These are the top 10 NBA teams RIGHT NOW!
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
A perfect 4-0 last week, Cleveland continues their torrid pace. Posting the second-best point differential (+11.8), the Cavaliers’ winning ways have them just ahead of Oklahoma City for the top spot. Wednesday’s matchup against Oklahoma City will be a must-watch game. An Oklahoma City victory would undoubtedly plant them atop the rankings heading into week 13.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City finished last week’s schedule unblemished, winning four of four games. They continue to be not only the top team in the Western Conference but one of the top teams in the NBA. Wednesday’s matchup at Cleveland can push Oklahoma City atop the power rankings with a victory.
3. Boston Celtics
Through their first three games last week, Boston seemed to rebound after dropping four of their previous six games. Sunday’s contest against Oklahoma City gave them all they could handle, losing by 13. The front office saw how they size up against the darling of the Western Conference, and they know they have adjustments to make along the way.
4. New York Knicks
New York extended their winning streak to nine games before dropping back-to-back games Friday and Saturday. One of the best offensively and defensively, New York has two winnable games early this week against Orlando and Toronto. However, Friday and Sunday feature tough matchups against Oklahoma City and a rising Milwaukee squad.
5. Houston Rockets
Houston’s grit has them continuing to play well, but will their hardnosed demeanor take its toll as the season progresses? Last week, they posted wins against Dallas and Los Angeles while dropping Friday’s game against Boston. They will be one of the toughest teams in the Western Conference come playoff time.
6. Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has a knack for beating bad teams, but they surrender a high opposing field goal percentage. Games that see opponents shoot well have had Memphis in too many close games. This week features matchups against Dallas, Houston, and Minnesota. Memphis will undoubtedly need to play their best overall basketball to continue their winning ways.
7. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is coming off a rough week, losing three straight by four possessions or less. Luka Doncic remains out, and it will be rough sailing until their best player returns. This week’s schedule doesn’t get easier with contests against Memphis, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland, and Denver.
8. Denver Nuggets
Denver’s starting to show signs of consistency. The more they feature the same starting lineup, the better off they will be. This week is no easy task as their four-game schedule features Boston, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn, and Dallas.
9. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers split last week 2-2 but saw the return of Kawhi Leonard. At this point in his career, it is hard to imagine Kawhi having the impact to take Los Angeles to the next level, but even at 80%, Leonard gives the Clippers one of the better veteran presences. There will be highs and lows, but the Clippers should remain toward the upper half of the NBA throughout the season, barring any setbacks.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are still finding consistency, but they continue to be in nearly every game. Their last three losses were by four possessions or less. Stringing off a few close wins will only better this team in the long run.
