MVP Race: Nash and Dirk, Dirk and Nash

Each week I'll look at the players who would have the best shot at the league MVP award if the season ended today. Why? Because we're bound to disagree and fight each other with Swiss voulges...

1. Steve Nash, PG, Suns: Sans Nash, the Suns needed overtime to beat the Blazers, blew a large lead in a loss to the Hawks, and were spanked, at home, by the up-and-down Bulls. I'm convinced Nash is so important to this team's success, that they would struggle to make the playoffs without him.

2. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Mavericks: In three blowout wins this week, Dirk averaged 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. He also shot over 55% from the floor and managed to swipe eight steals. Amazing.

3. Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers: I don't know what's worse ... that Kobe almost had more turnovers (15) than he did assists (16), or that the Lakers dropped all three games on their East coast trip this week?

4. Dwyane Wade, G, Heat: Love him or hate him -- and boy do you ever -- this week's Eastern Conference Player of the Week is bringing the goods. D-Wade recorded 30 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three blocks in a 91-79 win over Boston and registered 26 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three blocks in a big win over the Spurs.

5. Chris Bosh, F, Raptors: Arenas shot his way off this list, so I figure I'd send a valentine to my main man, CB4. In the month of February, Bosh is averaging 27 points, 9.4. rebounds and 3 assists per game. I heart that.

On the cusp: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Gilbert Arenas and Tracy McGrady.