Article Written By: Zachary Sabac
1) Oklahoma City Thunder
Well this isn’t surprising, considering the fact that Kevin Durant proves to be not human from averaging 30+ points per game with an astounding win over LeBron and company. The Thunder has won 9 of their last 10 games, leading the league with the best record of 37-10. Their defensive efforts and excellent help coming from the bench puts them number 1 not only in the league’s standings, but on the power rankings as well.
2) Indiana Pacers
Although they are the top seed of the Eastern-Conference, they seem to have a bit of trouble when facing the west. With games played too close or lost to teams under .500 shouts out a lot. Without Paul George’s 4-point play against Sacramento, the Pacer’s would have probably lost that game. Keep in mind that Demarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay were both out of the Kings’ starting line-up
3) Miami Heat
Miami had their 6 game winning streak, against the Thunder, broken last night on their own home court. A few days prior to the game LeBron quoted, “There’s nobody that can guard him [Kevin Durant] one-on-one.” With this loss, let us see if Miami can bounce back with their next game with the Knicks.
4) San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs seem to be in a bit of a defensive slump with Kawhi Leonard out of the starting line-up; however, that shouldn’t stop them once Gregg Popovich comes up with a plan. Don’t count out the Spurs just yet; they’re always filled with surprises.
5) L.A. Clippers
Their offense has actually been impressive even with Chris Paul out of the starting line-up. They have been shooting well over 40 percent from three-point range. The only problem is their defense. Doc Rivers will hopefully fix that all up after the All-Star Weekend.
6) Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers seem to have fallen a little bit off the charts lately with Damian Lillard struggling through the stretch; although, LaMarcus Aldrich has been putting up great numbers. If Damian Lillard catches back up to how he was playing at the beginning of the season, the Blazers should be back up there again.
7) Golden State Warriors
The Warriors defense has been horrible especially in the first quarter since January, allowing teams to score 30 or more in the first 12 minutes of regulation. Even with Stephen Curry shooting lights out, he still needs a lot more help from him team mates.
8) Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis had a much needed road win against the Kings last night. They are 3rd in the league’s worst defense. What’s the use of having a bunch of points when they’re going to be taken back on the defensive end? Defense fellas, defense!
9) Houston Rockets
With Patrick Beverley back in the starting line-up, he made an immediate impact in the offensive end. Shooting only 4 of 22 from the field isn’t all that impressive. Someone other than James and Chandler needs to step their game up, if you know where this is going.
10) Phoenix Suns
The Suns have been the Cinderella team as soon as the season started. Goran Dragic has tremendously improved offensively especially playing along with Eric Bledsoe (currently injured). Once Bledsoe is up and running again, the league better step up their defense when playing against the Suns or they’ll be killed from fast break points.