The Lakers and Bucks, both proud owners of nine-game winning streaks, continue to lord over their respective conferences.
20. New Orleans Pelicans (Up 1)
(6-12) Last week: 1-3
Things are coming together in New Orleans. Rookie Jaxson Hayes has been pressed into starting duties with Derrick Favors and Jahlil Okafor sidelined and responded well averaging 8.8/5.5 with a steal and 1.5 blocks per contest as a starter. Lonzo Ball is back from injury and whilst it’s premature to announce his jumper as fixed, it’s getting better. He’s not shooting from the left side of his head, now – that's a start. The accuracy is improving, shooting 34.3% this season against a career average of 30.6%. His play making and defensive intelligence is badly needed on this roster, but he needs to be able to shoot to stay on the court.
19. Washington Wizards (Up 4)
(6-10) Last week: 2-1
The Wizards sport a pair of unlikely sixth Man of the Year candidates in Mo Wagner and my main man Davis Bertans. The two sweet shooting bigs are both scoring in double figures off the bench (13.3 and 12.3 points respectively) and raining fire from deep (44.3% and 47.5%). Bertans has formed a mind meld with Bradley Beal. Both are heady and physical defenders. Wagner currently leads the NBA in Ilyasova's….um, charges drawn.
18. Portland Trailblazers (Down 2)
(7-12) Last week: 2-2
The Blazers are a mess. Of course they missed Damian Lillard when he missed a couple of games, but the roster just isn't up to it. Too much is is placed on those who just can't bring night after night. Names like Rodney Hood, Skal Labissiere and Anthony Tolliver are capable, but are cameo types. The less we see of Mario Hezonja the better. Carmelo Anthony's reanimation has gone as expected, with the occasional offensive breakout game punctuating otherwise average performances. He’s trying on defense, bless him. He just isn’t capable at all on that end these days.
17. Orlando Magic (Up 1)
(7-10) Last week: 1-2
The Magic have collected an enviable assortment of bigs over the past few seasons. With Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic out, we’re finally getting to see what some of them can do. Jonathan Isaac continues to impress, averaging 13.3 points with 7.1 boards and 2.7 blocks (2nd in the NBA). Mo Bamba has put up encouraging performances in his last 3 games with 10 points, 7.7 boards and 2.3 blocks. They have a soft stretch of games starting with yesterdays win over Cleveland. Toronto aside, they don't play another winning team for close to two weeks.
16. Brooklyn Nets (Up 1)
(9-9) Last week: 3-1
Hmmm……a few weeks back I spoke of the Ewing Theory potential in Brooklyn. Kyrie Irving has been missing since November 14 and the Nets have gone 5-2 in his absence. Young centre Jarrett Allen has stepped up, posting 15.8 points and 12.8 boards a night with Irving sidelined. Spencer Dinwiddie has assumed control of the offense. He’s put up 23.4 points and 7.3 assists since Kyrie went down.
