Best and Worst of the NBA

Who's hot, who's not in the NBA:

HIGH 5

1-Dallas (last ten: 10-0, 11 straight wins)

If the NBA Finals were held today, the Mavericks would certainly be the favorite to represent the Western Conference. No one is hotter right now, as they have won 11 straight games, including 5 road games. They haven't lost since November 19th, and are currently enjoying a 6 game homestand.

2-Boston (last ten: 9-1, 9 straight wins)

The Celtics lost 20 days ago in Toronto, by one point. Since that game Boston has rattled off 9 straight, including a last second victory over the 76ers. Good teams win games they're supposed to, but GREAT teams find a way to win the ones they should probably have lost. Anyone who saw the Celtics beat the 76ers the other night would agree that Boston should probably have lost that game, but found a way to pull it off. That's what makes them great.

3-New York (last ten: 9-1, 7 straight wins)

The Knicks (yes, the Knicks) are winning games like it's the year 2000. That was the last time the Knicks had a winning streak of 8 games, a stretch they've now eclipsed (the streak may be tested this week, however, as NY hosts Denver, Boston, and Miami). They've won 12 of their last 13 games, and have the most road wins in the entire league with 10. Amare Stoudemire has had 7-straight 30 point games for New York, and is in the early talks for MVP. Remember, I said EARLY talks.

4-Miami (last ten: 8-2, 7 straight wins)

Miami Thrice. The 3 Alarm Fire. Third Degree Burners. Whatever you want to call them, they have finally started to gel together. After a disappointing start to the year, the Miami Heat have won 7 straight, including 4 on the road, and aren't looking to stop anytime soon. Their next ten opponents have as many combined losses as victories, 100 wins to 100 losses. Only question is what happens when Wade goes out with his annual injuries?

5-San Antonio (last ten: 8-2, 4 straight wins)

Don't forget about the Spurs. They are boring, plain, and classic. They don't have high flying dunks and flashy, boisterous personalities. What they do have is something every team wants: WINS, and lots of them. They also have ol' Poppy. So long as Duncan is able to play and Popovich is coaching, the Spurs will be a force to reckon with in the West. And who wouldn't want Parker and Ginobili as their starting backcourt? And oh yeah, San Antonio only has 3 road games left in the month, not that it matters. The Spurs are 8-1 on the road this season...

HONORABLE MENTION:

-Utah Jazz (last ten: 8-2)

Deron Williams continues his MVP-like season, and everyone around him continues to fill up the stat sheet as well. Still not sure EXACTLY what type of team they are, but the Jazz are 12-1 when they score 100 points and boast one of the best defenses statistically in the NBA this season. 7 of their remaining 9 games for the month are on the road, which should reveal a little more about who the Utah Jazz are: Contenders, or Pretenders.

LOW 5

1-Golden State (last ten: 1-9, six straight losses)

Having lost six straight games, the Warriors are easily the worst team currently in the league. They're giving up an average of 107 points per game, third worst in that category, and their second leading scorer, Steph Curry, is out with a sprained right ankle. The silver lining is that they have played a flurry of elite teams as of late, including losses to the Spurs (2), Heat, Mavs, and Thunder.

2-New Jersey (last ten: 2-8, six straight losses)

Remember when LeBron James was rumored to be signing with the Nets? Well, that was the highlight so far this year for New Jersey fans; something that didn't even happen. But hey, it's better than last year at least. They have six wins, which didn't occur until February 27th last season. (but that's like being happy that the deck chairs survived the Titanic sinking)

3-Cleveland (last ten: 2-8, six straight losses)

When you first think of the Cavaliers and their losing ways, you try and justify it by reminding yourself that King James took his talents and left. But when you look at who they've played (and lost to), you realize their losing ways are worse than you originally thought. Those six straight losses included games against Minnesota, Detroit, and Philadelphia. All for one, and one for...oh forget it.

4-Washington (last ten: 2-8, four straight losses)

Depressed yet? Hopefully you're not a Wizards fan, because this paragraph won't help. Washington ranks in the bottom ten of the league in Points (20th), Rebounds (29th), Assists (22nd), and Points Allowed (27th) per game. Of their 9 games left in December, the Wizards play 7 teams who are above .500, including the Lakers, Heat, Bulls, and Spurs. They are also 0-10 on the road. Merry Christmas, John Wall!

5-Detroit (last ten: 2-8, 3 straight losses)

All 7 of their wins have come against teams below .500. They are 2-12 on the road, 5-5 at home. They are last in their division, which is the worst division in the Eastern Conference with a combined winning percentage of .432 (43%). Look for the Pistons in the lottery next June!

HONORABLE MENTION:

-Minnesota (last ten: 2-8)

The only reason Minnesota is an honorable mention and not in the Low 5 is Kevin Love. The man-cub-beast is phenomenal. Because of him, the Timberwolves lead the league in rebounds per game at 46. He can pass, shoot from distance, rebound like a machine, and post up if given the opportunity. Other than Love, I don't know why anyone attends Minnesota's games. Unless they go to see the visiting team.