Infected

Injuries always play a critical role in the NBA, of course. But this year they look to be especially important. With no dominant team, and less than a month to play in the regular season, injuries could prove the difference in playoff seeding -- and possibly who comes out on top in June.

This week's high riser:MAVS (No. 4 from No. 9) and BOBCATS (No. 24 from 29)

This week's big drop: CELTICS (No. 10 from 6)