As the month changes to December, here are the standings from around the league
In the East, the contenders and pretenders are shaping up, as the Cavs Celtics and Raptors are strong at the top of the league, separated by only half a game. The 6ers are surprisingly strong, although coming off a loss to the Celtics 115-108. The Hornets have dropped to the 5 seed and the Nets are a surprise 7 seed, which could spell trouble for the pick the Cavs acquired in the Kyrie Irving deal. The Wizards have struggled MASSIVELY with John Wall dealing with a strained groin and playing limited minutes, going 4-10 since he came out of the starting lineup. The other surprise is the Milwaukee Bucks, who have struggled to score this season, especially from 3 point range, ranking 25th in the league in both categories. One would think the Bucks are thinking about shipping off Jabari Parker, the oft-injured Forward who’s been playing well coming off the bench after his injury, but is fast approaching contract discussions, for 3 point help. The team also recently lost Matthew Dellavedova for a couple weeks to a bruised heel.
In the West, the Warriors feel no drop off with Jordan Bell in the starting rotation due to Draymond Greens injury. The Timberwolves and Jazz are playing up to their potential, and the Rockets have been struggling a bit but are still well within range of a top 3 seed. The Spurs have been perhaps the most disappointing team our west, but the team has been dealing with the loss of Tony Parker, as well as recently losing Patty Mills for a couple weeks, leading to Dejounte Murray and rookie Derrick White sopping up the PG minutes as of late. There is still plenty of time to turn things around. Another contender for most disappointing team is the Denver Nuggets, who are 8-13 on the season and a sieve on defense even with the addition of Paul Millsap. The team had to deal with losing Wilson Chandler for a few weeks, but the team is now healthy so let’s see if they turn things around.
The Celtics are doing well, currently on a 3 game win streak. Terry Rozier is still out for another 1-2 weeks with his broken toe, but recently acquired Seth Curry has been doing well for the team, averaging 13.3 PPG while playing backup PG and SG. The minutes situation will be interesting when Rozier returns. Kyrie Irving has been playing MVP level basketball leading the league in scoring at 29.3 PPG on ridiculous 53/48(!!)/94 splits, along with 4 rebounds and 7 assists per game. Hayward has been solid as the number two option, adding 18 PPG as well as 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists albeit on slightly disappointing 43/36/90 splits. The team has a cakewalk of a schedule through most of December which hopefully leads to some much needed rest for Kyrie as he averages nearly 40 MPG.
Will update at the turn of the new year as the trade market should heat up as newly signed players can finally be traded