Melissa Rollin
Fox Sports NBA Writer
We’re in the middle of the NBA season, so let’s take a look at how the teams are doing.
The obvious teams are the Cleveland Cavaliers (35-6) and Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7), both of whom have a 6 1/2-game lead over second-place teams in their respective conferences. Barring any major surprises, I expect both teams to remain at the top of the rankings this season. The real question is…do they have enough experience to make a splash in the playoffs?
Now, for the teams that are making their way up the ladder impressively. The Los Angeles Clippers (24-17) and Milwaukee Bucks (24-17) are enjoying some heat, having each won four straight games.
The Clippers recently brought back two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard to their roster after he missed the first 34 games of the season as his right knee healed. If he continues to find his rhythm and can stay healthy, the Clippers could make some real noise. After all, last week included their 59-point win over Brooklyn and their 29-point win over Portland. But, let’s be real, their recent win on Sunday over the Los Angeles Lakers (116-102) was probably the most beautiful of all, considering that it was the first time they hosted the 17-time NBA champions, with whom they shared the court. For a very long time in their books.
As for the Bucks, they have won eight of their last 11 games and continue to do a great job of turning their season around despite their rocky 2-8 start. Giannis Antetokounmpo emphasized that the difference is simple: the team now trusts each other.
Related to: Damian Lillard is out for ‘revenge’ with Bucks after ‘toughest year of my life’
Now, what we all care about most: drama. The team currently holding the award for Greatest Series on Television is the Miami Heat, who recently knocked out the Philadelphia 76ers as the front-runners for the honor.
Jimmy Butler, who has made clear he wants to be traded, returned to the Heat on Saturday after serving a seven-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team.” After finishing with 18 points in 33 minutes in a 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets, he asked for a “no comment” when asked if the situation could be fixed. As the trade deadline approaches, buckle up. Things can get very interesting.
Here are our rankings:
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Boston Celtics
- Houston Rockets
- Denver Nuggets
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New York Knicks
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Indiana Pacers
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Sacramento Kings
- Miami Heat
- Golden State Warriors
- atlanta hawks
- Phoenix Suns
- Orlando Magic
- Dallas Mavericks
- Detroit Pistons
- Philadelphia 76ers
- San Antonio Spurs
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Chicago Bulls
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Brooklyn Nets.
- Utah Jazz
- Charlotte Hornets
- Toronto Raptors
- Washington Wizards
Melissa Rolen is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, Los Angeles Times, Bay Area News Group and San Antonio Express News. Follow her on Twitter @com.melissarohlin.
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