5 NBA teams that have exceeded expectations so far in the 2019-20 season

With more than half of the 2019-20 NBA season now in the books, teams around the league have had ample time to impress on the court. While teams such as the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers have been notably disappointing, the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have underlined their title credentials over the opening months of the campaign.

In addition to the mentioned standout teams, several sides that flew under the radar heading into the season have also put together impressive runs of form. So, as we gear up for the business end of the season, here we will take a look at the five NBA teams that have so far managed to exceed expectations.

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#5 Memphis Grizzlies - Record: 22-24

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are battling for the 8th seed in the West

The Memphis Grizzlies entered the season having won a combined 55 games over the past two years, and Mike Conley's departure only increased fears among the Memphis fanbase that the team was still years away from competing. However, following a poor start to the season, the Grizzlies have experienced an unlikely resurgence to climb to 8th in the Western Conference standings.

Since the turn of the year, the Grizzlies have recorded a 9-3 record to improve to 22-24 for the season - and they are well in the race to make a first postseason appearance since 2017. Fuelling the charge is Ja Morant - who has proved to be the most impressive rookie of the season so far. Following a number of eye-catching displays, the dynamic point guard is on course to establishing himself as one of the NBA's best guards, while Jaren Jackson Jr.' has also taken huge leaps over the past few months.

#4 Indiana Pacers - Record: 30-17

The Indiana Pacers have managed to cope without the injured Victor Oladipo

The Indiana Pacers have been among the most consistent teams over the past four seasons, although with Victor Oladipo sidelined with a long-term injury, there were some concerns that they would struggle to compete for a playoff spot. However, every member of a deep roster has stepped up, and the Pacers' team-first approach has resulted in a number of notable wins.

Averaging career highs in points and rebounds, the Domantas Sabonis looks like a future All-Star, while Malcolm Brogdon is proving to be one of the best signings of the season. With Oladipo set to return at some point in the next week, the Pacers are in surprisingly great shape, and Nate McMillan will be confident that his team can grab a top-four seed.

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#3 Dallas Mavericks - Record: 28-17

Luka Doncic is firmly in the race to be named MVP

Luka Doncic was excellent during his Rookie of the Year winning campaign, although the 20-year-old has taken a historic jump in his Sophomore year. Averaging just shy of a triple-double, Doncic has quickly established himself as one of the NBA's most see acts, and his performances have been enough to drag the Mavericks to a 28-17 record.

The Mavs are just five victories shy of their total win tally for the 2018-19 season, and while many experts tipped them to miss out on the playoffs, their participation already looks assured. Additionally, if Kristaps Porzingis can rediscover form over the next three months - Dallas will be a huge threat in the postseason.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder - Record: 28-19

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has made an immediate impact with the Oklahoma City Thunder

After trading away Russell Westbrook and Paul George during the 2019 offseason, few experts believed that the Oklahoma City Thunder would compete for a playoff spot in the West. However, Chris Paul's presence has lifted an increasingly young roster, and the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dennis Schroder, and Nerlens Noel have been excellent.

Danilo Gallinari has finally added much-needed 3-point shooting to Billy Donovan's team, and it appears increasingly unlikely that key players such as Steven Adams will be traded ahead of the trade deadline. Unless they suffer a late-season collapse, the Thunder will make the postseason, and while they won't be a threat for the title, their ongoing rebuild is well ahead of schedule.

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#1 Miami Heat - Record: 31-14

Jimmy Butler has lifted the Miami Heat back into contention

When the Miami Heat pulled off a surprise sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler last summer, the general consensus was that they still needed to add a second star to compete with the best in the East. However, Butler has been excellent, and his relentless drive and effort has had a hugely positive impact on players such as Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic.

Meanwhile, the Heat have two of the NBA's most promising rookies in Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn, and Erik Spoelstra's team have lost just twice at home so far this season. With a 31-14 record, the Heat are well on course to secure homecourt advantage, and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals is a real possibility.

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