Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

1) Oklahoma City Thunder [ 17-4 ]: The Thunder are averaging a league-leading 106.0 points a game on top of winning eight-straight. Through 20+ games, I don’t see how Kevin Durant isn’t the MVP of the league. (Last Week: #2)

2) San Antonio Spurs [ 17-4 ]: Three blowout victories by a combined 66 points have the Spurs sitting nice and pretty. They’ve won nine of their last ten, with that lone loss coming at the hands of the Miami Heat when Greg Popovich sat his starters. Just imagine if they had played. (Last Week: #5)

3) New York Knicks [ 15-5 ]: No Carmelo Anthony? No problem. That didn’t seem to matter when the Knicks hit 18 three-pointers and blew out the Miami Heat for the second time this season on Thursday. I’m still skeptical about their postseason chances, but they look damn good at the moment. (Last Week: #4)

4) Memphis Grizzlies [ 14-4 ]:  Even with the fourth-hardest schedule to start the season, the Grizzlies still  own one of the best records in the Western Conference. No team has scored over 100 points against Memphis since opening night. (Last Week: #3)

5) Miami Heat [ 13-5 ]: Losses to the Washington Wizards (wow) and New York Knicks this past week are a major step back, but it’s clear as day that this team has yet to “turn it on”, which is weird considering their record. Perhaps this is what the Heat needed to really flip the switch. (Last Week: #1)

6) Los Angeles Clippers [14-6 ]: Six wins in a row and the Clippers are back on top of the Pacific division. Chauncey Billups is now out indefinitely, but depth at the guard positions hasn’t been an issue all season.  (Last Week: #10)

7) Atlanta Hawks [ 12-5 ]: Overlooked? Underestimated? Perhaps. The Hawks strung together three victories in a row this past week, including come from behind wins over the Nuggets and Wizards and a win at the FedExForum against the Grizzlies. There free-throw attempts (19.5) must increase dramatically. (Last Week: #7)

8) Golden State Warriors [ 13-7 ]: The Warriors are clearly the biggest surprise of the season in the NBA, as they’re off to their best start since the 2005-06 season. Stephen Curry is having a tremendous start to his December, averaging 23.4 points on 50% shooting, as well as dishing out 8.4 assists a game. (Last Week: #8)

9) Chicago Bulls [ 11-8 ]: Chicago continues to be one of the best defensive squads in the league, giving up the second lowest scoring totals to their opposition per game (91.3). Joakim Noah and Luol Deng are still racking up heavy minutes, but the Bulls remain so strong on the defensive end because of that.  (Last Week: #12)

10) Brooklyn Nets [ 11-8 ]: The Nets have lost four in a row, although those of those came at the hands of the Heat and Thunder. Andray Blatche is averaging 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds in the starting-unit, but the Nets need Brook Lopez back and at full strength pronto. (Last Week: #6)

11) Utah Jazz [ 12-10 ]: Beating the Magic and Raptors earlier in the week were givens, but knocking off the Lakers on the road Sunday night was a major confidence boost. They should really consider adding some depth in the backcourt by moving one of their many frontcourt pieces. They could be just one move away from really making some noise. (Last Week: #16)

12) Phildelphia 76ers [ 11-9 ]: Shooing can only get you so far in this league. The Sixers only shot better than 42% once during the week. It took a game-winner by Evan Turner late in the fourth quarter and a Rondo slip to knock off the Celtics in overtime on Friday.  (Last Week: #9)

13) Milwaukee Bucks [ 10-9 ]: It looks like 5 years and $40 million dollars has made Ersan Ilyasova forgetful on how to play the game of basketball. His numbers have dropped from 17 points and 11.3 rebounds per 36 minutes last year to 11.7 and 7.4 in 2012/13.  (Last Week: #13)

14) Boston Celtics [ 11-9 ]: Paul Pierce is nearing the end of his storied career, but it looks like the Celtics need him now more than ever. Boston is averaging 106.8 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor and just 98.6 with him on the bench. Jeff Green has stepped up as of late, but the team needs more help in the frontcourt to help an aging Kevin Garnett. (Last Week: #11)

15) Dallas Mavericks  [ 10-10 ]: O.J Mayo had his coming-out party for the Mavericks in the teams win over Houston on Saturday, scoring 40 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He also hit 6 of 9 from behind the arc.  (Last Week: #18)

16) Indiana Pacers [ 10-11 ]: I respect Roy Hibbert for coming out and saying that he wants to surpass Dwight Howard as the leagues best true center, but for now, it’s not even close. He’s still shooting under 40% from the field and averaging less than 10.0 points a game. (Last Week: #15)

17) Denver Nuggets [ 10-11 ]: The Nuggets defense is all over the place, that it’s hard to really buy into them at the moment. The team allows just 93.3 points when they win and 108.8 when the lose. They’ve scored at least 100 or more in eight straight games, but that defense has to step up. (Last Week: #19)

18) Minnesota Timberwolves [ 9-9 ]: Things are basically just wait and see at the moment with this Wolves team. They need Ricky Rubio back playing point guard as soon as possible. Minnesota is 4-5 with Kevin Love back in the lineup, but the dynamic of this offense much more effective with Rubio leading the charge.   (Last Week: #20)

19) Houston Rockets [ 9-10 ]: It was great seeing Kevin McHale return to the sidelines on Saturday, despite the team losing a hard-faught effort against the Mavericks. The team loves playing from behind, as evident in their lone victory of the week against the Lakers this past tuesday, trailing at the half by 13 points.  (Last Week: #17)

20) Los Angeles Lakers [ 9-12 ]: The return of Steve Nash won’t be the quick fix that solves all of the Lakers problems. Sure, it may help improve an offense that has been very stagnant as of late, but the last time I checked, Nash isn’t a defensive stopper. Los Angeles sits at 18th in the league for opponents scoring (98.1 a game). They also gave up 117 points to the Jazz at home last night. (Last Week: #14)

21) Orlando Magic [ 8-12 ]: Dwight Howard‘s old team is playing better than his new team. My mind is blown. A 3-2 west coast road trip is not too shabby, but dropping a game against the Kings on Friday must leave a bad aftertaste.  (Last Week: #21)

22) Portland Trail Blazers [ 8-12 ]: Fatigue is beginning to set in on that starting-unit, and rightfully so. I’ve said it once and I’ve said it a thousand times. That bench is what’s holding Portland back from making any real strides. (Last Week: #23)

23) Sacramento Kings [ 7-12 ]: The Kings are currently riding a three-game winning streak, although those wins came against the Raptors, Trailblazers and Magic. Progress is a slow process I suppose. Two of those victories were without Tyreke Evans. (Last Week: #28)

24) Charlotte Bobcats [ 7-12 ]: See, this is the Charlotte Bobcats I’ve come to know and love. The team has lost seven straight and eight of their last ten. Watching them win basketball games and hover above .500 was too good to be true. Their has been improvement, but Charlotte is exactly where they should be in the standings.  (Last Week: #22)

25) Detroit Pistons [ 7-15 ]: The Pistons are playing .500 basketball since starting the year 0-8. Greg Monroe has been putting together a very quiet yet efficient season, averaging 15.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.5 steals. On any other roster, he could have been a candidate for the all-star team. (Last Week: #24)

26) New Orleans Hornets [ 5-14 ]: The New Orleans Pelicans? It’s growing on me, I’m not going to lie. Some believe that the league won’t allow such a ridiculous name change, but why not right? Who wouldn’t want to see a Pelican mascot? I certainly do. Sign me up for a jersey. Besides, don’t the eyebrows of Anthony Davis already look like a bird? (Last Week: #26)

27) Phoenix Suns [ 7-15 ]: The Suns have lost seven in a row and now find themselves second from the bottom in the Western Conference. Games against the Grizzlies and Jazz this week won’t help matters. Michael Beasley has been sent to the bench after struggling with his shot to start the year. Marcin Gortat could be next.  (Last Week: #25)

28) Washington Wizards [ 2-15 ]: A win over the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat is something to be commended, especially when you look at the fact that the Wizards had just one win entering that game. In Washington’s two victories thus far, the bench has outscored the starting-unit on both occasions. Will that change when John Wall eventually returns from injury? (Last Week: #30)

29) Cleveland Cavaliers [ 4-17 ]: Things were looking grim without Kyrie Irving, but now rookie Dion Waiters is on the sidelines as well. Without those two, the Cavaliers are nearly unwatchable. Scratch that, they are. Although, Irving could be returning as early as this week. (Last Week: #29)

30) Toronto Raptors [ 4-17 ]: From Andrea Bargnani to GM Bryan Colangelo, it appears that the Raptors fan base wants the team to clean house big time. The most lopsided loss of the year against the Jazz (131-99) on Wednesday didn’t calm anyones nerves. Does anyone truly care anymore? (Last Week: #27)

Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

1) Miami Heat [ 12-3 ]: Saturdays 102-89 victory over the Brooklyn Nets was just the Heats fourth game over a 16-day stretch. With Dwayne Wade struggling to find his rhythm offensively thus far, that extra rest could be beneficial moving into the winter months. 

2) Oklahoma City Thunder [ 14-4 ]: Nothing is more gratifying than crushing a team you made a major trade with involving one of your former players who helped take you to an NBA Finals appearance. A 120-98 victory over James Harden and the Rockets on Wednesday certainly falls under that category.

3) Memphis Grizzlies [ 12-3 ]: November was a very kind month to the Grizzlies, garnering wins over the Knicks, Heat, Lakers and Thunder. December eases up as Memphis plays just one team currently with a winning record (Hawks) over the next two weeks, including two games against the leagues worst defense (Suns).

4) New York Knicks [ 12-4 ]: New York remains just one of three teams in the league (Heat, Jazz) who are undefeated on their home court. Jason Kidd is still missing time with a lower back spasms. To see just how effective Kidd has been for this Knicks team thus far, click here.

5) San Antonio Spurs [ 14 -4 ]: David Stern deemed it worthy to fine the Spurs $250,000 for sending home four key players (Duncan, Green, Parker, Ginobili) before last Thursdays game against the Heat. As a testament to how deep this roster really is, they almost shocked the world by nearly defeating the defending champions with a bunch of players you’ve never heard of. Kudos to you, Popovich.

6) Brooklyn Nets [ 11-5 ]: Two losses by a combined 43 points to the Miami Heat show that the Nets still aren’t ready to compete with the champions of the East just yet. For Brooklyn’s sake, Brook Lopez‘s ligament injury in his right foot hopefully doesn’t evolve into something far more serious down the road, especially considering his history of being hurt (played just five games all of last season).

7) Atlanta Hawks [ 9-5 ]: The six-game winning streak was certainly welcome, but the competition wasn’t exactly on their level (Bobcats twice, Kings, Magic, Wizards, struggling Clippers) to say the least. Losing to the Cavaliers brought them down a peg. Their team offense (19th) will eventually have to catch up with their outstanding defense (6th).

8) Golden State Warriors [ 10-6 ]: Andrew Bogut is nowhere to be seen, yet the Warriors have still won three in a row and seven of their last ten. With four of the teams next six games being against some of the leagues weakest rosters (Wizards, Bobcats, Pistons, Magic), Golden States winning ways could be far from over.

9) Philadelphia 76ers [ 10-7 ]: The Sixers are averaging just 18.9 free throws a game. No team in league history has averaged fewer than 18 for an entire season. That number can easily be explained by the teams lack of a low post presence drawing fouls in the paint. If only they had someone who could do that. Here’s looking at you, Mr. Andrew Bynum.

10) Los Angeles Clippers [ 10-6 ]: Eric Bledsoe has easily been the surprise of the season for Los Angeles. Through 16 games, Eric is averaging 9.9 points on 50% shooting (up from 3.3 and 38% last season), as well as 2.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists a game. He’s earned his playing time, even with the return of guard Chauncey Billups to the starting unit.

11) Boston Celtics [ 9-8 ]: It was a shame to see Rajon Rondo‘s assist streak end in such a brutal fashion, but at the very least, it helped shed the Celtics label of playing “soft”, which is something coach Doc Rivers believes his team has been to start the year, especially during the Nets game.

12) Chicago Bulls [ 8-7 ]: I’m surprised Luol Deng hasn’t passed out from exhaustion yet, as he currently leads the NBA in minutes played at 40.7 minutes a game. That playing time could eventually catch up to Deng, as he has a history of dealing with nagging injuries. I suppose with Derrick Rose out and the “Bench Mob 2.0″ not playing up to par, coach Thibodeau doesn’t have a lot to work with.

13) Milwaukee Bucks [ 8-7 ]: Last Monday’s comeback win over the Chicago Bulls (down 27 points late in the third quarter) was a statement victory in the Central division. Ersan Ilyasova remains one of the more baffling disappointments of any team thus far, averaging just 7.3 points (down from 13.0 last season) on 35% shooting.

14) Los Angeles Lakers [ 8-9 ]: Losing to the Orlando Magic (a game former Magic player Dwight Howard certainly wanted to win) on Sunday night was a new low for the Lakers. Allowing 40 points in the fourth quarter to the fourth-worst ranked offense (92.5) in the NBA is unacceptable. Steve Nash will be returning soon, but how much of a difference will he really make?

15) Indiana Pacers [ 8-9 ]: 12 of the Pacers first 18 games are on the road, so taking that into consideration, and the fact that Danny Granger has been out with an injury, a 8-9 record could be a lot worse. Paul George went 0-7 from the field and finished with 0 points in 29 minutes during Saturdays loss to the Warriors. That won’t suffice.

16) Utah Jazz [ 9-9 ]: Five of Utah’s next seven games are at home, which is a huge plus considering the team has yet to lose at the Energy Solutions arena all season. Moving Gordon Hayward to the bench has worked wonders, as he’s put up 13, 15 and 23 in his last three games as a part of the Jazz second unit.

17) Houston Rockets [ 8-8 ]: Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rockets coach Kevin McHale, who recently lost his daughter Sasha after a long-suffering battle with the autoimmune disease Lupus. I’m sure the team would love nothing more than to have their head coach back on the sidelines, but his return is still very much up in the air at this point and time.

18) Dallas Mavericks [ 8-9 ]: Acquiring Derrick Fisher was a huge sign that coach Carlisle has little faith in his younger guards (Collison, Beaubois, Jones) to run the point effectively. Ultimately, all this team needs to do is hold down the fort and not slip to far under .500 before Dirk Nowitzki makes his triumphant return, which should be somewhere around Christmas.

19) Denver Nuggets [ 8-9 ]: Denver is still hovering around the .500 mark, which is disappointing considering the teams high hopes entering the season. Games against Toronto later tonight and the Pacers on Friday could breath some life into this Nuggets squad.

20) Minnesota Timberwolves [ 7-8 ]: Ricky Rubio’s return is drawing closer and closer. Once the spaniard fully recovers, THEN we will fully understand where this Wolves teams playoff hopes lie. With a healthy roster, this team is just far too talented to remain in the basement of the Western Conference. I think.

21) Orlando Magic [ 6-10 ]: It’s not an NBA championship, but to Magic fans, it’s awfully close. Walking into the Staples Center and knocking off Dwight Howard and the Los Angeles Lakers last night is as sweet as sweet can get.

22) Charlotte Bobcats [ 7-8 ]: Sure, the Bobcats have lost three in a row, but you know what? They have seven victories, which matches their total from all of last season. So shut up, will you? Remember when they were over .500? I do too, but it might be a while before those good times roll on in once more.

23) Portland Trail Blazers [ 7-10 ]: Luke Babbit, Nolan Smith, Meyers Leonard, Will Barton and Joel Freeland. I still can’t get over how awful this second-unit is. Until further pieces are acquired to help bolster the bench, Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Alridge and the rest of that starting-five are going to have to continue playing 40+ minutes a night.

24) Detroit Pistons [ 5-13 ]: The Pistons are 5-3 since starting the season 0-8. That includes four straight wins at home and an absolute butt-whooping of the Phoenix Suns by 40 points.

25) Phoenix Suns [7-11 ]: The Suns lost by 40 to the Detroit Pistons (117-77) this past Wednesday. Yes, you read that correctly. The leagues worst defense is allowing 102.7 points a game.

26) New Orleans Hornets [ 4-11 ]: The Hornets have to be extra cautious with the ankles of Anthony Davis. Rushing him back would be the worst decision possible. Davis is already making comparisons to Grant Hill, which must be giving coach Monty Williams a heart attack.

27) Toronto Raptors [ 4-13 ]: Andrea Bargnani actually made a defensive stand down the stretch and grabbed a key rebound in Friday’s win over the Phoenix Suns. I never thought I’d use the words “Bargnani”, “defensive stand” and “rebound” in the same sentence. He’s still been extremely inconsistent this season, even with his injured ankle (which I don’t believe is as serious as its being let on).

 
28) Sacramento Kings [ 4-12 ]: How does “the Seattle Kings” sound? I suppose they would revert back to the Supersonics, but regardless, the current Kings are on life support in Sacramento. If they keep stinking up the Power Balance pavilion like they are now, they might get the boot even sooner.

29) Cleveland Cavaliers [ 4-13 ]: Anderson Varejao. Until Kyrie Irving returns, that’s all Cleveland fans really have to smile about at the moment. Dion Waiters is trying to make the most of his newfound role as the go-to-guy on offense in Irvings absence, but he is clearly not ready for such a task, at least for now.

30) Washington Wizards [ 1-13 ]: Hallelujah. The Wizards have won a game. It was only by two points (84-82 over the Trail Blazers), but a win is a win. There still terrible, though.