While basketball lovers and aficionados watch the NBA all year long, a subsection of fans seems to ignore the sport until the blitz of games that Christmas Day brings. If you fall into that latter category, this pre-Christmas power rankings update is for you.
The league has seen one of its most exciting starts in years, with both Golden State and San Antonio dominating for the majority of the first eight weeks. The race behind them is just as interesting, and possibly more, given the endless intrigue surrounding a large number of mysterious ballclubs.
This edition of our new power rankings series takes a look at the top 15 teams throughout the Association, and breaks down what you need to know as we head into 2016.
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1. Golden State Warriors (26-1)
Last 10: 9-1
There’s no argument here. Breaking multiple records along the way, the Warriors are off to a stellar 26-1 start under the direction of interim head coach Luke Walton. The NBA leaders won their first 24 games of the year and have a spotless 12-0 record at home. Four players are averaging in double figures so far, with point guard Stephen Curry leading the way at 31.8 points per game. With no question regarding the claim that this is the most talented team in the NBA, what everyone is really wondering is whether Golden State can reach 73 wins to top the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls. Friday afternoon’s showdown with Cleveland in Oakland should be a fun one, and it could very well be a preview of this season’s Finals as well.
Kawhi Leonard’s strong start to the 2015-16 season has San Antonio in great shape (credit: Steve Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports)
2. San Antonio Spurs (24-5)
Last 10: 9-1
With a good majority of the country focusing on the work the Warriors are doing, a sneaky-great (not just sneaky-good) Spurs team is flying under the radar. No one has played better defense in the first two months of the season, and the play of small forward Kawhi Leonard (21.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG) has really sparked this group of veterans. After a bit of a slow start, newcomer LaMarcus Aldridge is starting to show his worth. The power forward leads the team in rebounds and is second in scoring. San Antonio has won 10 of its last 11 games and embarks on a quick two-game road trip starting Wednesday in Minneapolis.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (19-9)
Last 10: 8-2
The Thunder have been rolling ever since an early December loss that dropped their record to 11-8. Things are definitely looking up for Kevin Durant and company, but they will need to make a deal or two at the trade deadline to keep up with Golden State and San Antonio in the West. Adding depth to a somewhat thin bench will be a must.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (18-7)
Last 10: 7-3
The same core from last season’s team that lost in the Finals is back, and Cleveland is off to a great start in 2015-’16. Four out of the five starters are averaging at least 12 points per game, with small forward LeBron James leading the way, of course. Timofey Mozgov has added a viable option for the team at center, which solidifies the Cavaliers as the top team in the East at the moment. They have won their last five and are entering a key stretch in which they’ll face four Western Conference teams on the road to finish the month of December.
5. Miami Heat (16-10)
Last 10: 6-4
The East’s second hottest team right now, is, well, the Heat. Led by Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Miami has bounced back nicely from a slow start to the season. The uber-athletic Hassan Whiteside is making spectacular plays at both ends of the floor, and Gerald Green’s ability to make clutch shots when called upon has bewildered opposing defenses as of late. That ability must remain more constant, however; it can’t come and go. The Heat, like almost every other non-Cleveland team in the East, run hot and cold instead of carving out a path marked by steady and consistent improvement.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra has his team playing spectacular ball against Western Conference opponents, going 8-1 so far this season. What’s most intriguing about the Heat, though, is their depth at the four and five spots. With so many options, talented post players such as Udonis Haslem and Amar’e Stoudemire aren’t even playing more than 10 minutes per game.
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6. Indiana Pacers (16-11)
Last 10: 4-6
7. Toronto Raptors (17-12)
Last 10: 5-5
DeMar DeRozan leads Toronto with 22.6 PPG
8. Charlotte Hornets (15-12)
Last 10: 5-5
9. Boston Celtics (15-13)
Last 10: 5-5
10. Atlanta Hawks (18-12)
Last 10: 6-4
11. Detroit Pistons (16-12)
Last 10: 7-3
12. Chicago Bulls (15-11)
Last 10: 4-6
The Butler has done it on the court recently, but has ignited a small controversy with his criticism of head coach Fred Hoiberg. (Matt Marton – USA TODAY Sports)
13. Dallas Mavericks (15-12)
Last 10: 5-5
14. Los Angeles Clippers (16-13)
Last 10: 6-4
15. Memphis Grizzlies (15-14)
Last 10: 4-6
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Just Missed The Cut: Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic
