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We enter the next phase of the NBA campaign. The phase that has the action in full on fast-and-furious mode, sounding off like a hooptape of K-Dot's new thunder over nightly action from coast to coast on the hardwood. With the NBA Cup now underway, the West is flaming, looking levels above the struggling East, which currently revolves around two powerhouses. Through the struggles, several East teams are progressing with positive movement. It's nothing but East vibes on this scoop as we enter the giddy up phase of the season.
Bucks are beginning to move in the right direction after a treacherous start to the season, riding the backs of Giannis and the home faithful in the Forum. Milwaukee is 6-1 since starting the campaign 2-8, currently riding a 6-game winning streak on home floor. The scoring outburst of Giannis being the biggest reason for the slight turnaround. Greek Freak has been solid since the tough loss to Boston on the 10th, posting a 59-burger, and two triple-doubles. Bucks still need more from him nightly, and need to find a recipe to win on the road if they want folk to bet on this turnround being legit moving forward into December.
Bucks are a nasty 1-6 on the road, not winning a road game since the opening win of the season against the confused and lost 76ers. Rivers has to get this team to win on the road, and it has to happen quick or this recent spurt of winning will mean little to nothing. Bucks close out 2024 with eight of the twelve games on the road, including a December trifecta on the road in Brooklyn, Cleveland, and Boston. Bucks are fortunate to be back in the top-6 of seeds in the East, but need the team to step up on the road, and need Dame and Giannis to be more consistent together. Hard to say if the winning spurt is an act of fluke, or the real deal holyfield. Winning on the road and finishing 2024 strong will prove legitimacy again for the Bucks.
We are nearing a complete month that the Magic have been without their lone superstar Paolo Banchero (oblique), yet that hasn't stopped the team from winning games. It was rough without Banchero at first, as the Magic had lost the opening four games into his absence. Those games were against the best of the best in Cleveland, OKC, and Dallas, which does hold weight. Magic have since turned a positive switch, winning nine of their last ten games.
In that stretch, Magic put together a 6-game winning streak, running through the thick of the East as well as claiming a big dub on the road in Phoenix. Franz Wagner has been exceptional as the top option with Banchero shelved. Wagner is putting up great numbers since the start of Banchero's absence, producing in all facets with his scoring and steal numbers paving the way. His production has been vital for the Magic. Orlando is 7-1 when Wagner scores 25+ points (without Banchero), and is 1-3 in games in which he failed to eclipse over 25. On top of the scoring value, Wagner ranks 8th in the NBA in steals per game (1.7)... which has been a big factor in the Magic possessing the best opponent points per.
Magic ride great defense to place two games ahead of the 4-seed Knicks. Can they keep this up as Banchero heals (12/8 ERT)? That's the big question. Just like the Bucks, the Magic have been horrendous on the road with a 3-7 record; if they want to keep on a positive wave, then the team must change their ways on the road. Magic play six of the next seven on road courts from Brooklyn to Philadelphia. Right now, you got to be impressed with how the Magic have things cookin'. Keep in mind, Banchero was having some big moments prior to hitting the shelf. If Orlando escapes on the good side of things regarding the road trip, and get Banchero back for December; then things are only going to continue to look up down South.
How about the start for J.B. Bickerstaff and the Pistons in Motown!? Detroit is a solid 7-11 to start the new chapter... it took the Pistons all the way into February to record its' 7th dub in their franchise-worst campaign last season. February! That says enough about the early start for the former Cavs coach, Bickerstaff. With a light roster in terms of depth, all in all the team is fairing well after starting 0-4.
Defense and rebounding have been the strong suits for a Pistons squad that ranks 12th in opponent points per, 10th in opponent shooting percentage (45.4%), and are 9th in team blocks. Rebounding has been superb ranking 4th on overall offense, and 8th on overall defense- Duren, Harris, Stewart, and Cunningham are each producing in that department. Cunningham has been solid, despite leading the league in turnovers per. Cade ranks 4th in the NBA in assists per (8.9), and has been beyond solid on the boards. There are several pros to this start, obvious progression. With the pros however, are cons. Again, the roster is limited.
There are cons on both offense, and defense, as well as with Cade Cunningham. Pistons have been getting punished from beyond the arc, are dead last in steals, and still need more out of the offense. All that doesn't remotely compare to how bad this team was at this time last season. The progression under Bickerstaff has been obvious to study. I love what I am seeing from the Pistons as we roll into December.
LaMelo Ball is putting up some strong scoring numbers! His 30.2 points per game is impressive, ranking him 3rd in the NBA. Ball is hitting crazy shots, getting the internet going here and there. As great his scoring is individually, it's not resulting in the best of results for the Hornets. Charlotte winning games is far more important in comparison to Ball's placing atop the scoring list.
LaMelo has eleven 30+ point performances in his 16 games played this season. Charlotte is just 3-8 in those games, including losses in Ball's only 40+ burger, and 50-burger. The scoring isn't as impressive when the team is losing. Ball leads the league with just under 13 three-point attempts per game, while shooting just a 35% clip from beyond the arc. Hornets not having much talent around Ball makes things difficult, I get that, but LaMelo still needs to become more efficient and lower the turnovers (4th in NBA) if he wants his scoring to be of value.
The first full month is nearly in the books. December will really have things kicking up as we dive deeper into the NBA Cup play. Can the Bucks and Knicks officially put the bad starts in the rear-mirror? Will the Clippers challenge the Lakers for LA superiority? Can Golden State keep up the outstanding play? So many questions to be answered. Until the next scoop, leave here with the updated power rankings:
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