The trade deadline has passed. The All-Star break is over. The NBA is heading into the home stretch of its season. Who is on top and/or moving up? The following teams are the best the NBA has to offer at this point.
5. The Denver Nuggets
Record: 39-18
The Nuggets have dealt with some injuries but have been able to count on Nikola Jovic. Denver has won eight straight. Their remaining schedule is tough. This week will be the first time since week one their original starting line-up will play together. Being a healthy team should help the Nuggets maintain their number two spot. The key for the Nuggets to make it through with legitimate playoff hopes is defense.
4. The Oklahoma City Thunder
Record 37-20
The Thunder is in a more precarious position. If Russell Westbrook and Paul George remain healthy the Thunder is a contender in the West. The Thunder ranks fifth in the league in defense. The pre-All-Start Break injury to Jerami Grant has had an impact. Grant’s replacement Patrick Patterson did not perform well at 2-13 shooting he has to step-up.
3. The Toronto Raptors
Record: 43-16
In spite of the absence of Kawhi Leonard the Raptors win consistently. Pascal Siakam is putting up career high numbers. Jeremy Lin came off the bench to make an impact in his first game as a Raptor. Linsanity should prove to be an asset to the Raptors. Injuries caused fluctuations in the Raptors’ line-up. As injuries happen and players heal maintaining their consistency is key to continued success.
2. The Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 43-14
The Bucks are the real deal this season. Acquiring Nikola Mirotic should prove to solidify an already excellent line-up led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks are not just winning they are winning big. 32 of their wins were by ten points or more. The Bucks are the team to beat in the East.
1. The Golden State Warriors
Record: 41-16
Steph Curry and Kevin Durant have kept the Warriors on top of the league offensively. There is little doubt that the Warriors will move on in the playoffs. If Durant’s complaining and dissatisfaction starts to affect his play that will be a problem. Even then, with Klay Thompson and Demarcus Cousins the team will be fine. Golden State needs to improve their defense to continue to succeed this season.
In the coming week be sure to keep an eye on the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The trade deadline has passed. The All-Star break is over. The NBA is heading into the home stretch of its season. Who is on top and/or moving up? The following teams are the best the NBA has to offer at this point.
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