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It may be hard to believe, although Week 4 of the 2019-20 NBA season is already here. Over the past three weeks, we have seen the likes of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta Hawks slow down after making fast starts to the new season, although several teams around the league have been able to maintain form. So, as we head into Week 4 of the season, here are the top 10 teams in the NBA.
#10 Miami Heat - Current Record: 6-3
The Miami Heat fell to defeats to the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers over the past week, although Erik Spoelstra's team still sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 6-3 record. All three defeats have come on the road, and the Heat have a favorable Week 4 schedule with games against the Pistons, Cavaliers, and Pelicans. Miami's young roster will continue to get better and they remain one of the teams to watch.
#9 Houston Rockets - Current Record: 6-3
Heading into Week 4, James Harden is averaging a ridiculous 37.1 points per game, although the 30-year-old is shooting a career-low 39.4% from the field while attempting more than 24 shots. While this strategy will be enough to rack up wins during the regular season, doubts persist over whether the Rockets can contend. Russell Westbrook's addition in place of Chris Paul has made little impact, while Eric Gordon's performances are heading in the wrong direction. Ultimately, Houston will keep winning, although they seem on course for another disappointing postseason.
#8 Utah Jazz - Current Record: 6-3
After opening the week with a defeat to the Clippers, the Utah Jazz bounced back with impressive wins over the Sixers and Bucks. Mike Conley performed well in both games following his historically bad start for the Jazz, while Bojan Bogdanović is proving to be one of the best pickups of the offseason. The 30-year-old is shooting 45% from beyond the arc, and with Donovan Mitchell continuing his excellent form, the Jazz already look better than last season.
#7 Toronto Raptors - Current Record: 7-2
Few believed that the Toronto Raptors could compete following the departures of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, although Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers took their record to 7-2. The win added further credibility to the theory that the Raptors can build a future winning team around Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam, although Toronto's immediate hopes of winning were hit when Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka were lost to injury.
#6 Denver Nuggets - Current Record: 7-2
The Denver Nuggets have yet to hit top gear, although they managed to pick up wins over the Heat, Sixers, and Nuggets last week. Nikola Jokic produced the game-winning basket in the final seconds against the Sixers on Friday, and the 24-year-old appears to be returning to form following his much-criticized start to the season. Meanwhile, Will Barton and Jamal Murray have made solid contributions, and the Nuggets should continue to get better over the coming weeks.
#5 Philadelphia 76ers - Current Record: 6-3
Heading into Week 3, the Sixers were unbeaten, although Brett Brown's team dropped three straight games to slip down the East. However, much of this can be attributed to absences, as Joel Embiid missed the surprise defeat to the Suns through suspension, while Ben Simmons has been out since suffering an injury just 10 minutes into the defeat to the Jazz. When both Embiid and Simmons are healthy, the Sixers remain the team to beat in the East, although it is worrying how dependent they are on the All-Star duo.
#4 Milwaukee Bucks - Current Record: 7-3
Following an unconvincing start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks have now won five of their last five games, only losing on the road to the Utah Jazz. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the charge as the reigning MVP has recorded at least 30 points in his last five games. His three-point shooting is also developing, and the Bucks once again look as though they will be major contenders when the playoffs roll around.
#3 Boston Celtics - Current Record: 7-1
Following an opening night defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics have put together an incredible run of form. Saturday's 135-115 win over San Antonio marked Boston's seventh straight win, and after playing Dallas on Monday, Brad Stevens' side will face Golden State, Washington, and Sacramento. While the resurgent Gordon Hayward faces a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines, this Boston team looks much better than expected - and could be genuine contenders come April.
#2 LA Clippers - Current Record: 6-3
The Los Angeles Clippers faced a tough schedule in Week 3, as they faced off with the Jazz, Bucks, and Trail Blazers. Nevertheless, the Clippers pulled off impressive wins over the Jazz and Trail Blazers, while they also pushed the Bucks despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers now sit at 6-3 for the season and important role players such as Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams continue to impress. With Paul George also closing in on a return, the Clippers enter Week 4 in great shape.
#1 Los Angeles Lakers - Current Record: 7-2
The Los Angeles Lakers' seven-game winning run ended on Sunday as they suffered a surprise defeat to a Raptors team that was without Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka. Nevertheless, there were plenty of positives as LeBron James recorded his fourth triple-double of the season, while Kyle Kuzma enjoyed his best performance following his return from injury. With games to come in the next week against the Suns, Warriors, Kings, and Hawks - Los Angeles should be able to retain their position at the top of the West.
Guess the Lakers players!
