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1. Los Angeles Lakers
The defending champs are on fire to start the season. With Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol currently nursing injuries, we see no reason for the team to keep rolling when those two return.
2. Boston Celtics
The 2008 champs are all finally healthy. The very balanced squad plus the emergence of Rajon Rondo can only equal success for Boston.
3. Phoenix Suns
In his first full season, Coach Alvin Gentry is doing wonders with this team as it stands atop of the Western Conference. Steve Nash is back to posting MVP-type numbers, including a 21 point-20 assist performance against the 76ers Monday night.
4. Denver Nuggets
Who knew the Nuggets would be this strong out the gate? Chauncey Billups is proving he can elevate just about any team as the Nuggets round out the top three in the West. However, the team has lost its last two and could be taking a dip come next week.
5. Orlando Magic
The Magic, like the Lakers, are another team that is succeeding despite injuries/suspensions. With Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis missing time, the team is being carried by Dwight Howard and Ryan Anderson, once considered an afterthought in the Vince Carter trade. Orlando holds a 5-2 record despite an embarrassing loss to the Thunder earlier this week.
6. Miami Heat
Can you say one man wrecking crew? D-Wade is carrying his team once again this season as it stands atop of the division. With a supporting cast that includes Jermaine O’Neal and Quentin Richardson, injuries are likely to occur and Wade will have to continue to be the man in Miami.
7. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have really turned it up a notch this season, on the heels of Miami by just half a game. Jamal Crawford has really elevated the play of this team—Sixth Man of the Year candidate, anyone?
8. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs are in the middle of the pack in the West, and given the emergence of teams like the Suns and Nuggets, it seems as though that’s where the team will stay.
9. Chicago Bulls
After starting the season below .500, The Bulls are riding a three game winning streak. The success is a pleasant surprise to the city of Chicago. However, look for the Bulls to drop down in the rankings if Shaquille O’Neal can get out of Lebron James’ way on offense.
10. Houston Rockets
Another pleasant surprise this season, the Rockets were being led by Trevor Ariza before he went down with an injury. Add him to a list that already includes Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, and you basically have the Rockets B-team playing out the rest of the week.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers
Considered a championship contender as the NBA opened the season, the Cavs are likely to climb up the standings if the Lebron/Shaq experiment can pan out. With the warm reception Lebron received in New York last week, the Cavs better figure it out or Lebron will be on his way out in 2010.
12. Portland Trailblazers
After years of high draft picks, the city of Portland is hoping everything will finally fall into place for the Trailblazers. Brandon Roy has been carrying the team thus far, but his team showed resiliency as it beat Minnesota Sunday night despite a 1-6 shooting night for Roy.
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