The Trail Blazers’ elite guard duo has given them solid production of late, with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum trading big outings. Questions about the bench are valid, but continuity and star-power continue to lift the Blazers to competitive status in the West.
Joel Embiid should get MVP consideration. Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons should make the All-Star game at their current pace. Despite the league’s most effective starting five, though, the Sixers are still outside the top tier. There’s no contender with a worse bench than Philadelphia.
The Pacers went 7-4 without Victor Oladipo and haven’t lost since his return. Now on a seven-game win streak, it’s fair to dub the Pacers a legitimate contender in the East. Domantas Sabonis should get Sixth Man of the Year consideration, Myles Turner is rounding into form, and Thaddeus Young just won East Player of the Week.
The Lakers have won seven of 10 and are beginning to establish themselves as a Western Conference power. There are undeniable flaws, but LeBron James is quite good at basketball. Add in some surprising contributions off the bench, and L.A. has earned a top-10 spot.
The Thunder currently possess the best defense in the NBA. Paul George might be a top-five MVP candidate, Russell Westbrook is a walking triple-double, and OKC figures to get Andre Roberson back before the season ends.