rankings

1. Los Angeles Lakers: Owners of NBA's best record have only played four road games, though.

2. Boston Celtics: Successful road trip included a victory over Spurs in San Antonio.

3. Orlando Magic: In midst of tough West trip including games vs. Jazz and Suns this week.

4. Denver Nuggets: Appear back on track after stunning home loss to Minnesota Sunday.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Cavs are 5-0 vs. Western Conference teams so far this season.

6. Dallas Mavericks: Set a franchise record by shooting 81 percent in first half against Nets.

7. Phoenix Suns: Inexplicably got blown out in a game by the lowly Knicks last week.

8. Atlanta Hawks: Their 146 points scored vs. Raptors was most since the 1992-93 season.

9. Portland Trail Blazers: Greg Oden is playing well and the Blazers' fans are excited about it.

10. Utah Jazz: Favorable schedule helped them win 7 of 8 games before T-Wolves' debacle.

Game of the week

Magic at Jazz

Dwight Howard and Co. will make their lone appearance at EnergySolutions Arena on Thursday night for another of those late-starting (8:30 p.m. tip), TNT-televised battles. For Utah, the game against Orlando will be sandwiched between games against the Lakers.

According to an Associated Press report earlier this week, Southwest Ohio authorities said ex-Jazz swingman Kirk Snyder was "transferred to a mental health facility after being ordered back to jail for allegedly removing an electronic monitor.

"Snyder pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in April to felonious assault and aggravated burglary charges stemming from a home break-in, and the 26-year-old was wearing the device while awaiting trial."

Snyder, taken 16th overall by Utah in the first round in the 2004 NBA Draft, also played for New Orleans, Houston and Minnesota. ...