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| THE TOP TEN |
#1. Indiana Pacers: 32-7Someone in the East finally decided it was time to build a team to compete with Miami. Unfortunately, none of the other East teams had the same idea. This team was built by hall of fame legend Larry Bird, and they play like him. They are the real deal and should keep the Heat in the stands for the finals this year.
#2. San Antonio Spurs: 32-9 I don't know how Pop continues to do it but he does. The Spurs continue to be the cream of the West despite half the roster being senior citizens. The Spurs have been a great regular season team for a long time but they have faltered lately in the playoffs. Will 2014 be different? Probably not, age eventually catches up.
Portland came out of nowhere in the West. After finishing the last few seasons in the tank and still reeling from the decision to draft Greg Oden and not Kevin Durant, little was expected. The experts still believe they will collapse before the end of the season. I'm not so sure.
#4. OKC Thunder: 31-10
The loss of Westbrook for the second time this season took a little getting used to. The Thunder were second to the Pacers prior to the second injury. Despite this, the Thunder are learning to play with out their All Star and they're getting better. Watch out West, when Russ returns the Thunder will roll.
#5. L.A. Clippers: 29-14
Like the Thunder, the Clippers are playing without All Star Chris Paul. And, like OKC, are starting to play well without him. The Clippers have been in the hunt all season and are starting to look like the other LA team used to. Adding Doc Rivers didn't hurt.
#6. Miami Heat: 29-12
Miami may have fewer losses than the Clippers but they are starting to look bored. The Clippers are hungry. Miami is sleepwalking through what could be their fourth consecutive finals appearance. They may not be hungry but they are still good. Watch out for them come playoff team. Don't count them out just yet.
#7. Houston Rockets: 27-15
Houston seems to play well with everyone except the Thunder. Could be the curse of the Beard. Despite adding the best center in the NBA, the Rockets can't seem to get to the next level. They are in a good position for a playoff run, but I'm not convinced that they believe they can win it all. They have the talent to go deep but the mentality for a first round exit.
This team scares me. I'll openly admit that I never thought Steph Curry would do in the NBA what he did in college. I was wrong. This is a good basketball team that is only going to get better. Barring an injury they should see second round action in the playoffs again and, with the right match up, could contend for the West crown.
That's right, Dallas. I can't tell you the starting 5 without looking it up but here they are, sneaking up the rankings. Probably the way Mark Cuban likes it. The Mavs are three years removed from their Championship and are not likely to return this season but Rick Carlisle has got them poised for a playoff run again.
I could have gone with the upstart Phoenix Suns at #10 but I feel kinda bad for the East. The Hawks will probably not go anywhere this season but they are the third, and last, East team with a winning record. They will probably make the playoffs because the East needs 8 teams in. However, I doubt they make it to the second round and if they do, they won't go any further.
Waiting in the wings: Phoenix Suns: 23-17, Toronto Raptors: 20-20, Memphis Grizzlies: 20-20, Denver Nuggets: 20-20, Washington Wizards: 20-20
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