8. (-2) Chicago Bulls are 9-6 and have had an up and down season thus far. The Bulls had a great game against the Los Angeles Lakers in a losing effort last week. The Bulls are the second best rebounding team behind the Minnesota Timberwolves and ahead of the Lakers. The team is led by Joakim Noah’s 14 boards a game. Derrick Rose leads the team with 26 points and 8 assists per game. This team is averaging 102 points per game and giving up 99 points per contest.
7. (-2) Oklahoma City Thunder are 11-6 and have had a slow start but are picking up steam. The Thunder are averaging 102 points per game but are giving up 103 a game. The team is led by the league’s leading scorer, Kevin Durant and his 28 points per game. Russell Westbrook is adding 24 points and 8 assists, while Jeff Green is adding another 18 points per game for the exciting young Thunder.
6. (+1) Dallas Mavericks are 12-4 and have been winning big games despite only scoring 97 points per game. The Mavericks are winning games on the defensive end as the team is only giving up 92 points per contest. The team is led by Dirk Nowitzki’s 26 points and 8 boards a game. Jason Terry is adding 17 points and 5 assists. The Mavericks are the only team with depth that can match the Lakers but the first match-up between the two teams will have to wait until the New Year.
5. (+3) Utah Jazz are 13-5 and have been playing catch up in many of their games. The latest comeback win was against the Lakers after trailing 33-17 after one quarter. This team does not panic once they are down. This is the reason why Jerry Sloan is one of the best coaches in the league. The Jazz as a team are averaging 100 points a contest and only giving up 97 points to their opponents. The team is led by All-Star point guard Deron Williams’ 21 points and 10 assists. Paul Milsap, who is replacing Carlos Boozer, is averaging 19 points and 9 assists a contest.
4. (-1) New Orleans Hornets are 12-4 and continue to be a strong contender in the West. This team does not have a powerful offense but the team is averaging 96 points a game. The Hornets are winning games on the defensive end by allowing just 91 points per game. David West leads the team with 18 points and 7 boards. Chris Paul is adding 16 points and 10 assists.
Next: And The Contenders
