The race for the best record in the league is a clearcut battle between Phoenix, Dallas, and San Antonio; the race for the worst record is just starting to heat up with seven teams in the mix. With good lottery position and a probable shot at collegiate phenoms Greg Oden and Kevin Durant at stake, the usually dubious honor will be pursued with the fervor most teams reserve for a title.

Not that this is new. In 1984, the Chicago Bulls fortified their draft position by losing 14 of their last 15 and wound up in position to draft Michael Jordan. This year’s teams will have to make their moves earlier; let’s look at the, um, contenders.

Boston, 12–32 (all records listed as of Wednesday afternoon), is in a quandary. With third year power forward Al Jefferson starting to fulfill his potential (14.9 ppg, 10.5 rpg in January), and second year swingman Gerald Green improving (12 ppg this month), the Celtics face a tough decision on guard Paul Pierce. He’s due back from a foot injury soon and with him the Celts could start winning again. Most fans are hoping he has a setback or at least that management insists he takes as much time as possible before returning to action. With Jefferson and Pierce playing particularly well, adding a top notch center like Oden projects to be, would make the Celts into a contender. Boston fans will likely cheer every time a key player winces in pain. They are probably also hoping that unpopular coach Doc Rivers lasts the season and screws up as much as possible.

Philadelphia, 14–32, has been playing for good lottery position for nearly two months already. They’ve traded their best player, Allen Iverson, and bought out the contract of their second best, Chris Webber. As the trading deadline approaches, they will probably sonn move point guard Andre Miller, who was obtained in the Iverson deal. Except Andre Iguodala and Rodney Green, almost any other player will be moved for the right offer, i.e., a lesser player with an expiring contract. The Sixers are about as subtle as the ’84 Bulls in their tanking.

Memphis, 12–34, has the advantage of playing in the tougher Western conference, but that’s offset by the return of their best player, Pau Gasol. Since his return, the Griz are 6–13; without him for the first 27 games, they were a ghastly 6-21. Memphis is trying to move Gasol, which would put them in great position to get many ping pong balls in the lottery, but there aren’t many good fits out there. The lure of Oden may lead Memphis to simply make a poor exchange for Gasol.

Charlotte, 16–28, may simply have too many good or developing young players to lose often enough to finish with the worst record. Rookie forward Adam Morrison has been a disappointment, but he, as well as guard Raymond Felton and forward Walter Hermann, figure to improve as the season wears on. If Emeka Okafor’s back holds up, then the Bobcats will need some luck with the lottery balls to get a top pick.

No conversation about the NBA’s worst teams is complete without a mention of Atlanta, 16–27, but the Hawks may have accumulated just enough talent to be merely bad rather than miserable. Their first half record was accomplished with a lineup that was often missing Josh Childress, Josh Smith, or Speedy Claxton. With their lineup in tact, they may make a run at mediocrity, which wouldn’t be the worst thing for the franchise since they owe Phoenix a first rounder from the Joe Johnson deal.

Seattle, 17–28, could be a dark horse in this race. As soon as forward Rashard Lewis returns to the lineup, he could be moved, as could other useful players such as guard Earl Watson and pivotman Chris Wilcox. Then, instead of drafting project centers like Johan Petro, the Sonics could be in position to draft one worth building around.

It may seem strange to include Sacramento, 17–26, in this discussion. The Kings have made eight straight playoff appearances, but lately they’ve been in freefall. Since beating the Knicks a month ago, they’ve gone 3–11. While there aren’t a bunch of roster moves they can make, should Ron Artest self-destruct, he is capable of taking the team down with him (ask any Pacer fan).

Milwaukee, 18–27, isn’t on this list since they struggled due to injuries and they are starting to get their rotation back. Portland, 19–27, usually fits comfortably into any discussion of the worst teams, but with LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy improving, and Zach Randolph finally delivering on his potential, the Blazers should see mediocrity in the offing.

With seven teams within five games of the coveted worst record, expect a flurry of movement between now and the trading deadline. It should be a furious race, and it will be a great time to make deals with the teams who feel they’ve got to get down to get up.

mjohnson@nysun.com