With records through Friday
1. Cavaliers – (5-0)
Year Three of Cleveland’s Big Three is off to a fine start.
2. Spurs – (5-1)
If Kawhi Leonard wasn’t considered an MVP candidate, he certainly is now.
3. Warriors – (4-2)
The NBA’s new super team certainly is not on last season’s record pace.
4. Clippers – (4-1)
Developing a solid bench will be a season-long priority.
5. Raptors – (4-1)
DeMar DeRozan has topped 30 points in each of Toronto’s games this season.
6. Hornets – (4-1)
Stingy defense will always be a trademark of Steve Clifford-coached teams in Charlotte.
7. Thunder – (4-1)
Can Russell Westbrook realistically play at this level all season?
8. Celtics – (3-2)
Marcus Smart could become a Sixth Man of the Year candidate if healthy.
9. Pistons – (3-2)
Ish Smith is helping keep things in order with Reggie Jackson out with a knee injury.
10. Trail Blazers – (3-3)
Good luck keeping Damian Lillard off the All-Star team this season.
11. Hawks – (3-2)
Atlanta is counting on another All-Star season from Paul Millsap.
12. Bulls – (3-2)
Jimmy Butler has two players with championships (Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo) to learn from.
13. Rockets – (3-2)
James Harden’s statistics are eye-catching, but will this team defend?
14. Jazz – (3-3)
Joe Johnson will prove to be one of the better offseason pickups.
15. Grizzlies – (3-3)
Zach Randolph is being used off the bench but still is leading Memphis in rebounding.
16. Bucks – (3-2)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is living up to the hype that comes with his big contract extension.
17. Lakers – (3-3)
Young players are playing freely without having to defer to Kobe Bryant.
18. Nuggets – (2-2)
Nikola Jokic is a promising big man Denver is counting on.
19. Pacers – (2-3)
New point guard Jeff Teague could pay dividends with a postseason berth.
20. Knicks – (2-3)
Kristaps Porzingis’ development must remain a priority, even with Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony taking shots.
21. Heat – (2-3)
Dion Waiters now mans the starting spot so long held by Wade.
22. Magic – (2-3)
Aaron Gordon has the potential to become one of the league’s premier defenders.
23. Kings – (2-4)
Darren Collison’s return from suspension could help steady the Kings.
24. Suns – (2-4)
Forward T.J. Warren looks like he’s on his way to a breakout season.
25. Nets – (2-4)
Backcourt injuries have already been a problem for Brooklyn.
26. Timberwolves – (1-3)
Young team still needs to learn how to close out games before it becomes a playoff squad.
27. Wizards – (1-3)
John Wall is sitting out back-to-backs as he recovers from offseason knee surgeries.
28. Mavericks – (0-5)
Can Rick Carlisle’s coaching dig Dallas out of this hole?
29. 76ers – (0-4)
Joel Embiid has shown signs he will be a good player.
30. Pelicans – (0-6)
Anthony Davis cannot carry this injury-ravaged lineup at this point.
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