The Lakers and Bucks, both proud owners of nine-game winning streaks, continue to lord over their respective conferences.
5. Denver Nuggets (Steady)
(13-3) Last week: 3-0
The Nuggets continue to win, despite Nikola Jokic channelling turn of the century Shaq and playing himself into shape. The Nuggets have had some random breakout performances and Mike Malone has pulled the right strings with his rotations, but the main reason Denver is succeeding might be Paul Millsap. Rapidly hurtling towards his 35th birthday, Millsap is the perfect do-it-all player for Denver. He’s certainly lost a step from his All-Star prime, but his defensive intelligence and versatility ties the rest of the team together (+14.3 points per 100 possession with Millsap on the floor, -5.4 with him off). His ability to space the floor or work from the post is a perfect compliment to Jokic.
4. Boston Celtics (Down 1)
(13-4) Last week: 2-1
We’ve learnt a lot about this Celtics side on their recent 2-3 Western road trip. Despite losing Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker for stretches, they’ve kept their heads above water against some excellent opposition, and won twice since returning home. This team is tough. They’re also great to watch. Coach Stevens has his team slinging passes all over the court to a myriad of cutters. Getting Hayward’s playmaking back will only make things prettier for the C’s.
3. Los Angeles Clippers (Up 1)
(14-5) Last week: 4-0
Short of the left ear lobe that is Landry Shamet, the Clippers Giant Death Robot is now fully operational. And it’s terrifying. With both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard active, the Clips have gone 4-0 with an 11.5+ point differential. Not only do the Clips have multiple ways to break your heart with the ball, but they can tear you limb from limb on defense. A line up of Pat Beverly, Mo Harkless, PG, Kawhi and either Ivica Zubac or the defensively much improved Montrez Harrell is damn near impossible to break down. Long, athletic and with Harrell, completely switchable. Once these guys feel each other out, they could be unstoppable.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (Steady)
(15-3) Last week: 4-0
The Bucks continue to get it done, leading the league in scoring differential, just as they did last season. The most encouraging thing for coach Mike Budenholzer is that the Bucks current 13-1 run has mostly been with no Khris Middleton and a slumping Brook Lopez. Splash Mountain has been shooting a mere 28.7% from deep, down from last years 36.5%. The Bucks hope a weak schedule over the next few games might shake the big fella out of his malaise.
1. Los Angeles Lakers (Steady)
(16-2) Last week: 4-0
The Lakers continue to hum, but December will be a test with multiple games versus Dallas and Denver and contests with Utah, Milwaukee and Miami. A quiet revelation for the Lakers is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The oft maligned guard has proven to be a snug fit next to LeBron, canning 43.8% of his 3s (by far a career high) and using his length to be a solid defender on opposition guards. He’s also been surprisingly creative off the dribble.
