Despite the team’s second loss of the season, Golden State is still the top-ranked squad in the latest NBA power rankings. The Warriors are now 29-2 on the year, but despite their hot start, they now just lead San Antonio (28-6) by 2.5 games in the race for the best record in the league and in the Western Conference.
After those two squads, things get a bit more interesting as several teams around the league are in battle for the third spot. At this stage of the season, Cleveland (21-9) gets the nod. The Cavaliers are the top squad in the Eastern Conference and with Kyrie Irving now back in the lineup, basketball experts are projecting big things from this team over the second half of the season.
Oklahoma City (22-10) can’t be left out of the equation, but four losses at home already has some questioning how they will perform when the NBA Playoffs start in April, but with plenty of time between now and then, the Thunder have a shot at home court advantage and the chance to prove their doubters wrong.
The next few spots are up for grabs with eight teams having 12 or 13 losses on the year. Most expected a bit more from the LA Clippers (20-13) this season and a few had them challenging Golden State, but that clearly isn’t the case, but with one of the most talented rosters in the league, expect a big second half from “lob city.”
Dallas (19-13) is the hottest team in the league with four straight wins and the victory over the Warriors will only help the Mavs’ confidence. With the final four spots in the Western Conference playoff chase up for grabs, these big wins in December could payoff in 2016.
