The feel good story of this NBA season Jeremy Lin has propelled the New York Knicks to consecutive victories. On Wednesday, the Knicks take on the Washington Wizards which will pit Lin against the #1 pick from the 2011 NBA Draft John Wall. It won't be the first time the two have played against each other.
Despite winning two in a row the Knicks are no where near this week's Top 10. Time to see who did make it.
- Miami Heat 18-6: Since losing three in a row in mid January the Heat have won 10 of their last 12 games. Within those wins they have beaten the 76ers twice and the Chicago Bulls. The Heat are the number one team in the NBA currently in offensive efficiency.
- Chicago Bulls 21-6: Monday night Derrick Rose had to sit the entire second half because of back stiffness as the Bulls crushed the New Jersey Nets. As they have done all year the Bulls have fought through injuries and found ways to win. The Bulls are 4-2 on their current nine game road trip.
- Los Angeles Clippers 15-7: The Los Angeles Clippers have won five of their last six games. What makes it even more impressive is that four of the five wins came against potential playoff teams. It is being reported that Chauncey Billups might be lost for the season with a torn Achilles. Mo Williams and Randy Foye will be relied upon to pick up the slack. J.R. Smith, who is currently playing in China is also reportedly on their radar.
- Oklahoma City Thunder 19-5: On Monday night the Thunder had one of the more impressive wins of the early season victories beating the Portland Trailblazers in OT at the Rose Garden. The Blazers were 11-1 at home before the loss.
- Indiana Pacers 16-7: The Pacers record becomes a bit more impressive when you realize they have played eight games at home and 15 on the road. Indiana's record on the road is 10-5. Tough five game stretch upcoming for the Pacers. A Tuesday/Wednesday back to back vs. Utah and @ Atlanta. Friday/Saturday they are @ Memphis and host Denver. On Tuesday the Miami Heat invade Conseco Fieldhouse (I think it might be called something else now, but if a stadium changes its name more than twice during my lifetime I don't acknowledge it).
- San Antonio Spurs 17-9: The San Antonio Spurs have won five straight games including two on the road. The two away from home were both against the Memphis Grizzlies. After struggling early in the season on the road the Spurs are 4-3 in their last seven.
- Denver Nuggets 15-10: The Nuggets have lost three straight games and are extremely banged up. Monday night Danilo Gallinari suffered a chip fracture to his left foot. I don't know what that means, but it doesn't sound good. Denver needs to get healthy quick with eight of the 11 games they have left in February coming against teams with an above .500 record.
- Boston Celtics 13-10: Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett aren't letting the Celtics head towards their rebuilding phase quietly. The two veterans have picked up their play and led Boston to four wins in a row and eight of their last 10.
- Atlanta Hawks 16-9: It seems like the loss of Al Horford is starting to catch up to the Hawks. They have lost three in a row all at home. The loss Monday to the Phoenix Suns was unacceptable.
- Portland Trailblazers 14-11: There is a large group of Western Conference teams fighting it out for the final spot in the playoff rankings. I went with Portland because despite losing to the Thunder at home on Monday they have proven to be an elite team when they play at the Rose Garden. If they can become mediocre on the road things will get much better.