It’s early in the season, but there are teams that are already asserting themselves as elite. Did your team crack the top 10? Do you agree with these top 10?
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland enters Monday a perfect 15-0. The NBA-best +12.2-point differential, the team faces a tough contest in Boston on Tuesday. If they can win, they will assert themselves as the NBA’s best.
2. Boston Celtics
Boston continues their fast surge following their 18th NBA championship. Jayson Tatum sits 3rd in the NBA with 29.7 PPG and continues to be the catalyst for the Celtics. They have a big game against the Cavs coming up.
3. Golden State Warriors
Golden State continues to dominate teams at the end of games. If the Warriors can continue to put teams away, and stay healthy, there is no question this team will be a force as the season progresses.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be the focal point in Oklahoma City, but Chet Holmgren’s dominance of the glass has Oklahoma off to one of the best starts of the season. A healthy Holmgren will keep the Thunder fighting for the top seed in the West.
5. Houston Rockets
Winners of nine of their last eleven, Houston is getting it done, holding opposing teams to a second-best 103.5 PPG. Continued defensive dominance will help Houston as the season progresses.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is off to a strong start, but shots have not been consistently falling. Once this reciprocates, Minnesota should be a strong team for the entire season.
7. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has lost a handful of games by three possessions or less. Luka Doncic’s health will be a priority throughout the season, and when Dallas gets hot there is no stopping the team.
8. Denver Nuggets
Jokic plays, and Denver wins. Jokic sits, and Denver loses. This team will continue to shine if Jokic stays on the court.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles is off to a strong start, and configuring the starting lineup has JJ Redick comfortable in his first season as Lakers head coach. A healthy LeBron will carry the team into the playoffs, but when will he need regular load management?
10. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are winning close games, and that has them starting the season on a great path. As the season progresses, the team’s overall health will be a factor in how far they can go in the playoffs.