The Contenders
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (35-10) – The Thunder got some big wins this week against the Spurs and Blazers as a result how great Kevin Durant is. The superstar raved NBA fans this week, and has reached the 30-point mark for ten straight games. They have also won seven games in a row.
2. Indiana Pacers (34-9) – The Pacers have been sluggish over their last few contests against mediocre competition. However, Paul George continues to play at an elite level, and as a result they still hold the best record in the NBA.
3. Miami Heat (32-12) – The defending champs continue to hover around the best record in the league. Despite resting multiple guys, they are going to continue to be one of those teams that can rely on their experience to win ball games. They had a very strong week and a have won three games in a row, including a rout against the San Antonio Spurs.
4. Portland Trail Blazers (33-12) – The Blazers are a half-game out from the number one overall seed out West after defeating the Spurs this week. They have been playing consistent basketball, and we can officially call them a legit contender in the West.
5. San Antonio Spurs (33-11) – The Spurs had a pretty rough week. They lost another starter in Kawhi Leonard, and failed to pickup a victory against some elite teams (Thunder, Heat).
Prove You’re Worthy Of Being Mentioned With The Elite
6. Los Angeles Clippers (28-14) – The Clippers will be looking to close their “Grammy Trip” with a record of 5-2. Not bad at all for team that is playing without their best player.
7. Golden State Warriors (27-18) – The Warriors lost some tough games against some legitimate contenders this week. Nonetheless they still remain one of the better teams out West.
8. Houston Rockets (27-15) – Houston has been relatively inconsistent. Basketball fans have been waiting for the Harden-Howard duo to take off, yet they just haven’t gotten it together.
Middle Of The Pack
9. Memphis Grizzlies (22-20) – The Grizzlies have turned their season around just in time for the return of Marc Gasol. They have won eight of their last 10, and are 5-1 with Marc Gasol.
10. Dallas Mavericks (26-20) – Dallas has been a solid team out West and is looking like a team that will be a lock for a playoff seed.
11. Phoenix Suns (25-18) – Many thought that this team would be at the center of the tank sweepstakes, but new head coach Jeff Hornacek has this young team playing excellent basketball. They might be a playoff team out West if they remain consistent.
12. Atlanta Hawks (23-20) – The Hawks have quietly put together a solid season thus far. Even without Al Horford, they still have been playing well.
13. Brooklyn (20-22) – The Nets have finally turned the corner after winning five games in a row and nine of their last 10 games. They gotten themselves back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and are playing well under Jason Kidd after remaining patient in adopting his philosophies.
14. Chicago Bulls (22-21) – This team is starting to get themselves back into playoff form. They’ve won seven of their last 10 games, and continue to show their resilience each night they play despite no Rose, and trading Loul Deng.
15. Toronto Raptors (22-21) – Ever since the Rudy Gay trade, the Raptors have been playing some excellent basketball. They have won six of 10 and are looking like a playoff team out East.
16. Denver Nuggets (21-21) – This team is finally starting to play some very good basketball. They’ve won five games in a row now, and have found out how to thrive in Brian Shaw’s system. They picked up a big win against the Pacers, and are looking to build off of that going into this week.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (21-22) – The Timberwolves have been a very disappointing ball club due to their inability to win close ball games. However, they could be on the turnaround after picking up a big victor against the Warriors on the road.
18. Washington Wizards (21-22) – John Wall has elevated his game to another level this season. As a result, the Wizards are currently a playoff team and are fighting for playoff seed out East.
Pretty Bad
19. Charlotte Bobcats (19-27) – The Bobcats are playing better basketball than what we are accustomed to seeing, but they are still pretty bad team nonetheless.
20. New York Knicks (17-27) – The Knicks have now won two games in a row. There still is potential for this team to fully turn things around, but time is running out as we inch toward the All-Star break.
21. Cleveland Cavaliers (16-28) – As of now, they are playing .500 level basketball, and could be making a playoff appearance if they keep this pace up.
22. New Orleans Pelicans (18-25) – The Pelicans have had some unfortunate injuries throughout this season. However they have found a way to win their last two games. Still competing nonetheless.
23. Detroit Pistons (17-27) – The Pistons can never put together a consistent stretch of good basketball. Because of that, they’ll continue to hover around as one of the worst teams in the league. They still may make the playoffs in the subpar East, but they would eliminated in the first round.
Tank Tank Tank Tank Tank Tank
24. Los Angeles Lakers (16-29) – The Lakers have lost four games in a row, and eight of their last ten. Safe to say that they are excited to return back to Staples Center after their annual “Grammy Trip”.
25. Sacramento Kings (15-28) – They aren’t a good team but they are starting to find chemistry with their young pieces. The future is bright for this team.
26. Boston Celtics (15-31) – The Celtics got Rajon Rondo back last week and that seemed to provide an emotional lift for the fans and players in this franchise. However, that has yet to translate to wins.
27. Utah Jazz (14-28) – Utah has quietly been playing .500 basketball over their last 10 games. However, they find themselves in the “tank” discussion because there is nothing better for this franchise to do. Their young guys are continuing to get better though.
28. Philadelphia 76ers (14-30) – The 76ers are clearly one of the few teams that understands that their franchise is in rebuild mode. They’ll be counting on a quality draft pick coming their way.
29. Orlando Magic (12-33) – It’s been tough for the young Magic, but they have a lot to look forward to in their bright future.
30. Milwaukee Bucks (8-35) – No one tanks harder than the Bucks. Period.
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Lakers Behind The Scenes Video: Xavier Henry Throws Nick Young’s Jersey In Trash
