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It has almost been one week since the NBA tipped off for the 2022-23 season, so it’s time to shuffle the order and take a look at the Top 5 teams through six games.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (5-0)
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Giannis Antetokounmpo is staking his claim for best in the league just a week into this young season. The two-time MVP is looking to make room for a third on his trophy shelf, averaging 34.4 points, 14 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. The Bucks do not seem to be missing their other star in Khris Middleton, as the defense has held strong and Milwaukee remains as the only unbeaten team in the NBA.
2. Phoenix Suns (5-1)
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The Suns have started hot despite a disappointing ending to their season last year. Phoenix has notched wins against competitive opponents in the Warriors, Mavericks, and Pelicans so far, with their one loss coming in a 113-111 game against top seeded Portland. Devin Booker has been off to a hot start, and has been benefiting from the performing cast highlighted by Mikal Bridges and DeAndre Ayton. It appears that most of the off-season drama has cooled off in Phoenix, although it is still too early to know for sure.
3. Portland Trail Blazers (5-1)
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Portland was able to take down the Suns this week, however a calf injury to Damian Lillard will most likely hold this team back slightly in terms of competitiveness. The Trail Blazers have improved upon a defense that needed lots of help last season, and their roster runs deeper than years past. I do expect them to fall off of this list after next week as Lillard nurses his injury, however I would not count this team out and they will definitely be a long-term threat barring any other setbacks.
4. New Orleans Pelicans (4-2)
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The Pelicans seem to have finally gotten over the hill and will be a very competitive team in the Western Conference. Minor injuries have limited their abilities over the past few days, but Zion Williamson will be returning soon after getting off to a hot start this season. Superstar guard Brandon Ingram is still making his way back after suffering a concussion, but has been scoring at an elite level all season when healthy. If this team can stay healthy, I expect New Orleans to not only make the playoffs in the West, but make some noise and possibly go on a deep run. Health is key for this much improved starting five.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (5-1)
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The Cavs have been arguably the most exciting team so far this season after adding Donovan Mitchell over the offseason. Outside of Milwaukee, Cleveland has been the best performing team in the East so far, and currently sit in the second seed after losing their first game to Toronto. Darius Garland was ruled out in the middle of the game with an injury, and may be the reason Cleveland is no longer undefeated. With convincing wins against Chicago and Boston, where Mitchell and Caris LeVert scored 41 points each, once Garland returns the Cavaliers have a serious case to be contenders again in the East.
