3) LA Clippers (4-1)
Last month: 7
Before their let-down at Staples Center against the Detroit Pistons, the Los Angeles Clippers may have been the hottest team in basketball. Even now, they’re outscoring teams by more than 14 points per 100 possessions.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about their first few weeks has been the way their defense lad the charge. The Clips currently hold the NBA’s best D-rating at 92.8 and have held opponents to just 40 percent shooting.
All the while, Blake Griffin may be the best player in the NBA right now. To date, he’s averaging 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 41 percent from 3-point land.