Austin- Western Conference (n)

We are approximately 12 games into the season, and the Western Conference is starting to take shape. To no surprise, the Spurs find themselves atop the conference, with a 10-1 record (5-0 at home). On a more surprising note, the Portland Trail Blazers are in 2nd place in the West with a 10-2 record. The Trail Blazers did some significant things in the off season,including the signing of Thomas Robinson. The Trail Blazers are in the prime of their revolution, where we are no longer focused on Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, but the focus is now on LaMarcus Aldridge and phenom Damian Lillard. It's going to be interesting to see what Portland becomes as the year progresses. OKC is next, to no surprise, followed by the band-wagon team of the year, the Golden State Warriors, led by a young star in Stephen Curry and Andre Igudala. LA (yes, the Clippers), Houston and Memphis round out the rest of the top 8. The underrated Timber wolves are a half-game out of the 8 spot, with a 7-6 record. Phoenix, New Orleans and Denver are each at 5-6 right now. Denver, injury-plagued and star-lacking may have an unsuccessful season as they failed to rebuild in the off season. New Orleans on the other hand, has some potential. Their starting 5 is as follows; Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, Tyrekee Evans, Ryan Anderson, and Anthony Davis. Austin Rivers comes off the bench. The Lakers, Kings and Jazz close out the rest of the conference. I'll wrap up the post with this statement; "Kobe is back!"