By: 48 Minutes Staff
1. Golden State Warriors ( - )
Stephen Curry is in full "Curry Mode". He's scored 40+ in 2 of his last 4 games, and is at the point where he's pointing to fans mid shot and shimmying after makes. Throw that on the Warriors' defense continuing to dominate, and it's really no question who the best team in the league is right now.
2. Brooklyn Nets ( +1 )
The Brooklyn Nets we were expecting have finally shown up to the party. If they continue to go out and look like the team we've seen over the last few weeks, there's no question they're going to stay near the top of our list. They're putting away bad teams, and their losses (Miami, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Chicago, and Golden State) aren't really that damning. If Kevin Durant continues his absolute blistering scoring pace, there's no doubt where this team will end up come season's end.
3. Washington Wizards ( +6 )
As we all predicted, the Washington Wizards are off to their best start in 47 years and are one of 3 teams in the league to hit the 10 win mark. The other 2? The 2 teams listed above them in this week's top 10. They're winning by committee and that committee is (hopefully) about to get even stronger with Rui Hachimura returning to individual workouts at the Wizards' facility.
4. Phoenix Suns ( NR )
Folks, the reigning Western Conference Champions have returned. Phoenix is riding an 8 game winning streak, and while it's been against some weaker competition, 8 in a row is still 8 in a row. What's key is that they're locking up these wins and trucking along with great continuity even without Deandre Ayton in the line-up.
5. Chicago Bulls ( +1 )
The Bulls continue to impress to start this season. Although they got absolutely thrashed by Golden State, they still went 3-1 last week with wins against Brooklyn, Dallas, and Clippers. It's never a bad thing to have a week where you beat 3 of your fellow top 10 members.
6. Denver Nuggets ( NR )
Before their loss to Dallas on Monday night, Denver was riding a 5 game winning streak which included an impressive win against Indiana where they were without Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., and Jamal Murray. Kyle Brandon wrote last week about Jokic's blitz towards a second consecutive MVP, and a guy that has been instrumental in helping that cause has been Will Barton. He's averaging 16.4ppg on 47% shooting from the field, and 40% 3 point shooting. We continue to wait for Michael Porter Jr. to truly wake up this season, but until then, Barton is helping Denver cruise.
7. Miami Heat ( -5 )
The Heat are limping home after a rough, west coast road trip that saw them drop 3 straight and also saw Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo get injured. That being said, the losses to both the Clippers and Lakers were still extremely close. The return home does not bring any sort of break, however, as Miami squares off against the East-leading Washington Wizards twice this week.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers ( -1 )
Evan Mobley continues to assert himself as the leader of this Cleveland team. His fit next to Jarrett Allen is perfect. Colin Sexton has been quite productive, but with the team seems to prefer Ricky Rubio in the rotation. With the success of this team, it does make you wonder if this team may be a bit more aggressive in the trade market this season.
9. Los Angeles Clippers ( NR )
We thought he was a little crazy during our predictions episode, but so far Paul George is making our own Joe Micucci look less and less crazy to start this season. Although they dropped a game to Chicago the other night, the Clippers were riding a 7 game win streak behind George's MVP-caliber play. Things are looking up for one of the Staples Center tenants.
10. Dallas Mavericks ( - )
The Mavs have won 4 of their last 5, and a big reason for that has been the return of Kristaps Porzingis. Since returning to the Mavs' line-up, Porzingis is averaging 21.8 ppg & 8.5 rpg on 50% shooting. We've already gushed over Jalen Brunson, and with the re-awakening of Porzingis, it's starting to look more and more like Luka is finally getting the help he so desperately needs.
Other teams receiving votes: Utah Jazz
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