NBA: Bucks, Lakers sit at the top

1. Milwaukee Bucks (36-6): The Bucks have won four in a row and are an impressive 9-1 in their last 10 games. Even the word “impressive” is undervaluing how great they have been. Milwaukee is serious contenders to win the title this year as Giannis Antetokounmpo looks primed for another MVP run as the Bucks have a league-best +12.6 point differential. They also average the most points in the league with 119.4 points per game.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (33-8): The Lakers are just a step behind the Bucks, and that may be because of Anthony Davis’ recent injury. Davis shouldn’t be sidelined for too long and Los Angeles has been almost as good without him as their pace has increased. They have the best away record in the league at 17-3 and they had won nine straight games before losing their last matchup versus the Magic.

3. Miami Heat (28-12): The Heat are the obvious surprise of the bunch but it’s no fluke as they have been one of the most consistent teams in the NBA through 40 games. It’d be a stretch to call them favorites in the Eastern Conference but it’s a real possibility that Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and company can make a run and possibly win a series or two. They are 18-1 at home so far this year.

4. Denver Nuggets (28-12): The Nuggets seem to be flying under the radar despite being one of the top teams two years in a row. With that said, they are tied for second in the Western Conference and are 5-0 against their division, 16-6 against their conference, and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They haven’t really been spectacular but you know what to expect with them and Denver should win 55+ games.

5. Los Angeles Clippers (28-13): The Clippers would be considered a slight disappointment if it wasn’t for their two victories over the Lakers but those are two of the best wins we’ve seen so they have to be seriously considered. Los Angeles averages 115.6 points per game behind Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Lou Williams, but they are just 9-9 away from Staples Center. If they want to win it all, that needs to change before the playoffs.

Photo Credit: Heavy.