Dec.3, 2014 By Connor Moore

Mark my words: the Milwaukee Bucks are going to win the Eastern Conference. No, of course I don’t think that! I’m from Chicago, after all.

But really, the Bucks guys look good. Really good. Surprisingly good. So good, in fact, that if the playoffs were today, this Bucks team would be the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. That would be behind the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and another surprise this year in the Toronto Raptors.

Yes, you read that correctly. The Toronto Raptors are the top team in the East. I know what you’re asking, and quite frankly, so am I. That question being this: What happened to the Cleveland LeBrons? I mean, the Cavaliers?

Well, the Cavs are another surprise but not a good one. That all pending on who you ask, of course. I mean, with a team that has LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love for a Big Three, ideally you’d think they’d be better than LeBron’s previous Big Three in Miami with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, right? Right?!

Well, no.

Oh wait, there’s more! Among the aforementioned surprises so far this season, I’d be remiss if I left out the following:

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Morrow, and basically most of the Oklahoma City Thunder have been injured since game 1. The 300-level peanut vendor is probably out for a few weeks, too. Because of this…

The Memphis Grizzlies are first in the Western Conference. Let’s leave it at that for this one, shall we?

The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t won a game. Let’s face it, we knew they would be bad. This bad, though? OK, maybe we did know. Disregard.

Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans could very well win the MVP this season. Yes, I said it.

The Miami Heat actually aren’t that bad without LeBron! It’s nice to see Wade, Bosh, and company hold their own.

Kobe Bryant set an NBA record already… for most career misses. Not too much of a shocker, since he shoots all the time. So here’s one that’s more qualified to be labeled as a surprise…

The Lakers spent so much time and money trying to be somewhat competitive, but they’re still near the bottom of the West.

And the Clippers aren’t doing so hot either! So much for that LA star power. Now for my personal favorite surprise:

Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls is not severely injured. I repeat, DERRICK ROSE IS NOT SEVERELY INJURED!! Yet.

Oh trust me, the list could go on and on if you really dive into things much deeper.

It’s safe to say, though, if this early sample size is any indication, we’re in for a great season, fellow NBA fans.

Sit back and enjoy.