Pacers stand atop Eastern Conference

With their 95-79 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Indiana Pacers move to 8-0 in the standings with the best record in the NBA. The Pacers currently hoist the number one defense in the league, restricting their opponents to a mere 85.4 PPG. With every other team in the Eastern Conference at least three games behind Indiana, the Pacers stand as the only team without a loss so far in the league. Much of the team’s early success is accredited to the Pacer’s all-star Paul George, selected 10th overall in the 2010 draft. Averaging 24.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 3.6 APG on 47.9% shooting, George may likely be one of the top MVP candidates by the end of the season with his breakout performances. Despite being a small sample size, the progress the Pacers have made over the past few seasons have shown signs of nothing but improvement. If Indiana is capable of retaining this outstanding level of play consistency throughout the year and carry it into the playoffs, then they have a significant chance of dethroning the Miami Heat.

Bulls unable to gain momentum since Rose’s Return

Since returning from rehabilitation, Derrick Rose has been anything short of spectacular. The youngest MVP in history is currently putting up 14.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 4.5 APG on a meager 33.3% FG – not exactly numbers fans are accustomed to seeing of Rose. As a result, Chicago has stumbled onto a 2-3 record, displaying no resemblance to the juggernaut of a team it was two seasons ago prior to Rose’s injury. There is no doubt that Rose’s sluggish performance is due in part because of the rust accumulated from missing a whole year; however, much of the former MVPs sloppy play can also be attributed to the lack of shot creators for the team. With the departure of Nate Robinson who carried much of the team’s offensive tasks last season, the Bulls may be too dependent on Rose who may be in the midst of rebuilding team chemistry and trying to work at his own pace. Spectators forget that Rose was highly criticized last season by fans and colleagues for being unable to return near the beginning of the playoffs, so the expectations for the young superstar are greater than ever. Despite a disappointing start for a team with championship aspirations, when Rose returns to being the Derrick Rose every fan is used to seeing, this team will clinch one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference.

No return date for Bryant as Lakers continue to struggle defensively

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Lakers remain one of the worst defensive teams in the league, surrendering 106.5 PPG. But an upside to a problem plaguing the Lakers last season is their bench. Currently, the Lakers have the highest scoring bench in the NBA with 51.5 PPG. Aside from their scoring prowess, this second unit also possesses youth and athleticism, much needed improvements that the Lakers were missing last season. However, scoring will not do much for a team that cannot prevent their opponents from raining down a barrage of points. Fans continue to await for superstar Kobe Bryant’s return date since the Black Mamba ruptured his Achilles Tendon last April against the Golden State Warriors. Rumors based on Bryant’s Twitter feed phrases “blackout” and “bearhunt” were speculated by many that he would be returning against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 15. However, Bryant has dispelled such rumors, stating that “blackout” stands for an intense workout regimen while leaving the phrase “bearhunt” unknown, perhaps referring to Bryant’s Facebook quote on Jay Z’s lyrics when he ruptured his Achilles. Analysts predict that Bryant will likely return on Christmas day which seems the most plausible; however, until then, the Lakers must find some defensive identity and consistency on the road.

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