5. Denver Nuggets (Up 2)

(7-3) Last week: 2-1

The Nuggets still don't look quite right. They're winning games, which is a good thing, although two of those required Nikola Jokic buzzer beaters. It's supposed to be a good sign when a team wins despite being below it's best. In that regard, Denver can be fairly comfortable with it's start. Concerns remain, however.

 

4. Los Angeles Clippers (Down 2)

(7-4) Last week: 2-1

We're close now. Close to seeing how the Clippers Giant Death Robot looks when fully operational. Paul George is due to return this week, adding more firepower to Kawhi and the Sweet Lou/Trez pick and roll dance. We were robbed of a potential finals preview with the Clips resting Leonard against Milwaukee. Perhaps a little bit of brinkmanship from Doc Rivers?

 

3. Milwaukee Bucks (Up 1)

(7-3) Last week: 1-1

The Bucks had a slightly weird week on the floor, losing to the Jazz on a buzzer beater before taking care of business against OKC. They've lost Khris Middleton for the next few weeks with a thigh injury, which will test their wing depth. The Bucks have stepped up their defence in the last few games, using their length to force poor shots and then rebounding the ball with abandon.

 

2. Los Angeles Lakers (Up 1)

(8-3) Last week: 2-2

Leopards can change their spots and Dwight Howard is living proof. He's finally accepted his lot as a role player and even looks like a fun teammate! The return of Kyle Kuzma is huge for this Lakers team. He's been understandably rusty this far, but once he's in the groove his shooting and play making off the bench (and perhaps closing games) will make life so much easier for LeBron and AD.

 

1. Boston Celtics (Up 5)

(9-1) Last week: 4-0

So, about that Ewing Theory....

The Kyrie Irving-less Boston Celtics sit at an NBA leading 9-1 record. Coach Brad Stevens might be a Mage of some description, able to turn Jayson Tatum into an efficient scorer, Jaylen Brown into a creative force, Marcus Smart into Dikembe Mutombo, Robert Williams into someone with a watch and his old mate Gordon Hayward into his old Utah Jazz like finisher. Ah....about that. Hayward's injury curse has stuck again; an broken hand expected to keep him out until Christmas. It will be interesting to see what Stevens has in store, this time. Even with the injury, the record can't be ignored. The Celtics stand at the top of Inside Sports' NBA mountain.

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