NBA Standings - How is your team faring heading into Christmas?
Written by Tom Wyman
With approximately one-third of the 2021/22 NBA season in the books, it’s time to take a look at how the teams are faring ahead of the holiday period.
Eastern Conference
Brooklyn Nets (21 wins - 8 losses) The Nets raced out the blocks to firm as the early favourites to represent the eastern conference at the NBA Finals. Kevin Durant has been a point-scoring machine, and the Nets will be thrilled with the early-season form of Aussie Patty Mills, whose defensive hustle and long-range shooting has proven valuable. Kyrie Irving is also set to make his return, albeit in out-of-state games only due to his vaccination status.
Chicago Bulls (17-10) Is there a better story from the first third of the NBA season than the resurgence of the Chicago Bulls, one of the leagues most marketable franchises? Prior to his injury, DeMar DeRozan was in the MVP race and his partnership with Zach Lavine and Lonzo Ball has been fantastic to watch thus far.
Cleveland Cavaliers (18-12) Not too dissimilar to the rise of the Bulls, Cleveland sit an admirable third in the eastern conference. Rookie Evan Mobley is just about as exciting as they come, and he’s been well supported by the likes of Jarrett Allen, Kevin Love and Darius Garland. But with Colin Sexton out for the year with an ACL tear, for how long will the Cavs be able to hold down a playoff spot?
Evan Mobley has caught the attention of many in his debut NBA season - Photo credit: Laura Bacho
Miami Heat (18-12) The Heat raced out of the blocks, and have since performed well considering the injuries sustained by key players Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. In their absence, Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson have stood tall and Miami will be a genuine contender once the aforementioned trio return.
Milwaukee Bucks (19-12) The reigning champions will be pleased with how they’ve fared to date. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the Bucks charge from the front, with the recent play of guard Jrue Holiday will leave Milwaukee fans feeling optimistic of their chances of repeating.
Charlotte Hornets (16-15) Charlotte have assembled a solid squad, highlighted of course by LaMelo Ball, and sit comfortably in playoff contention heading into the holiday season. Miles Bridges has been instrumental and Kelly Oubre Jr has looked good coming off the bench for the Hornets.
Washington Wizards (16-15) The combination of Bradley Beal and Montrezl Harrell has, perhaps surprisingly, elevated the Wizards into a playoff spot. They’ve had their struggles of late, but will benefit from the return of Kyle Kuzma.
Boston Celtics (15-15) Trade speculation has surrounded the Celtics all season, as they look to add another All-Star to pair with guard Jayson Tatum. The Celtics look far from a genuine threat, but will likely be involved in a scrap for the final playoff spots in the east.
Sitting at .500, Boston look more and more likely to have to scrap their way to the Playoffs - Photo credit: Maddie Meyer
Philadelphia 76ers (15-15) It’s almost the new year and the 76ers still haven’t found an appropriate suitor for Ben Simmons. Seth Curry and Andre Drummond who both acquired in the off-season have proven to be solid rotational pieces, but the 76ers are far less threatening without the Australian guard.
Toronto Raptors (14-15) It’s been all about Scottie Barns for the Raptors. The former Florida State star leads all rookies in minutes per game and looks a future All-Star. They’ll need a big end to the season from OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet if they’re to advance.
Atlanta Hawks (14-15) The Hawks have been disappointing this season after making it to the conference finals last time around. Trae Young sits in the top five in points and assists, but needs more help from the bench if the Hawks are to return to the playoffs. They’re a talented side when in full flight.
New York Knicks (13-18) After making the playoffs last season, Knicks fans are all too familiar with their current position in the east. Julius Randle has been inconsistent, former pick two RJ Barrett is struggling and Kemba Walker can’t even get onto the court. What can Tom Thibodeau’s men do to get things back on track?
Indiana Pacers (13-18) Indiana lacks wow-factor, so naturally rumours of a trade for Ben Simmons will linger. Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis can hold their heads up high, but the Pacers don’t look like a playoff side.
Orlando Magic (6-25) The Magic will have their sights on the 2022 NBA Draft, with playoff basketball highly unlikely to reach central Florida. German small forward Franz Wagner is a good asset, but Orlando needs plenty more if they’re to make an impact in the east.
Detroit Pistons (4-24) Realistically, Detroit’s 2021/22 season is all about how number one pick Cade Cunningham takes to the NBA scene. So far, it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot, with the rookie averaging 16 points and six rebounds and four assists.
Cade Cunningham has been the only shining lights for the Pistons so far this season - Photo credit: Nic Antaya
Western Conference
Phoenix Suns (23-5) Despite Devin Booker missing several weeks with a hamstring complaint, the Suns are once again one of the best teams in the association, led by future Hall of Famer Chris Paul. No one has more assists than the ageless Paul, while big men Deandre Ayton and JaVale McGee have performed well inside the paint.
Golden State Warriors (24-6) It’s been a tremendous resurrection for the Warriors, as Steve Kerr’s men find themselves back on top of the NBA world. The three-point shooting brilliance of Steph Curry has demanded plenty of attention, with the ‘dubs’ well served by their bench depth. Just wait until Klay and James Wiseman return in the New Year.
Utah Jazz (20-9) The Jazz appear set to once again conclude the regular season with one of the better records in the Western Conference. Centre Rudy Gobert has been huge for Utah, placing among the top five in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage.
Memphis Grizzlies (19-11) Undoubtedly one of the greatest success stories of the season to-date has been the performances of Memphis, who sit fourth in the west despite Ja Morant's knee injury. The Grizzlies depth has been fantastic, so to their dour defence.
Los Angeles Clippers (16-14) The Kawhi-less Clippers sit above the Lakers and they have Paul George to thank for it. The guard has led the Clippers to a respectable start to the season, averaging 25 points and 7 assists.
Los Angeles Lakers (16-14) The Lakers have had an indifferent start to the season, and while LeBron continues to ball out, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis have had their struggles. The latter is now set to miss a month with a knee injury.
LeBron needs teammates Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook to to iron out their form to be a chance for the title this season - Photo credit: GI
Denver Nuggets (15-14) There’s not much more Nikola Jokic can do in Denver. The MVP favourite has been typically dominant. He leads the league in points in the paint, and sits only behind Rudy Gobert in rebounds. He’ll need more help going forward though if Denver are to make an impact in the playoffs.
Dallas Mavericks (14-14) European duo Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis have led the Mavs to a .500-start after 28 games. No one is surprised to see the superbly well-rounded Doncic ranked high in assists, usage percentage, rebounds and points per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves (14-15) The Timberwolves have risen up the standings nicely as the dangerous trio of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards continues to evolve. Minnesota is longing for some playoff basketball - could this be the year they advance beyond the regular season?
Sacramento Kings (12-18) The Kings have been a respectable side this season, which is more than could be said for years gone by. Buddy Hield’s shooting from beyond the arc and Richaun Holmes’ efficiency inside has been promising, but could be moved to make way for Ben Simmons.
Richaun Holmes' efficiency has been a small spark for Sacremento so far - Photo credit: N/A
Portland Trail Blazers (12-18) This could be the year the Blazers league-leading playoff streak comes to an end. Uncertainty continues to surround Damian Lillard’s future in the Northwest as Portland considers offloading the superstar to ignite a rebuild.
San Antonio Spurs (11-17) Dejounte Murray has been a shining light for the Spurs. The athletically gifted guard has already recorded five triple-doubles for Greg Popovich’s men, but they’re a long-shot to make the playoffs.
Houston Rockets (10-20) Not much was expected of the Rockets coming into the 2021/22 season, and so far they have performed about as well as possible with a roster lacking in several areas. The performances of rookies Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun will give Rockets fans plenty of hope.
New Orleans Pelicans (10-21) We all want to see Zion Williamson return to the court in New Orleans, but for now the Pelicans continue to grind without their superstar big man. Jonas Valanciunas has been an invaluable asset and is even a sneaky All-Star chance.
Oklahoma City Thunder (9-19) This season, and likely the next few, are all about the youth for OKC. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is undoubtedly the headline act, but Australian rookie Josh Giddey has already turned a few heads with his intelligent passing and high basketball IQ. *Standings are accurate as of December 19