Orlando Magic (11-3)
CO Take: The Magic take the top spot in our poll thanks to the early season gelling of Vince Carter to the line-up. They have sprung back from a short-handed loss to the Cavaliers with 5 straight wins, including a big one over Boston. (5)
Atlanta Hawks (11-3)
CO Take: The Hawks have been one of those teams you look for to make the playoffs but have not been considered serious title threats. They are looking to buck that perception this season and are off to a hot start. (8)
Phoenix Suns (11-3)
CO Take: The Phoenix Suns have dropped and cut off the anchor of Shaq who was slowing down their offense and have returned to the fast paced energetic team of old. Their run and gun style is paying huge dividends in the early going but can aging legs keep it up for a whole season? (11)
Los Angeles Lakers (10-3)
CO Take: The Lakeshow has shown some early bouts of inconsistency and sluggishness. Quite a bit of that could be put upon the shoulders of the injury bug but not all, so keep an eye on this team in the coming weeks to see if they can set it right. (1)
Boston Celtics (10-4)
CO Take: A loss to the Magic followed by needing overtime to bet the Knicks have to have you shaking your head a bit. But it's early still and Boston is far to talented to struggle in big doses. (2)
Cleveland Cavaliers (10-4)
CO Take: After an 0-2 start that had sportswriters proclaiming doom and gloom across the lands, the Cavs have righted the ship with a 10-2 record since. They have done this primarily without the services of last year starter Delonte West and new addition Shaquille O'Neal. 2nd year big J.J. Hickson has stepped into the starting spot to give Cleveland a shot of energy on the offensive end and has impressed so far. (3)
Dallas Mavericks (10-3)
CO Take: The Mavs have been impressive in perhaps one of the toughest divisions in basketball. They are currently riding a five game win streak and look as tough as anyone in the West. (7)
Denver Nuggets (9-4)
CO Take: Hold a slim lead over Portland in Northwest Conference, the Nuggets have struggled a bit lately, going 6-4 in the last ten games. (-)
Portland Trailblazers (10-5)
CO Take: While Denver has struggled in the past ten games, Portland has thrived, going 8-2 to narrow the Nuggets lead to one game. (6)
Milwaukee Bucks (8-3)
CO Take: The Bucks have got to be the surprise team in the early going. Rookie ace Brandon Jennings has been phenomenal and a team that are annual sellers at the trade deadline may be in position this season to look for that stretch run talent. (-)
Houston Rockets (8-6)
CO Take: Houston is off to a strong start despite a lack of A-grade talent. Do I think they can keep it up? Nope, but they have looked good so far. (-)
Miami Heat (8-5)
CO Take: Dwayne Wade and company have struggled a bit recently, dropping three of their last four. But like Kobe and LeBron, where there is a Wade, there is a way, and the Heat will make a rebound before next months rankings. (-)
