'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the league, not a creature was strirring but executive VP's. The stocking were hung by the backboard with care, in the hope that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

And what are those execs hoping to find in their stockings? Some helps for the rest of the season via trade.

So, without further ado, here are the Top 5 Teams in Need of Santa's Help This Holiday Season**:

1) The Toronto Raptors

The Jermaine O'Neal trade was supposed to be the final stroke, but has turned out to be little more than a step towards building a contender. The next move needs to be at the three, where the most predominant rumor has the Raptors dealing with the Golden State Warriors. Don Nelson loves European big men and helped Dirk Nowitzki become a premier NBA player. Maybe he can do the same for Andrea Bargnani.

2) The Golden State Warriors

Corey Maggette is likely to be traded once his injury heals, but the news that Stephen Jackson also wants out gives the Warriors some options. The Dallas Mavericks have been angling for Corey Maggette for a while now, but plenty of teams could use one of the plethora of wing players the Warriors have accumulated.

3) The Chicago Bulls

If there was ever a team in need of a veteran center, it's the Chicago Bulls. As good as Derrick Rose has been this season, he really needs a consistent center to play off of, and the perfect fit for the roster might be Brad Miller. Sacramento is actively shopping Miller, though their insistence on including Kenny Thomas' contract as part of any deal has stalled talks in several places. These two teams need to get together and make something happen. If the Bulls don't land a center they'll be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

4) The Dallas Mavericks

Something's been missing in Dallas this season, and whether it's the absence of the fiery Devin Harris or his even fiery head coach, the intensity and excitement that has permeated this team for the last three or four seasons is simply not there. A big part of the problem is that Josh Howard has been out, but even now that he's back it's clear this team needs a two-guard who can create his own shot and be a defensive stopper at the other end. The two-by-platoon that Rick Carlisle is playing with Gerald Green, Antoine Wright, Jerry Stackhouse, and JJ Barea has been good at times, but great teams don't have to wait and see what the second half rotation will be based on the first half. Dallas needs help on the wing.

5) The Denver Nuggets

The Chauncey Billups trade has moved the Nuggets into the home court advantage discussion, but the general consensus is that they're a front court player away from being true contenders. HOOPSWORLD's Travis Heath reported earlier this week that David Lee might be the answer to that issue for Denver, and he's exactly the type of player who could take the Nuggets from home court hopefuls to championship contenders.

Honorable Mention: The Los Angeles Lakers

It seems the Lakers will make a deal soon. There is a lot of talk about a rift between Phil Jackson and Lamar Odom, and there is plenty of interest in Odom's ending contract from around the league. The Lakers will also need to add a point guard now that Jordan Farmar is officially going under the knife. It can be argued, however, that patience is the right move for Mitch Kupchak. After seeing the team dismantle the New Orleans Hornets last night it might be that the Lakers just need a better level of competition to get their attention.

**Criteria for this list is limited to teams that are hoping to improve their postseason chances. There are plenty of teams that need trades that are also a long way from being playoff teams.

First Look At Christmas Night Action

The NBA gives their teams the night off for Christmas Eve, knowing that most people are focused on their families rather than sports on this special evening and allowing their players to do the same. Christmas Day, however, is a different story. Once the presents are open people want entertainment, and as much as Hollywood is pulling out all the stops, the NBA has quite a day in store for us.

New Orleans Hornets @ Orlando Magic: It has already been a magical season for Orlando, and a win over the Hornets would be the ideal gift for their fans. A recent win over the Lakers has NBA fans in Orlando believing in Magic again. Tip off is Noon Eastern on ESPN.

San Antonio Spurs @ Phoenix Suns: This match-up may not be what it once was, but the addition of Jason Richardson has the Suns starting to climb in the standings. San Antonio, meanwhile, has been looking like a contender again ever since Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili returned from injuries. Tip off is 2:30 Eastern on ABC.

Boston Celtics @ Los Angeles Lakers: The Celtics look even better than last year's team, on the verge of setting records for success over the start of a season. The Lakers have been up and down, but have risen to the occasion when playing a contender. This game should let the Lakers know where they stand in their hope of winning the championship this season. Tip off is at 5:00PM Eastern on ABC.

Washington Wizards @ Cleveland Cavaliers: The only ho-hum game of the day, though it probably looked more interesting when the schedule was set months ago. This one's on TNT tipping off at 8:00PM Eastern.

Dallas Mavericks @ Portland Trail Blazers: Josh Howard is back for the Mavs, but they still look like they're a piece away from being a solid playoff team. The Blazers, on the other hand, have looked brilliant at times, and always tough. This is the late game, so while you digest and breathe a sigh of relief that the kids have finally gone to bed, drop off to sleep in front of TNT beginning at 10:30PM Eastern.

We here at HOOPSWORLD wish you all a safe and happy Christmas . . .may the love and peace of the season surround you, and may all of your wishes come true.