The NBA's Top Ten After Ten

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After ten days of the NBA regular season, there are multiple questions, injuries, surprise performances, and disappointments.  For those first ten days, here are the top ten teams in the league.

1) Boston Celtics (6-0), wins vs. CLE, CHA, CHI, NOH, PHI and MIN

The Celtics have started off hot, injury-free, and ready to win the East.  Despite a mediocre performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night, Boston has to be on top of everyone’s power rankings to start the season.

Next five: vs. PHX, @ NJN, vs. UTA, vs. ATL, @ IND

2) Denver Nuggets (5-0), wins vs. UTA, POR, MEM, IND and NJN

Carmelo Anthony is playing like an MVP candidate, and the Nuggets remain undefeated through five games.  Something to note: rookie Ty Lawson is very good, and JR Smith has yet to return from his suspension.

Next five: @ MIA, @ ATL, @ CHI, @ MIL, vs. LAL

3) Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) wins vs. LAC, ATL, OKC and HOU

The Lakers have arguably the easiest schedule among West teams for the first half of the season, and the toughest in the second half.  Without Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant has been in attack mode, and the Lakers have won two consecutive road overtime games, on a back-to-back, nonetheless.

Next five: vs. MEM, vs. NOH, vs. PHX, @ DEN, vs. HOU

4) Orlando Magic (4-1) wins vs. PHI, NJN, TOR and PHX

After a beating of the Phoenix Suns, who also hold a 4-1 record, the Magic are just too deep, even with an injured Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis’ suspension.  When healthy, they are easily a top three team in the NBA.

Next five: vs. DET, @ OKC, @ CHA, vs. CLE, vs. NJN

5) Phoenix Suns (4-1) wins vs. LAC, GSW, MIN and MIA

The top four scorers for Phoenix are all shooting over 50 percent from the floor, Channing Frye seems to be a legit candidate for the most improved player award, and Steve Nash is playing like an MVP once again.  Even more exciting for Suns fans?  Amare Stoudemire is back.

Next five: @ BOS, @ WAS, @ PHI, vs. NOH, @ LAL

6) Miami Heat (4-1) wins vs. NYK, IND, CHI and WAS

While Jermaine O’Neal isn’t the 20 points per game scorer he was in Indiana, he’s still giving Miami a 14-point, 58 percent shooting average for the season.  Combined with Dwyane Wade’s production and Udonis Haslem’s selflessness off the bench, Miami looks solid after their first five games.

Next five: vs. DEN, vs. WAS, vs. CLE, vs. NJN, vs. OKC

7) Atlanta Hawks (4-1) wins vs. IND, WAS, POR and SAC

With six players averaging double-digits in points, the Hawks offer a balanced offensive attack from both the starting five, as well as the bench (also known as Jamal Crawford).  The bad?  Atlanta is allowing teams to shoot almost 47 percent, which could catch up to them in due time.

Next five: @ CHA, vs. DEN, @ NYK, @ BOS, vs. NOH

8) Dallas Mavericks (3-2) wins vs. LAL, LAC and UTA

The Mavericks are a big question mark at eight, but with wins over the Lakers on the road and a Jazz team that surprised the Spurs Thursday night, a Dallas squad containing Josh Howard should be a force in the Western Conference this season.

Next five: vs. TOR, vs. HOU, @ SAS, @ MIN, @ DET

9) Houston Rockets (3-2) wins vs. GSW, POR and UTA

Houston gets the nod over the 41% shooting Chicago Bulls, and Trevor Ariza is fitting in nicely with his pick and roll teammates, Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola.  Teams should be aware that Chuck Hayes is no Shane Battier on defense, but both are on this Houston roster.

Next five: vs. OKC, @ DAL, vs. MEM, @ SAC, @ LAL

10) Chicago Bulls (3-2) wins vs. SAS, MIL and CLE

Beating Cleveland on the road would be an amazing task last season, but we know the story this year.  Nevertheless, Chicago is playing decent without Ben Gordon, and Luol Deng’s 17 points and almost 10 rebounds per game is the biggest reason for their winning record at this time.

Next five: vs. CHA, vs. DEN, @ TOR, vs. PHI, @ SAC

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