It’s not much of a surprise that Golden State is on top of the western conference & league, and is leading in wins, points, 3 pointers made, field goal percentage, and have been #1 in ESPN’s power rankings all season long. But the Warriors aren’t the only team doing well this season this season.

San Antonio Spurs-

The Spurs have been a great team for years, and their last losing season was 1998, which is the only year they didn’t make the playoffs since 1990. Regardless of the franchise’s longtime success, they still find ways to improve, and are on track to have the best season in the history of the team, at 36-6 (.857) and after winning 10 straight games in January, are on a fast track to catch up with Golden State (3.5 pts ahead). Watch out for the Spurs to give the Warriors a run for their money in the western conference championship.

Detroit Pistons-

Another Team who has raised some hype so far this season is the old Detroit Pistons, who finished with a horrible 32-50 (.390) last season. 32 wins in a season weren’t nearly enough to make a playoff appearance, even in the eastern conference. This season, however, The Pistons already have 23 wins, in only 42 games (.547). At this rate, the Pistons would rise to cash in 45 wins this season, a high for them since 2008, which was also their last playoff appearance. Making the playoffs would do a great deal for this previously struggling team, even if they don’t have a legitimate chance at the title quite yet.

Now let’s take a look at a few underachievers, and just flat out disappointments this season. Both of these teams have failed to succeed for several years and have struggles to fill the win column.

Minnesota Timberwolves-

The Wolves had another lottery pick in the NBA draft, for the second consecutive season (Andrew Wiggins & KAT) but regardless have been near the bottom of the league for both of the last 2 seasons (30th last season). They are off to a lousy start and have only won 14 games this season, which is 28th in the league (better than only Philadelphia  and LA). The Wolves have a lot of young talent and promise, but it’s just not showing in the win column and might not for several years to come.

Philadelphia Sixers-

Not unlike the Timberwolves, the Sixers have had 2 consecutive lottery picks and finished with only 18 wins (2 games ahead of last). Philadelphia hasn’t made the playoffs since 2012-2013, and have been in a rebuilding state for years, but for some reason still fail to succeed, and can be found at the bottom of the totem pole once again. It’s been a hard few years for sixers fans, let’s just hope all these early first round picks will turn them into a halfway decent franchise sometime soon, or they will be forced to look to claim new management.

There are, of course, many more teams doing well, and many teams doing not so hot, but there is still half a season left to play, and plenty of opportunities to turn it around.