Eastern Conference

After much controversy Allen Iverson (AI) returned to the home of his NBA birth — the Philadelphia 76ers — much to the delight of the player and the franchise.

However, his inclusion has thus far has failed to reap any benefits as the losing streak of the 76ers moved up to 12 with AI being involved in the last three.

The Detroit Pistons are seemingly returning to the team of old as their recent five-game winning streak propelled them amongst the top teams of the season. While the Piston winning streak is impressive the Boston Celtics became the first team in the conference with a double digit winning streak as they moved to 10 straight by defeating the Chicago Bulls 106-80 led by Rajon Rondo with 16 points and 14 assists.

The Milwaukee Bucks are on a two-game winning streak and have made it to 11-11 on the season so far. The Orlando Magic have slipped from top position because of back to back losses including a 106-103 loss at the Phoenix Suns.

The Atlanta Hawks are steadily climbing back to the top much behind their three-game winning streak. Joe Johnson and company are looking to be serious contenders this season and with Jamal Crawford coming off the bench to provide offensive prowess things are certainly looking good.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 16-7 for the season, still trying to put together that run to propel them to first place in the conference. Though far behind the New York Knicks have something to cheer about as they are on a current four-game winning streak which is third in the conference behind the Celtics and the Pistons.

Lakers suffer the blues

Western Conference

The streaking Los Angeles Lakers saw their winning streak come to an end at 11 after losing to the Utah Jazz 102-94. Despite the loss the Lakers are still comfortable leaders of the Western Conference with an 18-4 record.

With the win the Jazz made it two in a row and moved their record to 14-9. By winning seven of their last 10 they have managed to climb to fifth in the conference.

The Phoenix Suns while unbeaten at home continue to dwindle in form as five wins from their last 10 have brought them to fourth in the conference with a 16-8 record. The Denver Nuggets are tied with the Dallas Mavericks with a 17-7 record after roaring to a 105-99 win over the Phoenix Suns. Behind the Suns they are the second most defiant team at home losing only one game from 11.

Though their home form may not be as good it is their overall consistency which has moved them to three consecutive wins at present which is the best in the conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder are still making life difficult for the likes of the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets as their 12-9 record is good enough for sixth in the conference.

Immediately behind them are the Houston Rockets who slipped to 13-10 after being beaten by the Toronto Raptors. Despite a two-game winning streak the Spurs behind themselves outside of the top eight while the Hornets are still suffering inconsistent form even though Chris Paul has returned to the set-up.

Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey (3) makes a layup past Golden State Warriors forward Anthony Randolph (4) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. Stuckey scored 29 points as the Pistons won their fifth straight game, beating Golden State 104-95. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)