Five stories will follow a month after the start of the NBA season

A month after the start of the 2020-21 NBA season next Friday, the tournament starts to take stock. The favorite teams have entered the rhythm and resumed the top positions in their respective conferences,

However, the main protagonist was the pandemic. In just over a week, COVID-19 caused 14 games to be canceled, covering 19 of the 30 sets.

The biggest hit are the Washington Wizards, who haven’t played for eleven days. Here’s a look at the big picture a few weeks after the start of the enebe season.

Lakers dominate

The defending champions have made an effort with all of their new pieces, marching with the best tournament record (11-4) without losing seven times on the road, something the franchise hadn’t achieved since 1895. LeBron James, 36, leads the Lakers in points and assists with 23.7 and 7.5, respectively, in 32.2 minutes of action, the least time per game on the field in his 18-year career. Additionally, the Lakers are first on defensive efficiency and fifth on offense.

The clippers straighten

After hosting a historic 124-73 fight against Dallas on Sept. 27, the Clippers straightened out and are only half a game behind the Lakers in the West, winning four in a row. Striker Paul George makes it a priority to remove the thorn from his poor post-season performance. Accumulate an average of 24.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists. “I’m in revenge mode,” he recently told the media. Star Kawhi Leonard is not far behind either (24.3 pts., 5.9 assists. And 5.1 rebs.). The Los Angeles quintet keeps in shape with its two stars. It remains to be seen if the bank will help when the miles count.

Durant and Harden are scared

James Harden completed his bittersweet novel in Houston and looks rejuvenated with his new team. The Nets add two wins in a row after the arrival of the previous MVP, recording a triple-double on his first night in a Brooklyn uniform. Kevin Durant, meanwhile, is playing at a high level after Achilles tendon surgery and has scored 25 points or more in nine consecutive games, averaging 30.6 points, second best in the league. The dynamic duo reminisced about their good days in OKC early in the past decade. It remains to be seen what role Kyrie Irving will play in this new “Big Three”. The point guard will return tonight after an absence of seven “personal matters” challenges.

Don’t fall asleep with Golden State

Despite the absence of Klay Thompson for the remainder of the season, plus the accumulation of injuries, the Warriors have remained competitive (7-6) in the West. They even beat the leaders of the Lakers on Monday after falling 14 points. Stephen Curry leads the young team (28.2 points and 6.2 assists). Rookie center James Wiseman has gradually adapted to his role in the paint, with Andrew Wiggins being the team’s second offensive voice (17.4 points).

Ice skating Atlanta, Toronto and Miami

The Hawks, one of the most active teams in the off-season with the acquisition of several prominent figures, are down 5-7, losing six of their last seven after a 4-1 start. Star point guard Trae Young has an average of less than 20 points (17.9). The 2019 champion Raptors improved slightly with a three-match win streak, but they go 5-8. The matches of veterans Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka continue to take their toll. In Miami, the Heat, second in the NBA, was hit by injuries and COVID-19 (outside of Jimmy Butler and Avery Bradley) and plays 5-7.