(Stats as of 1/24/16)
6. Toronto Raptors
Leading Scorer: DeMar DeRozan 23.3 PPG
Leading Rebounder: Jonas Valanciunas 9.3 RPG
Leading Assists: Kyle Lowry 6.4 APG
The Toronto Raptors have been playing amazing basketball, in part of their All-Star Tandem: DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.
These two have become and elite duo to help carry this team over the hump a la McGrady-Carter.
With the loss of 6th Man of the Year, Lou Williams, there isn’t really a formidable player on the bench to go to. However, they are solid in the middle with Jonas Valanciunas (12.1 PPG 9.3 RPG) and backup Bismark Biyombo (5.4 PPG 8.3 RPG).
There’s not a lot of moves needed to be made. Hopefully, Terrance Ross (8.3 PPG 37% from 3, 55pts in a game last year) can provide a spark off the bench like he has in the past. DeRozan and Lowry can handle the load for the Raptors, but it may be too heavy to bear come playoff time. A 3-4 finish.
Grade B+
7. Atlanta Hawks
Leading Scorer: Paul Millsap 18.4 PPG
Leading Rebounder: Paul Millsap 8.8 RPG
Leading Assists: Jeff Teague 5.5 APG
The Atlanta Hawks are the Spurs of the East, except they’re a stretch 1-5 team (7th in FG% but 19th in 3 point %). Each player can step out and hit the J at any given moment with their outstanding ball movement.
Dennis Schroeder (10.8 PPG 4.7 APG 1.1 SPG) has been a great weapon off the bench along with Thabo Sefolosha (7.0 PPG 4.6 RPG 1.4 SPG). Their second unit could be starters in this league, which helps the team in the long run when there needs to be rest on the workhorses.
The Hawks can be a top team in the East come the playoffs, 2-5 seed at least.
8. Dallas Mavericks
Leading Rebounder: Zaza Pachulia 10.7 RPG
Leading Assists: Deron Williams 5.6 APG
The Dallas Mavericks have been the biggest surprise team so far. With an aging roster and two skill players coming off devastating injuries, Matthews (12.9 PPG 35% from 3) and Parsons (10.8 PPG 37% from 3), they still find ways to win.
Dirk Nowitzki (17.7 PPG 39.1% 3FG 51% FG) has turned back the clock. Zaza Pachulia (10.4 PPG 10.7 RPG 1.0 SPG) has been having an All-Star late blooming double double producing season that has echoes of MIP. Deron Williams (14.4 PPG 5.6 APG 35% 3FG) is playing like Deron Williams of the Jazz not the Nets. Raymond Felton (9.2 PPG 3.4 APG) has shown bright spots as well.
The surge of the Mavs will continue through the end of the season and there should not be any upgrades by the break. Look for a 3-6 finish in the playoff table.
Grade A
9. Chicago Bulls
Leading Scorer: Jimmy Butler 22.5 PPG
Leading Rebounder: Pau Gasol 10.8 RPG
Leading Assists: Derrick Rose 4.6 APG
The Chicago Bulls are Jimmy Butler’s (22.5 PPG 48% FG) team, and Derrick Rose (15.6 PPG 42% FG) is an afterthought. The sooner they can move on from Rose and get assets or even a better PG upgrade, the sooner the Bulls take over the number one spot.
With Noah out, Gibson (7.8 PPG 7.0 RPG) and Portis (6.7 PPG 4.3 RPG) have been holding down the 4 spot while Pau Gasol (16.5 PPG 10.8 RPG 2.1 BPG) turns back the hands of time to prove the doubters wrong.
Dunleavy needs to get healthy because that 3 spot is not holding their own on the offensive end needed for the dribble drive offense and defensive end as well.
Upgrade the PG, SF and the bench and they will usurp the Cavs for the number one spot in the East. They will be the number 2 seed this year.
Grade A
10. Memphis Grizzlies
There’s not much to critique since they’re playing great enough basketball to stay afloat with the roster that they have and numbers they are producing. If there are any changes, coaches or players, I’d be surprised. I would also be surprised if they drop from the midtable to the bottom of the playoffs.
Grade A
Stats courtesy of basketball-reference.com
The Untamed Fan 