Trending NBA Teams

With most teams at, or just past, the 10-game mark of the shortened, post-lockout schedule, its time to take a look at the trending teams in the NBA. Between injuries, back-back-back games, and travel swings, the NBA landscape already looks much different than most preseason predictions. There are some good surprises at both ends of the hot/cold spectrum.

The hottest team in the NBA is not the Chicago Bulls or Oklahoma City Thunder, but rather, the Philadelphia 76ers. While they have less wins than both Chicago and Oklahoma City, they have by far the best scoring differential (points scored vs. points given up) of any team, by over 5 pts/ game. They currently have a 2 game lead in the division, and are 5-0 at home. Their offense scores, on average, 6pts/game over the median line, while their defense is giving up about 10pts/game less than that same line. That is a recipe for success and explains their hot start. Quick stat: Over the last 5 games, Philadelphia has a +19.4 differential, leading the NBA. Number 2? Oklahoma City at +9.

So if Philadelphia is the hottest team, which team is on the rise?

The Dallas Mavericks are currently riding a 4-game win streak, handling opponents easily in the process. After starting 3-5, they are now only 1 game back in the Southwest, and have a +7.4 differential over the last 5 games. Considering the 11-2 Chicago Bulls have a +8.6 differential over the same time, and are also riding a 4-game win streak, it is clear the Mavericks have overcome their slow start and are now among the NBA’s upper echelon of teams.

Unfortunately, not every team is looking as good as the 76ers or Mavericks. Which begs the question, which team is currently the worst in the NBA?

While the Washington Wizards are the only team still stuck at 1 win, they actually are playing slightly better than their record shows. Their scoring differential is -10.8 over the last 5 games, nearly even with both the Detroit Pistons (-10.6), and the Toronto Raptors (-10.4). Detroit has won 3 games so far, while Toronto has notched 4 victories.

No, the title of the ‘Worst Team in the NBA’ currently goes to the Charlotte Bobcats. Their 2-10 record is only 1 game better than the Wizards, but their scoring differential over the last 5 games is 6.2pts/game worse, pacing the NBA at a -17.

The NBA landscape seems to be changing on a daily basis, but these three teams followed consistent trends over the last couple of weeks.


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