Title favorites coast to early leads

December 2, 2009 | Posted by Benjie

As of the moment of this writing, it has been five weeks since the start of the 09-10 NBA Season. Almost, if not all of the title favorites have been starting strong in the season. In the Eastern Conference, Orlando, Boston and Cleveland are on top in that order. In the west, however, LA Lakers, Phoenix, Dallas and Denver are leading the way.

As for the Eastern Conference, so far most analysts are right with their season predictions. Last year’s finalist Orlando Magic proves once more that last June’s appearance in the Finals was no joke at all. Despite losing key player Hedo Turkoglu to Toronto, Orlando continues to spell their magic with a 14-4 record. Boston Celtics lived up to expectations as well especially with the addition of big man Rasheed Wallace in their already star-laden roster tying the Magic at 14-4. And Cleveland Cavaliers is on the roll with Shaquille O’Neal manning the middle with a 12-5 record.

In the Western conference, the LA Lakers is half a game ahead of the surprising Phoenix Suns at 14-3. Though the Suns are unanimously considered a play-off contender, the team surprised NBA aficionados as they are within striking distance with the LA Lakers with a 14-4 record. Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets have also started the season well though their character will be tested as the season progresses. They are currently tied at 13-5.