5. Miami Heat (Down 1)

(24-9) Last week: 2-1

Are the Heat for real? A 5 game winning streak including victories over the Jazz, Pacers and a pair over the Sixers would suggest so. Losing to the Wizards – minus perhaps their best 4 players – by 18 tells a different story, but perhaps that's a mental lapse more than anything.

Jimmy Butler has proven to be the leader that he'd always insisted he was. He's averaging 20.8 points, 6.6 boards and 6.6 assists with a pair of steals thrown in. He's playing excellent defense and importantly, he's deferred to team mates when the moment is right. He's let Bam Adebayo continue his ascension into a genuine offensive hub and he's trusted players like rookie Tyler Herro and the undrafted pair of Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson to take and make big shots.

 

4. Los Angeles Lakers (Up 2)

(27-7) Last week: 3-0

The Lakers have halted the slide, winning 3 straight against a relatively easy schedule.

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis seemingly always questionable to play at the moment, those depth issues will continue to rear their ugly head.

Thankfully for the Lakers, Kyle Kuzma looks like he's beginning to turn a corner. Putting aside a 0 point shocker against the Mavs, Kuzma has averaged 20.4 points across his last 4 games. If he can find some consistency, the Lakers may have that much needed 3rd option, as well as a player that can spell AD and the King as the playoffs approach.

 

3. Denver Nuggets (Steady)

(23-10) Last week: 2-1

The Nuggets are hurting at the moment, with Gary Harris and Paul Millsap missing time. That's led to the Nuggets much vaunted depth taking it's step into the limelight. Jerami Grant and Malik Beasley have stepped it up, but the biggest beneficiary is Michael Porter Jr. The Nuggets have been pilloried for their 'kid gloves' handling of Porter, and if not for that then taking a risk on drafting an injured player in the first place. Sunday's match up with the Kings gave us a glimpse of what the fuss was all about. Porter poured in 19 points on 8-10 shooting against Sacramento and whilst it's only one game, it does give a hint that he might be able to eventually fill the one hole in this roster: starting small forward.

To play Devil's Advocate for a moment: he's also a huge trade chip if the Nuggets decide to go all in.

 

2. Los Angeles Clippers (Steady)

(24-11) Last week: 1-1

A mixed week for the Clippers, who followed up their emotion charged Christmas day win with a lacklustre performance against the Jazz. They righted the ship with a comfortable victory against the Kings.

The Clippers should get off to a flyer in 2020. Of their first 8 games the only opponent over .500 is Denver. That should give Doc Rivers the chance to tinker with his rotations now that everybody is finally fit and firing. Once Doc gets it right, we're probably looking at the Western Conference Champion.

 

1. Milwaukee Bucks (Steady)

(31-5) Last week: 4-0

Much like the Clippers, the Bucks start 2020 with 7 straight games against sub .500 clubs. The rich get richer, yes?

After the Christmas Day blowout to the Sixers, the Bucks played without Giannis Antetokounmpo in routine wins against the Hawks and Magic. Kudos to veteran Ersan Ilyasova, who lived the Bucks 'next man up' mantra. Ghostface contributed 17.5 points and 15.5 rebounds, hitting 7 of his 8 attempts from deep with Giannis out. They're not the Clippers, but this team is quietly very deep.