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| THE TOP TEN |
The Pacers continue their pace atop the East standings and one game in the win column behind the Thunder. They continue to lead the league in fewest losses. Indiana is impressive and should stay on top of a weak Eastern conference through the end of the season. Look for an Indiana - Miami conference final and, barring injuries, an Indiana crowned as conference champions.
The Thunder move from 4th to 2nd this week based on victories over 3 of 4 other top West foes last week. OKC is riding a 7 game win streak going in to Mondays game at home vs Atlanta. The streak includes a road victory at Boston with out Westbrook and Durant, a first for the franchise. The stout play of the Thunder, without Russ, should send a strong message to the rest of the NBA.
#3. Portland Trailblazers: 33-11
Despite back to back losses to Houston and OKC, Portland continues it's high level of league play. The Trailblazers are not going away and should contend for the Western conference crown. Portland was 2-0 vs OKC until last week and always play the Thunder tough. Is OKC's division crown in jeopardy? Stay tuned.
#4. Miami Heat: 32-12Miami is playing uninspired basketball. They beat good teams and lose to bad ones. Perhaps playing in the East has that effect on a good team. They are in no danger of losing home court either. The Heat will make the playoffs and everyone knows that the Heat play well when the games mean more. The hot Thunder visit Wednesday, perhaps they can wake the sleepwalking Heat.
#5. LA Clippers: 31-15The Clippers, like the Thunder, have adjusted well to life without their All Star point guard. Chris Paul makes them better but they aren't bad without him. They should fare well for the second half of the season and having Doc Rivers roaming the sidelines will make them better come playoff time. The Clippers are Kings of Los Angeles for once, can the Lakers regain their crown? Doubtful.
Despite better record than LA, the Spurs sit at #6 in light of their 1-9 record against the top teams in the West. The Spurs are injury prone yes, but they are aging as well. Pop is magical and most believe the best coach in the NBA, but he's running out of juice with his big three. Too many starting lineups lead to inconsistent play. Injuries and sitting tired, old players will lead to that.
Houston continues to play better except against the elite teams. The jury is still out on the addition of center Dwight Howard. The Rockets will be a 1st round irritation for someone in the playoffs but without home court, I don't see them advancing. They must get a lot better on the defensive end to join the top tier. You won't advance trying to outscore your opponent.
#8. Golden State Warriors: 26-18The Warriors have slowed a bit in mid-season. However, they are still a high powered offensive team. They, like the Rockets, must learn to defend better. Currently 6 in the West standings, the Warriors should still make the playoffs. They will also be a probable first round exit unless they aren't taken seriously by their first round opponent.
#9. Atlanta Hawks: 23-20The Hawks are finally 3 games above .500, pretty good for an East team not in Indiana or Miami. Although, .500 should get a few teams in the playoffs this season in the East. Atlanta plays well against the East (but, who doesn't) but they struggle against the West including a 105-79 loss to the Spurs on Friday. The Hawks visit OKC Monday with KD in search of 11 straight over 30.
#10. Phoenix Suns: 24-18New to the rankings this week are the Suns. Head Coach Jeff Hornacek was a great player in his time and he has the Suns on track. The Suns finished December with a 10-3 record and started the new year with the same attitude. Phoenix is currently 7th in the West and looks to make a playoff bid this season.
Waiting in the wings: Dallas Mavericks:25-20, Memphis Grizzlies:22-20, Toronto Raptors: 22-21, Chicago Bulls:22-21, Denver Nuggets: 21-21
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