With records through Friday and last week’s ranking:
1. Warriors – 26-1 (last week 1)
Fortunately for the Warriors, they’re done playing Milwaukee this season.
2. Spurs – 23-5 (LW 2)
Only the Warriors’ excellence has kept San Antonio from receiving more praise
3. Cavaliers – 17-7 (LW 3)
Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert are back in the lineup.
4. Thunder – 17-9 (LW 4)
OKC must improve on the road after going 5-6 away from home.
5. Pacers – 16-9 (LW 6)
Paul George can expect another fine for his profane critique of officiating.
6. Raptors – 17-11 (LW 5)
January brings a seven-game homestand.
7. Bulls – 15-9 (LW 8)
Chicago will play better if Derrick Rose is fully recovered from his eye injury.
8. Hornets – 15-10 (LW 7)
Al Jefferson’s absence has not slowed Charlotte.
9. Hawks – 16-12 (LW 9)
Atlanta is finding it tougher this season in a more competitive Eastern Conference.
10. Heat – 15-10 (LW 11)
Dwyane Wade is averaging 18.5 points per game while his minutes have been scaled back.
11. Clippers – 16-11 (LW 12)
Looks as if the early-season doldrums are behind them.
12. Mavericks – 15-12 (LW 13)
Wesley Matthews is still looking to find his game after last season’s Achilles’ injury.
13. Pistons – 16-12 (LW 15)
Rookie Stanley Johnson could prove to be one of the steals of the 2015 draft.
14. Magic – 15-11 (LW 16)
Coach Scott Skiles might have Orlando playing its way into the postseason.
15. Celtics – 14-13 (LW 10)
Young team struggles to win close games.
16. Grizzlies – 14-14 (LW 14)
Lineup changes to boost offense leads to Zach Randolph’s benching.
17. Knicks – 13-14 (LW 26)
Showing life again with three consecutive wins.
18. Rockets – 13-14 (LW 17)
A report of an unhappy Dwight Howard the latest drama in a lackluster season.
19. Jazz – 11-14 (LW 18)
Alec Burks’ play off the bench is key.
20. Wizards – 10-14 (LW 19)
What changes will come if Washington can’t shake its season-long funk?
21. Suns – 12-16 (LW 22)
With improving health, Phoenix could surge.
22. Nuggets – 11-15 (LW 25)
Maximizing their talent to remain near the middle of the West.
23. Trail Blazers – 11-17 (LW 20)
Damian Lillard continues to put up big numbers with less talent around him.
24. Timberwolves – 10-16 (LW 21)
Andrew Wiggins has the makings of a future All-Star.
25. Kings – 10-16 (LW 23)
Lack of intensity to start games remains a major issue.
26. Bucks – 10-18 (LW 28)
If only Milwaukee brought the same intensity it shows when playing the Warriors every night.
27. Pelicans – 7-19 (LW 24)
Even with injuries, this is a disappointing start.
28. Nets – 7-19 (LW 27)
Latest losing streak is up to four games.
29. Lakers – 4-22 (LW 29)
Kobe Bryant’s dunk steals attention from losing ways.
30. 76ers – 1-27 (LW 30)
Off to worst start through 28 games in league history.
JASON JONES
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