Bucks are still the beast of the east
The Bucks are once again looking like title contenders and their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is leading the way as an early MVP candidate once again. After two weeks into the season, Milwaukee is the only remaining undefeated team in the NBA at 5-0. Even more impressive is the fact they are doing this without their all star in Khris Middleton who is out due to offseason wrist surgery. In his absence, Giannis has dominated and currently the second leading scorer in the NBA averaging 34.4 points per game. His best performance of the season came against the Nets where he scored a season high 43 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a 110-99 victory.
Next week, the Bucks will look to continue their hot start as they take on the Pistons, Timberwolves and Thunder. If the Bucks can continue their winning ways they they will likely separate themselves from the other contenders in the NBA.
The early 1 Seeded...Blazers?!?
If you believed the Portland Trailblazers would finish the first two weeks of the season sitting atop the Western Conference standings, then you may need to try your luck in Vegas. The Trailblazers start to the season has been one of the best surprises in the NBA. Especially, with the welcome return of Damian Lilliard who missed most of the season last year due to injuries. Before suffering a calf injury in a home game against the Heat that will keep him out at least a week, Lillard was on a tear looking like an early MVP candidate. Through 5 games, he was the seventh leading scorer in the NBA averaging 31 points per game while shooting 39% from 3. He also dropped a season high 41 points in back to back win against the Suns and Lakers. The supporting cast of the Blazers has been getting it done as well as Anfernee Simons has stepped up in the absence of Lillard. Simons dropped a game high 30 points to help the Blazers defeat the Rockets in their first game without Lillard this season.
Next week, the Blazers will face a tough test without Lillard as they take on the Grizzlies before closing out the week with back to back games against the Suns. If they are able to stack up more wins this week with no Lillard in the lineup it will be a more than admirable feat for this young Blazers team.
The rise of Paolo Banchero
Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero has been a revelation through the first couple weeks of the season. He has already put his name amongst some of the all time greats thanks to his red hot start. Paolo has become just the 7th player in NBA history to score 20+ points in their first 5 career games. His fantastic start to his career has put him on the same list as hall of famers such as Wilt Chamberlain and Dominque Wilkins. He is currently averaging 22.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game making his presence felt on both sides of the floor. Though the Magic are just 1-6 on the season they seemed to have found the centerpiece of their franchise for years to come.
Next week, Banchero's rookie campaign continues as the Magic take on the Thunder, Warriors, and Kings. If he is able to continue to perform at a high level, he could likely run away with the rookie of the year award. Although, Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin may have something to say about that.
Game of the week: Nets at Bucks
Source: NBA YouTube Channel
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