The Spurs are only 9-7 thanks to injuries to Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker while the Pistons are just 10-6 as they get acclimated to life with Allen Iverson.
Here is how the NBA teams stack up at this early season juncture:
NBA 2008-2009 Early Power Rankings
30. Oklahoma City Thunder-
Should have picked a better name. Kevin Durant isn't quite blossoming into a superstar yet but Russell Westbrook looks like a good draft pick with his athleticism and all-around skills.
29. Washington Wizards-
They put too much stock into the Arenas/Butler/Jamison combo and now Arenas is hurt. Ouch.
28. Memphis Grizzlies-
The trade for O.J. Mayo looks pretty good so far for the Grizzlies.
27. Los Angeles Clippers-
Tough luck with injuries yet again for the Clippers and Baron Davis doesn't seem like the best fit in the Clippers' offense so far.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves-
Kevin Love will be a solid piece but he's not the kind of guy who can carry a franchise.
25. Sacramento Kings-
Jason Thompson out of Rider looks like a good pick and Spencer Hawes is also contributing, but this team needs a star player to go any higher.
24. Charlotte Bobcats-
Michael Jordan is sitting courtside often these days but he can't like what he's seeing.
23. Indiana Pacers-
Danny Granger is looking like a top-flight player and the decision to trade Jermaine O'Neal was a good one.
22. Golden State Warriors-
Jamal Crawford is a perfect fit for the Warriors but how will this team take the next step anytime soon unless they start playing defense or unless they get a star?
21. Milwaukee Bucks-
Ramon Sessions should be starting over Luke Ridnour. He is a gifted penetrator and passer.
20. Philadelphia 76ers-
Elton Brand trade hasn't quite worked out yet but Thaddeus Young is showing signs of a breakout year.
19. New York Knicks-
Wait until 2010? Yep, but until then they might be fun to watch.
18. Chicago Bulls-
Derrick Rose is the only reason to watch these guys but he sure is a good one.
17. Miami Heat-
Tons of talent on this team and Dwyane Wade is back in top form but they need better chemistry.
16. Toronto Raptors-
The most European team in the NBA is a good regular season squad but they won't go far in the playoffs as constructed.
15. Dallas Mavericks-
Jason Kidd for Devin Harris deal looks worse by the day as Kidd continues to age and not play defense.
14. Atlanta Hawks-
Hawks finally putting their talent together a bit.
13. New Jersey Nets-
Devin Harris is quite the catalyst for this suddenly interesting young team. Now if Vince Carter can just stay healthy for a change...
12. Phoenix Suns-
Decent record but conflicts are brewing across the board with Shaq's status as top offensive option.
11. Detroit Pistons-
Iverson hasn't helped Pistons much yet and playing time issues are tough to sort out. But A.I. could help against tight defenses in the playoffs and McDyess' return will help a lot.
10. New Orleans Hornets-
Still hitting their stride. James Posey will prove to be a good addition for the Hornets.
9. San Antonio Spurs-
Manu and Tony are back and so are the Spurs. They stuck together through lean times and that adversity might actually make them hungrier now.
8. Houston Rockets-
T-Mac is hurt again but this team is well-constructed and Ron Artest is fitting in so far.
7. Utah Jazz-
With Deron Williams back, they'll be a factor again in the West as long as Jerry Sloan calls the shots for the Jazz.
6. Orlando Magic-
Young team is starting to put it all together and Dwight Howard continues to play like a monster. Hedo Turkoglu is turning it up as well.
5. Denver Nuggets-
Chauncey Billups has stablized his hometown team with smart, savvy point guard play.
4. Portland Trail Blazers-
Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge are tough to stop on the pick-and-roll, that's for sure. Just ask the Pistons.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers-
LeBron may not have his Pippen, but Mo Williams might be good enough to propel the Cavs to the NBA Finals this year.
2. L.A. Lakers-
Lakers keep rolling along but it's hard to foresee them beating the Celtics in a Finals rematch. They might need a trade or else hope Cleveland makes it to the Finals.
1. Boston Celtics-
Pierce and Garnett are content to sit back and pick their spots with a bench that is one of the league's best with guys like Tony Allen and Eddie House lighting it up.
