21. Chicago Bulls (Up 1)

(13-21) Last week: 1-1

The Bulls currently sit in 9th position in the East, a mere 2 games out of the playoffs. Through December, they've seen Lauri Markkanen return to form after a rough – and possibly injured – start to the campaign. They should get Otto Porter back in the lineup through January. Things are looking up, right? Maybe not.

The Bulls play a hectic January schedule, taking in 17 games. They kick off with Utah and Boston and also have dates with Dallas, Philadelphia and Milwaukee on the horizon. If January goes well, the Bulls could set themselves up for a playoff appearance. If it doesn't? They might find themselves slumming it with the Knicks and Hawks of the world.

 

20. Sacramento Kings (Down 3)

(12-22) Last week: 0-4

The Kings endured a 5 game losing streak to start the season but were able to drag themselves back into the playoff picture. The bonus was they did it without presumed franchise cornerstones De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley. With those two back on board, the Kings are currently riding an 8 game losing streak, ending the Wolves and Suns own streaks in back to back games. Surely Fox and Bagley aren't that bad?

 

19. Portland Trailblazers (Down 3)

(14-21) Last week: 0-4

A 4 game win streak followed by 5 straight losses. That 'one step forward, one step back' pattern has defined the Blazers all season.

Up against it defensively from the off after losing Mo Harkless and Al-farouq Aminu to free agency as well as Jusuf Nurkic to injury, the addition of Carmelo Anthony has gone as well as expected at that end of the floor. Offensively, he's been fine, averaging over 16 points and shooting 39% from deep. It hasn't been enough to cover for off seasons from Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum let alone Rodney Hood's injury. Anfernee Simons has come on of late, however. The 2nd year player has proven himself an adequate 3rd guard with the potential for more. So much so that there are reports that the Blazers are engaging in talks with teams about McCollum. An intriguing trade for Al Horford has been mentioned.

 

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (Up 2)

(12-21) Last week: 2-2

The 2010's haven't been kind to the Timberwolves. They've had four sub-30 win seasons, and have a solitary playoff victory to their credit. They have of course returned to relative respectability in the past couple of seasons, on the back of a pair of #1 overall picks.

After a solid start to the season, the Minnesota have put the TIMBER in Timberwolves with 13 losses in their last 15, although they've improved from their 11 game losing streak through December. They're playing without either of their prized #1's in Towns or Wiggins at the moment and it shows. This is a big test of mettle for young coach Ryan Saunders.