3. Atlanta Hawks (7-1)
Last Week: Just missed the cut
The Hawks make their first appearance of the season in our top ten, and don’t enter quietly, after winning seven straight. Perhaps, we underestimated them again this season. Their regular season dominance last year went largely underappreciated, but in the playoffs it came to fruition that they could not match up with an elite team.
Nevertheless, winning seven straight is no easy task at any point in the season, and the loss of small forward DeMare Carroll does not appear to be as devastating a blow as some predicted. Right now, the Hawks deserve to be the frontrunner to face Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Final again.
4. San Antonio Spurs (4-2)
Last Week: 4
The Spurs, more so than any team in the league, might have the most deceiving win-loss record all season long. 4-2 is solid, but they are always a team that turns it on mid-season, right around the all-star break.
LaMarcus Aldridge is starting to get accustomed to his new teammates, Tim Duncan is still playing at an elite level, and Kawhi Leonard appears poised to take over the role of “star player” in San Antonio. The funny thing about the Spurs is, 4-2 is “a slow start” for them.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (4-2)
Last Week: 5
As lame as the new logo might be, the Clippers are still one of the best teams in the league. Blake Griffin is averaging 29 points and 10 rebounds per game. Chris Paul is averaging 17 points and 8 assists.
DeAndre Jordan is hauling in 13.5 rebounds per game. That big three pretty much tells you why the Clippers are a threat to win the Western Conference.
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