1
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Lakers
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The Lakers are clearly taking a cautious method with superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to begin the season, however they nonetheless regarded good within the first week with wins over the Mavericks and Wolves after an opening-night loss to the Clippers. Additions Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol are becoming in nicely, whereas restricted minutes for Davis and James has allowed gamers like Kyle Kuzma, Markieff Morris and Talen Horton-Tucker to discover a rhythm. The Lakers are clearly taking part in the lengthy recreation this season, however they’re so good that they won’t even sacrifice many wins within the course of.
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2-1 |
2
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Nets
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The Nets regarded unbeatable of their first two video games of the season, successful by a mixed margin of 44 factors, however they misplaced the highest spot within the Energy Rankings with a loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. You most likely should not learn an excessive amount of into it, although, and the excellent news for the Nets is that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving look unimaginable, averaging 27 and 29 factors, respectively, over the primary three video games. With a deep roster and elite expertise on the prime, the Nets appear like true title contenders. Now they only want to remain wholesome.
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3 |
2-1 |
3
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Pacers
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The Pacers are one in every of 5 undefeated groups after the primary week, with wins over the Knicks, Bulls and Celtics. The trio of Domantas Sabonis, Victor Oladipo and Malcolm Brogdon has mixed for practically 70 factors per recreation, whereas the protection has been characteristically stingy. Indiana is simply stable from prime to backside, and they need to be proper within the combine in the course of the Japanese Convention for a lot of the season.
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11 |
3-0 |
4
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Hawks
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The brand new-look Hawks haven’t disillusioned, destroying the Bulls within the opener earlier than choosing up a stable win over the Grizzlies on Saturday. Trae Younger set a contemporary report by scoring 37 factors on simply 12 area purpose makes an attempt towards Chicago, and Atlanta has showcased its newfound depth with seven gamers averaging double-figure scoring within the first two video games. Whether or not they’ll be capable to defend sufficient to develop into true contenders stays to be seen, however the Hawks can rating with one of the best of them.
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13 |
2-0 |
5
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Magic
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Orlando took down the Warmth on opening night time, then picked up back-to-back wins over the Wizards to stay undefeated. Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Markelle Fultz have been stable within the beginning lineup, whereas Terrence Ross has lit it up off the bench, averaging 23.Three factors on 53 p.c 3-point taking pictures over his first three video games. The offense has been surprisingly potent, however taking part in two video games towards the Wizards at all times helps in that division.
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16 |
3-0 |
6
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Cavaliers
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So who else penciled within the Cavs for a 3-Zero begin and the league’s second-best defensive ranking? It may not final, however there’s cause to be excited in Cleveland once more, with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland wanting extraordinarily promising because the backcourt of the longer term. The wins over the Hornets and Pistons might be chalked as much as poor competitors, however Cleveland put an absolute whooping on the 76ers on Sunday to stay undefeated. We’ll see how the Cavs fare once they play some stronger offenses, however they have been enjoyable to observe to date.
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23 |
3-0 |
7
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Heat
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The Warmth suffered a disappointing loss to the Magic within the season opener, however bounced again on Christmas to look the a part of defending Japanese Convention champions in a sound win over the Pelicans. Jimmy Butler was pressured out of that recreation with an ankle challenge, however the Warmth confirmed their depth by having eight gamers common no less than 9 factors over their first two video games. Duncan Robinson has picked up proper the place he left off final season, going 10 for 19 from 3-point vary to date.
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4 |
1-1 |
8
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Clippers
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The Clippers had been within the combine for the highest spot within the Energy Rankings to open the season after stable wins over the Lakers and Nuggets, after which all of it got here off the rails in Sunday’s franchise-worst 51-point loss to the Mavericks. Kawhi Leonard missed the sport, so we’ll simply chalk this as much as a huge blip on the radar for the Clippers, who ought to be one of many league’s finest groups this season.
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4 |
2-1 |
9
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Suns
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The brand new-look Suns picked up a stable opening night time win over the Mavericks, then break up a back-to-back with the Kings over the weekend. Chris Paul continues to be working to seek out chemistry together with his new teammates, however Devin Booker has averaged nearly 23 factors over the primary three video games and Mikal Bridges appears to be like to have made one other leap on the offensive finish along with his robust protection. The Suns ought to solely get higher because the season goes alongside.
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6 |
2-1 |
10
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Kings
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The Drama Kings picked up a walk-off additional time win towards the Nuggets within the opener, because of Buddy Hield’s last-second tip-in, then gained one other shut recreation over the Suns earlier than shedding to Phoenix on Sunday. Sacramento has unfold the wealth early, with eight gamers averaging eight factors per recreation or extra, led by De’Aaron Fox’s 19 per recreation. Rookie Tyrese Haliburton has regarded good to date, averaging 9.7 factors and 5 assists whereas taking pictures 42 p.c from 3-point vary.
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13 |
2-1 |
11
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Pelicans
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New Orleans beat the Raptors and Spurs this week, whereas struggling a Christmas Day loss to the Warmth. Brandon Ingram has been unimaginable constructing off his All-Star season, and Zion Williamson has regarded wholesome and impactful within the first three video games of the season. Good new for Stan Van Gundy’s protection: The Pelicans allowed fewer than 100 factors solely 4 instances final season, and so they’ve already achieved it twice in three video games.
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8 |
2-1 |
12
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Spurs
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After wins over the Grizzlies and Raptors to open up the season, the Spurs suffered their first loss on Sunday to the Pelicans. DeMar DeRozan has taken on a facilitating function, averaging 9 assists over his first three video games to go together with 21 factors. Younger gamers like Lonnie Walker IV, Dejounte Murray and Keldon Johnson have regarded stable within the younger season, with Derrick White on the mend and hopefully re-joining the lineup quickly. San Antonio has performed nicely regardless of LaMarcus Aldridge getting off to a sluggish begin, which is an effective signal.
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8 |
2-1 |
13
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Timberwolves
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The Wolves’ 2-Zero begin got here to a screeching halt when Karl-Anthony Cities missed Sunday’s 36-point loss to the Lakers. Cities suffered a dislocated left wrist, which is horrible information for him and the Wolves, however there’s reportedly optimism that this may not be a long-term damage. It is fairly clear that Minnesota wants Cities to keep away from being one of many worst groups within the NBA, so let’s hope he will get again to full power. No. 1 total choose Anthony Edwards has averaged 16 factors over his first three video games.
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13 |
2-1 |
14
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76ers
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The 76ers picked up wins over the Wizards and Knicks to begin the yr, however had been smacked within the mouth on Sunday with out Joel Embiid by the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. Regardless of the addition of Danny Inexperienced and Seth Curry this offseason to open up the ground, the Sixers offense has been an absolute slog, counting on Embiid’s 28 factors per recreation within the two wins. Doc Rivers (and probably Daryl Morey) clearly have much more tinkering to do if the 76ers are going to maneuver into the championship dialog.
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5 |
2-1 |
15
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Jazz
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Utah opened with a blowout win over the Blazers, then noticed its comeback effort fall brief towards the Timberwolves on Saturday. The offense has regarded good for essentially the most half, with Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley off to sizzling begins, and Derrick Favors has made a seamless return to the franchise the place he spent nine-plus seasons earlier than taking part in for the Pelicans final yr. With their capability to be elite on each ends of the ground, the Jazz ought to be a contender within the stacked West.
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5 |
1-1 |
16
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Mavericks
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Dallas misplaced a detailed opener to the Suns, then was blown out by the Lakers on Christmas earlier than placing a 51-point beatdown on the Clippers on Sunday. The Mavs might be lacking an enormous piece so long as Kristaps Porzingis is out, however Luka Doncic is a one-man elite offense who will be capable to maintain them afloat on most nights, even when the protection struggles.
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3 |
1-2 |
17
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Celtics
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The Celtics might be winless if Jayson Tatum did not financial institution in a 3-pointer and Giannis Antetokounmpo did not miss a late free throw on opening night time. They had been blown out by the Nets, then misplaced a detailed one to the Pacers on Sunday, and so they’re clearly struggling to fill within the minutes vacated by Kemba Walker’s damage and Gordon Hayward leaving for Charlotte. They confronted two prolific offenses within the first two video games, so the protection ought to get higher because the season goes on. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are each averaging over 25 factors per recreation to begin the season, and it is possible going to be extra of the identical till Walker comes again within the new yr.
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10 |
1-2 |
18
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Bucks
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It is one factor to lose to the Boston Celtics on opening night time as a result of a banked-in Jayson Tatum 3-pointer, nevertheless it’s fairly one other to get blown out by the New York Knicks. That is removed from the beginning that Giannis Antetokounmpo was in search of when he signed his supermax extension earlier than the season, and even the back-to-back MVP has underwhelmed out of the gates, taking pictures an uncharacteristic 47 p.c from the sphere (he shot 55 p.c final season). Khris Middleton has been glorious, and Jrue Vacation is slowly working his means into the system, so it ought to solely be a matter of time earlier than the Milwaukee machine is rolling once more.
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16 |
1-2 |
19
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Trail Blazers
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Coming into the season with loads of hype as a result of a revamped roster, we received a reminder this week that the Blazers nonetheless have a protracted technique to go to include their new components. They had been fully stifled on opening night time in a blowout loss to the Jazz, then wanted a 44-point effort and a game-winner from CJ McCollum to hold onto a detailed win over the severely undermanned Houston Rockets. The protection might want to considerably enhance if the Blazers are going to get again into the highest tier of the Western Convention.
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7 |
1-1 |
20
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Nuggets
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There have been considerations in regards to the Nuggets protection heading into the season, so it’s kind of alarming to see them giving up 118 factors per 100 possessions in an 0-2 begin. Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. have regarded good offensively and Paul Millsap seems rejuvenated, however they’ll have to determine issues out on the defensive finish because the season goes alongside if they’ll stay contenders.
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14 |
0-2 |
21
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Raptors
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The Raptors struggled mightily on the offensive finish of their season-opening loss to the Pelicans, then gave up 119 factors in a loss to the Spurs on Saturday. Chris Boucher has been a shiny spot early, placing up a monster recreation of 22 factors, 10 rebounds and 7 blocks within the loss to the Spurs whereas filling in for Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, who the Raptors misplaced in free company. Toronto ought to stay aggressive this season, nevertheless it appears to be like just like the starters will as soon as once more bear a major minutes load with a brief rotation.
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13 |
0-2 |
22
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Rockets
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All you are able to do is giggle at James Harden. The man skips camp, breaks protocols, reveals up out of form, then all he does in his first recreation is drop 44 factors and 17 assists in a slender loss to the Blazers with 9 wholesome Rockets on the roster. Christian Wooden appears to be like like the right pick-and-roll associate for Harden, and it makes you marvel if Harden would possibly need to stick round as soon as Houston will get its full complement of gamers.
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6 |
0-1 |
23
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Knicks
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The Knicks misplaced handily of their first two video games, solely to shock the world with a 20-point win over the Bucks on Sunday. Julius Randle has been a monster to date, averaging 23.7 factors and 10 rebounds per recreation, however his facilitating has actually stood out. The large man is averaging 6.Three assists on the younger season, after by no means averaging greater than 3.6 for his profession. New York has additionally gotten a lift from offseason signing Alec Burks, who’s averaging over 20 factors per recreation whereas making 10 of 15 from 3-point vary.
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5 |
1-2 |
24
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Thunder
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The one workforce within the Western Convention not anticipated to be within the playoff race went out and gained its first recreation towards the Hornets, because of late heroics from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who regarded greater than able to take the reins because the workforce’s lead playmaker. With him, George Hill and Al Horford (for now), the Thunder ought to be capable to stay aggressive in most video games, even when they do not find yourself successful a lot of them.
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6 |
1-0 |
25
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Hornets
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The Hornets misplaced to the Cavs and Thunder to begin the season — not nice — however bounced again to choose up a win over the Nets on Sunday. Terry Rozier hit 10 3-pointers en path to 42 factors on opening night time, and is averaging practically 27 factors over the primary three video games. Gordon Hayward has earned his contract to date, placing up 22.7 factors, seven assists and 4.7 rebounds per recreation. LaMelo Ball has been streaky to date in 17 minutes per recreation, averaging 6.Three factors with practically as many turnovers as assists.
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— |
1-2 |
26
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Grizzlies
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The Grizzlies are sorely lacking Jaren Jackson Jr. to begin the season, giving up 131 factors to the Spurs within the opening-night loss, then 122 to the Hawks on Saturday. Ja Morant has been phenomenal, however the Grizzlies have not been in a position to get stops constantly within the early season.
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8 |
0-2 |
27
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Warriors
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After shedding their first two video games by the second-largest mixed margin in NBA historical past, the Warriors lastly picked up their first win Sunday on Damion Lee’s game-winning 3-pointer, and so they celebrated like that they had simply gained the NBA title. Draw your personal conclusions there. Steph Curry has gotten little assist, with Andrew Wiggins taking pictures 33 p.c from the sphere and Kelly Oubre Jr. but to make a 3-pointer in 17 makes an attempt. It has been ugly for Golden State, however the silver linings are James Wiseman’s spectacular early play and the truth that Draymond Inexperienced will hopefully quickly make his season debut.
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16 |
1-2 |
28
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Wizards
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Nonetheless winless on the season, Washington’s worst loss got here on Sunday once they allowed 43 fourth-quarter factors to the Magic to lose a 17-point lead. Russell Westbrook has put up triple-doubles in every of his first two video games, and Bradley Beal is averaging 33 factors within the first three, however this workforce will not be capable to win constantly till it proves it may defend.
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6 |
0-3 |
29
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Pistons
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Detroit misplaced to the Wolves and Cavs to begin the season, however Blake Griffin and offseason signing Jerami Grant have each performed nicely to date. Mason Plumlee has thrived with additional taking part in time and an expanded offensive function, averaging 10 factors, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists over the primary two video games.
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2 |
0-2 |
30
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Bulls
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The Bulls trailed by as many as 40 factors of their opening night time loss to the Hawks, then fell behind by 30 to the Pacers of their subsequent recreation. They on the verge of their first win earlier than dropping a heart-breaker to the Warriors on a 3-pointer with seconds remaining. It has been ugly on each ends for Chicago, as roster tweaks appear inevitable after the tough begin. Maybe shifting Coby White again to the bench is likely to be a spot to begin, since he and Zach LaVine have but to seek out their rhythm collectively.
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6 |
0-3 |
