15. Portland Trailblazers (Down 1)

(4-8) Last week: 1-4

A busy week for the Blazers, taking the court no less that five times. A tough week, as well, with only the single win to show for their efforts. Dame Lillard continues to play MVP level basketball, but in yesterday's loss to Toronto, Dame looked tired, shooting a miserable 2-12 from the floor. Someone needs to step up. CJ McCollum, as always, does what he can. Rodney Hood (25 points yesterday) will help, but he's as likely to injure himself as he is to play.

 

14. Phoenix Suns (Down 2)

(6-4) Last week: 1-2

Might coach Monty Williams be the favourite for Coach of the Year? He's turned around this moribund franchise in short order and he's done it with the some seemingly ordinary cards. The Suns have lost starting centre DeAndre Ayton to suspension and free scoring young wing TJ Warren to the Pacers. Their big free agent additions were a backup big in Aron Baynes (who has been magnificent) and Ricky Rubio, who Utah couldn't wait to see the back of. The unselfish passing of those two, as well as their excellent defence has made this Suns side a tough out. For the first time since 2010 we might have playoff basketball in Arizona.

 

13. Dallas Mavericks (Down 4)

(6-4) Last week: 1-2

The loss to the Knicks hurt this team. Especially hurt was the former Knick Kristaps Porzingis, who has been OK, but not really shined since his return from a 20 month layoff due to knee surgery. Encouragingly, he had 28 points against his old side and meets them again today at his old MSG stomping ground. With Zinger still finding his feet, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell have served as elite roll-men for Luka Doncic's tasty dishes.

 

12. Indiana Pacers (Up 3)

(7-4) Last week: 3-0

Malcolm Brogdon: All Star. Lock it in folks. If Brogdon doesn't earn an All Star nod this season, he never will. But keep an eye on Domantas Sabonis, as well. In a team beset by injuries the Son of a Gun has been carrying the Pacers front line (19.8 points, 13.3 boards, 3.9 assists) in the same manner that Brogdon has carried the back court.

 

11. Minnesota Timberwolves (No change)

(7-4) Last week: 3-1

The praise heaped on Karl-Anthony Towns this season is well deserved. He's carried this team despite no help whatsoev....is that....Andrew Wiggins' music? The maligned former #1 pick may have finally figured out how to play basketball. Take a look at the difference between this and last seasons numbers.

Season 

FG 

FGA

FG%

  3P 

3PA 

3P%

FT 

FTA

  FT%

  TRB

AST 

ST 

BLK

  TO 

PPG

2018-19

6.8

16.6

41.2

1.6

4.8

33.9

2.8

4.4

69.9

4.8

2.5

1.0

0.7

1.9

18.1

2019-20

10.0

20.9

47.8

2.4

6.5

36.1

3,5

4.8

73.6

5.1

3.6

0.7

1.1

1.5

25.9

Per Basketball Reference

Wiggins efficiency – long his millstone – has improved dramatically in Coach Ryan Saunders system, and with it, the rest of his game.

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