1. LeBron James, Cavs	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		61	38.9	.503	.349	.775	1.6	1.0	7.1	8.5	29.9	31.9
	The best player on the best team will get props for keeping the Cavs on top without Shaquille O'Neal (injury) and Zydrunas Ilgauskas (how many more days until he returns?). (Last week: 1 | Team record: 47-14)

	2. Kevin Durant, Thunder	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		58	39.8	.479	.384	.883	1.4	0.9	7.6	2.9	29.7	25.3
	He has scored at least 21 in 32 straight games. Will the Blazers' drafting Greg Oden ahead of KD be remembered the same way as the Blazers' drafting Sam Bowie ahead of MJ? (Last week: 2 | Team record: 35-23)

	3. Kobe Bryant, Lakers	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		55	38.8	.459	.326	.821	1.7	0.3	5.3	4.8	27.5	22.8
	In his last three games, he has made just 19 of 56 shots, including going 0-for-6 on 3s. His 12 assists against Denver are proof he can beat you in a number of ways. (Last week: 3 | Team record: 45-15)

	4. Dwight Howard, Magic	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		61	35.1	.601	.000	.615	1.0	2.8	13.2	1.6	18.5	23.9
	Early foul trouble has slowed him down lately. He is leading the NBA in three categories (double-doubles, rebounds and blocks) and is second for the FG percentage title. (Last week: 4 | Team record: 41-20)

	5. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		60	37.9	.479	.360	.906	0.9	1.1	7.8	2.6	25.2	23.0
	The reigning POW is on fire, averaging 31 points and nine rebounds the past five games for the Mavs, who are the hottest team in the league since making the trade. (Last week: 8 | Team record: 40-21)

	6. C. Anthony, Nuggets	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		47	37.9	.455	.339	.829	1.3	0.4	6.3	3.4	28.6	22.8
	Much has been written about Ron Artest's defense on Anthony, but when he gets going, nobody can stop him. Read this for a breakdown of his offensive game. (Last week: 6 | Team record: 39-21)

	7. Steve Nash, Suns	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		61	33.6	.510	.426	.940	0.5	0.2	3.3	11.2	17.3	22.6
	The league leader in assists is known for his decision-making, but his choice to pass up the 3 at the end of Sunday's loss to the Spurs was unlike the two-time MVP. (Last week: 5 | Team record: 38-24)

	8. Joe Johnson, Hawks	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		59	38.1	.464	.370	.834	1.1	0.1	4.8	4.6	21.7	19.7
	In Atlanta's win against Milwaukee on Sunday, Johnson showed how clutch he is, scoring nine of his 24 points in overtime -- including seven in a row at one point. (Last week: 9 | Team record: 38-21)

	9. Tim Duncan, Spurs	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		55	32.2	.518	.143	.742	0.6	1.7	10.9	3.1	19.2	26.6
	He is third in the league in PER and has been as consistent as ever. Nobody mentions the Spurs as contenders in the West, but if healthy, they are dangerous. (Last week: NR | Team record: 34-24)

	10. Deron Williams, Jazz	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	RPG	AST	PTS	PER
		54	37.1	.473	.369	.784	1.1	0.3	4.1	10.1	18.4	20.1
	Watching him struggle Monday against the Clippers, you knew something was wrong. He later admitted his wrist has been bothering him and he is playing through the injury. (Last week: 10 | Team record: 38-22)

Awards Watch: Nov. 17 | 24 | Dec. 1 | 8 | 15 | 22 | 29 | Jan. 5 | 12 | 19 | 26 | Feb. 2 | 9 | 23

Brooks

1. Aaron Brooks, Rockets: The addition of Kevin Martin hasn't hurt Brooks' offensive production at all -- he is averaging 23.4 points, 6.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds in his past five games. (Last week: 1)

2. Josh Smith, Hawks: He has been getting props for his consistently good defensive play and improved shot selection, but he has been on a scoring, rebounding and passing tear lately, too, averaging 20.4 points, 12.6 rebounds and 5.6 over his last five games. (Last week: 2)

3. Carl Landry, Kings: As if his MIP candidacy needed a boost, he is playing more minutes in Sacramento than he was in Houston, which should equal better stats across the board. (Last week: 4)

4. Marc Gasol, Grizzlies: At this stage in their careers, it may seem like a bit of a stretch, but with the way that Marc has improved from Year 1 to Year 2, will he end up being better than Pau? (Last week: 3)

5. Russell Westbrook, Thunder: Kevin Durant rightfully gets most of the credit for the Thunder's remarkable season, but not to be completely overlooked is the play of Westbrook, who is taking better care of the ball and has become a quality decision-maker. (Last week: NR)

Howard

1. Dwight Howard, Magic: His streak of 20 straight games with a double-double has been followed by two straight duds. Regardless, he is still the league's top rebounder and shot-blocker by a large margin. (Last week: 1)

2. Ron Artest, Lakers: If you need proof of his work, hit play on the DVR and watch how he frustrated Carmelo Anthony on Sunday when the Lakers topped the Nuggets. (Last week: 3)

3. Gerald Wallace, Bobcats: He is one of only 11 players in the league averaging more than 10 rebounds (8.6 defensive boards) per game. (Last week: 2)

4. Andrew Bogut, Bucks: The Most Improved Player of the Year candidate is averaging a career high in points (16.0), rebounds (10.5), blocks (2.3) and free throw shooting (63.5). He is in the top five in the league in drawing charges and second in blocked shots. (Last week: NR)

5. Josh Smith, Hawks: Numbers don't lie: He is fifth in blocks (2.05) and 12th in steals (1.66). (Last week: 5)

Brooks

1. Scott Brooks, Thunder: Barring a total collapse by Oklahoma City, this award is going to Brooks. How can you argue his selection with the way the Thunder have performed? (Last week: 1)

2. Nate McMillan, Blazers: In a season full of adversity, Nate is thrilled that Brandon Roy is once again playing like Brandon Roy and as a result, Portland has won four of five. (Last week: 2)

3. Scott Skiles, Bucks: Is this team really playoff-bound despite losing Michael Redd to a season-ending injury in early January? (Last week: NR)

4. Jerry Sloan, Jazz: Somebody might want to tell the Nuggets they have company at the top of the Northwest Division. The Jazz trail Denver by just one game. (Last week: 3)

5. Lionel Hollins, Grizzlies: They have a .500 record and are a hot streak away from challenging for a postseason spot in the West. (Last week: 5)