10. Utah Jazz (Down 4)

(5-3) Last week: 1-2

The Jazz were surely hoping for more from high profile recruit Mike Conley. Currently averaging 12.8 points, a measly 3.6 assists and shooting the rock at 33%, the expected pressure release for Donovan Mitchell has only piled more pressure onto the young star. The good news for the Jazz is that Mitchell is responding, averaging 25 points per night. With the team only scoring a horrific 82 points per 100 possessions with Mitchell on the pine, Conley needs to break out of his early season funk.

 

9. Dallas Mavericks (Up 1)

(5-2) Last week: 2-1

Luka Doncic is a superstar. He's not a youngster with potential, not a star on the rise. He's here and he's dominating. They even sing songs about him. Luka is a legitimate threat to one day be the 3rd player in league history to average a triple-double on the season. But it's not just the stats with this kid. You simply have to watch him play. The passes are dynamic, the step backs dramatic, the finishes at the rim flamboyant. He will lead his team back to the playoffs this season and for many more to come.

 

8. Toronto Raptors (Up 1)

(5-2) Last week: 1-1

This team is old fashioned. They play elite defense led by Pascal Siakam and ably assisted by a cadre of solid defenders in Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Fred Vanvleet and veteran defensive savant Marc Gasol. Speaking if Siakam: his rapid rise into a lead scorer has been well documented, but his play making has slipped under the radar. He's averaging a career high 3.6 assists and making some passes that he just didn't have in his repertoire last season. He clearly spent his year alongside Kawhi taking notes.

7. Denver Nuggets (Down 4)

(5-2) Last week: 2-1

Denver are a confounding team. They sit at a solid 5-2 record despite slow starts for Nikola Jokic and Gary Harris. But something is a little off. Jokic looks unfit, even by his own standards. The intensity of last season hasn't appeared yet. Coach Mike Malone gave it to his team after losing to the Pelicans by 15. The Nuggets should be fine, but the suspicion of them being a one season wonder won't go away.

 

6. Boston Celtics (Up 1)

(5-1) Last week: 2-0

Coach Brad Stevens is back to his creative best, throwing out some remarkable sets. But his best achievement might be getting the team back on the same page. Their win over the Knicks this week is the sort of game that last year's side would have downed tools and lost. Missing Enes Kanter and Jaylen Brown, the team rallied to a dramatic victory. Second year pivot Robert 'Time Lord' Williams has been a pleasant surprise. His ability as an athletic roll man has opened up the offense for Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum.

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