The Times’ NBA rankings

BEN BOLCH’S RANKINGS, COMMENTS THROUGH SATURDAY

SEEDED NO. 1
1. CHICAGO (34-9) Playoffs shaping up as a Bulls market for first time since 1998. (2)
2. OKLAHOMA CITY (32-9) Cleveland loss shows slow-mo mode can ground lightning-quick Thunder. (3)
3. MIAMI (31-9) Trying to get Pat Robertson on board as advisor for “The .700 Club.” (1)
4. SAN ANTONIO (26-13) At 2-3 on this homestand, Spurs continually left at a loss for explanations. (4)

BOUND FOR A REGIONAL CLOSE TO HOME
5. ORLANDO (26-15) Rest of NBA hopes Magic takes a just-do-it approach to Dwight Howard trade. (6)
6. INDIANA (23-15) After SI article, one may think Pacers more balanced than Cirque du Soleil. (7)
7. CLIPPERS (23-15) Michael Olowokandi still considered promising last time team won in San Antonio. (5)
8. LAKERS (24-16) Barring overhaul, D.C. trips won’t include White House visits any time soon. (9)
9. MEMPHIS (23-16) Obama may take credit for food safety system overhaul, Grizzlies’ surge. (11)
10. PHILADELPHIA (24-17) In 10 years, the legendary Harvey Pollack can scrawl “100” on his birthday cake. (8)
11. ATLANTA (23-17) Don’t hurry back: Joe Johnson returns just in time for loss to lowly Pistons. (13)
12. DENVER (23-18) Chris “Birdman” Anderson makes a peep with Timofey Mozgov, Kosta Koufos out. (14)

HOPING TO AVOID A PLAY-IN GAME
13. DALLAS (23-20) Lamar Odom being cast for lead role in “Mav-wrecks, Part Deux.” (10)
14. BOSTON (21-18) It won’t be long before Paul Pierce, teammates are in wheelchairs for good. (18)
15. HOUSTON (22-19) Recent losing streak reads like reverse countdown: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. (12)
16. MINNESOTA (21-21) Ricky Rubio’s season-ending injury a downer for NBA’s top feel-good story. (15)

LAST FOUR OUT
17. UTAH (19-21) Season more convoluted than MTV’s short-lived “The Brothers Grunt.” (19)
18. PORTLAND (20-21) At this rate, Jamal Crawford better served playing for Idaho Stampede. (16)
19. PHOENIX (19-21) Creeping back toward .500 with this group shows miracles do happen. (20)
20. NEW YORK (18-22) Why did they want this guy again? Knicks 2-6 since Carmelo Anthony’s return. (17)

DANCING WITH THEMSELVES
21. GOLDEN STATE (16-21) New Warriors marketing campaign: “Come see the best of the worst!” (21)
22. CLEVELAND (15-23) Rookie-of-year voting will make ’84 presidential race seem tight. (23)
23. MILWAUKEE (16-24) Strange brew of misfits somehow creeping up on Knicks for final playoff spot. (22)
24. DETROIT (15-26) Not much fight in Metta World Peace (four points) in return to the Palace. (26)
25. SACRAMENTO (14-26) Kings gladly preparing to leave the former Arco Arena on empty. (24)
26. TORONTO (13-27) Not best time to remind Kevin O’Neill that DeMar DeRozan could be USC senior. (25)
27. NEW JERSEY (14-28) Snooki’s pregnancy overshadows team expecting only high lottery pick. (27)
28. WASH. (9-30) Team Dysfunction looked cohesive compared to the Lakers. (29)
29. NEW ORL. (10-31) Leaving Kansas early for this mess ensures March Madness for Xavier Henry. (28)

NO SHINING MOMENTS
30. CHARLOTTE (5-34) Only team in NBA history that could leave the Onion at a loss for words. (30)