Sporting ended the family duel in the NBA with a win for Austin Rivers. The player of the Houston Rockets won with his team the home game against his father Doc Rivers coached Los Angeles Clippers 102: 93. And also on the edge of the parquet in the Toyota Center of Houston Rivers senior had to cope with a defeat.
Doc Rivers engaged in a verbal battle with the referees in the second half. Son Austin took the opportunity to make a fatal technical foul on his father. The father also conceded - and then had to leave the hall due to the second such violation. Which in turn celebrated Austin Rivers together with the fans of the Rockets.
"I doubt we're going to dinner or anything, he's very sensitive about that, so we'll have to wait and see what happens," said the 27-year-old point-and-shooter. "I love him, but it was a really good moment that I really enjoyed, that was fun."
All 30 teams in the SPIEGEL ranking
Rank 30: Charlotte Hornets (Category: No Chance)
In the preseason, the Hornets lacked only two wins for a playoff participation. There should be no hope at all this year. The only star, Kemba Walker, left the team for Boston in the summer. Replacing was Terry Rozier, who was previously a Celtics banker. The squad is missing this year the quality to win even 20 games.
# 29: Cleveland Cavaliers (Category: No Chance)
After LeBron James had left the team in the summer of 2018, the Cavs landed on the penultimate place of the weak Eastern Conference. With Collin Sexton and Darius Garland are two talented but inexperienced point guards in the squad. The wings are weakly occupied. Best player is Kevin Love (photo) - well imaginable that the 31-year-old calls for a trade during the season to accommodate a competitive team.
# 28: Washington Wizards (Category: No Chance)
Playmaker John Wall is expected to miss the entire season after tearing his Achilles tendon during a fall in his home in February. On the other guard position, the Wizards with Bradley Beal (photo) have at least an Allstar, but the rest of the team gives little. Keep an eye on Rui Hachimura. The Forward is the first Japanese to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft and played an impressive preparation.
# 27: Phoenix Suns (Category: No Chance)
With Monty Williams, the Suns have a new coach who enjoys a good reputation. Guard Devin Booker (photo, right) and Center DeAndre Ayton both have all the makings of the Allstar, but are still missing the maturity to pass the Western Conference. The Suns will miss the playoff for the tenth consecutive time. This year's goal is to develop the young stars.
# 26: Memphis Grizzlies (Category: No Chance)
Marc Gasol is gone, Mike Conley also: The Grizzlies are in the midst of rebuilding, and so far this succeeds quite well. Jaren Jackson has all the equipment you could want for a big man: athletic, long arms, defensive versatility and even a safe throw. In June, the 20-year-old was joined by a talented playmaker, Ja Morant (photo), who was second in the draft by Memphis. The duo should be fun, but not win too many games.
# 25: New York Knicks (Category: Competitive Outsiders)
The main win in the transfer market remained the Knicks again denied in the summer, which brought the worst team in the league (17 wins) only further mockery. Instead of the big superstars came Julius Randle, who has established himself as one of the league's best power forwards. The six-year playoff losing streak should continue, but the team has improved significantly. Exciting is RJ Barrett's (photo) rookie season. The 19-year-old has excellent scoring instincts, but he still has to work on the distance throw.
# 24: Chicago Bulls (Category: Competitive Outsiders)
The most interesting player of the Bulls is Lauri Markkanen (photo), a 22 year old Finn. On average, he scored 18.7 points and nine rebounds per game last season. With his distance throw the power forward creates space for his team in the attack, which makes it easier for his teammates to find their way to the basket. Shooting Guard Zach LaVine is on the cusp of the Allstar, and Chicago's other leaders also have solid pros, such as Wendell Carter Jr. under the basket. If it runs optimally, the Bulls could play a role in the playoff race.
# 23: Atlanta Hawks (Category: Competitive Outsiders)
In the East, the Hawks are the team most likely to surprise. In his rookie year, Trae Young (photo) averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 assists, just under 31 minutes per game. Part of the nimble playmaker brought the ball of several steps behind the triple line in the basket. Not for nothing came comparisons to Stephen Curry. Atlanta also has three talented wingers, Kevin Huerter, Cam Reddish and De'Andre Hunter. The young team is completed by John Collins, a versatile Big Man. For the nostalgic: Vince Carter belongs to the squad, the 42-year-old will break the record for most seasons in the NBA with his 22nd season.
# 22: Minnesota Timberwolves (Category: Competitive Outsiders)
Karl-Anthony Towns (photo) has the equipment for the all-rounder. The 23-year-old is sure to hit the mark from every corner of the court, with just three players catching more rebounds last season. On the defensive slumbers great potential - which he must call regularly to live up to its reputation. The Wolves will be a one-man show: hard to beat, but playing in the strong Western Conference would be a big surprise.
# 21: Oklahoma City Thunder (Category: Competitive Outsiders)
Russell Westbrook and Paul George played for Oklahoma City a year ago, and the team was considered to be the title contender. Both superstars were given at their request, as compensation there were numerous draft picks - and three players, including Chris Paul (photo). There is a large-scale rebuilding, so the 34-year-old superstar could change at any time, should you agree with another team on a trade. As long as Paul is there, Oklahoma City should remain an unpleasant opponent - even for top teams.
20th place: Miami Heat (category: serious opponents)
Coach Erik Spoelstra's team has been mediocre for five years. Every year there are about 40 wins, sometimes it works with the playoffs, sometimes not. This summer, Jimmy (photo, r.) Butler signed to Miami. The winger is one of the best defenders in the league and is good on offense for more than 20 points per game. With his playing style, Butler fits well with Miami, which maintains an aggressive, body-accented style. As a playmaker is still the Slovenian Goran Dragic available.
19th place: New Orleans Pelicans (category: serious opponents)
Rarely has a team coped with the departure of a superstar as well as the Pelicans. Although Anthony Davis is gone, New Orleans now has a promising team, led by Jrue Holiday (Guard). Lonzo Ball could make the leap as a playmaker, as well as Brandon Ingram (Forward). Of course, the most exciting personality is Zion Williamson (photo, r.). Since LeBron James 2003, there has not been a rookie on such a hype when he arrived at the NBA. In the preparation of the 19-year-olds fulfilled the expectations, with a knee injury, he missed the start of the season, however, a few weeks. In full strength, the pelicans could cause a surprise.
18th place: Detroit Pistons (category: serious opponents)
The Pistons squad has prominent names: Blake Griffin (photo), Andre Drummond and Derrick Rose. Griffin re-invented himself last season - instead of dunks there were dribbles and distance throwing, resulting in 24.5 points per game. Last year, the Pistons reached the playoffs and should have strengthened the new season, because Rose also has a Renaissance season in the back.
17th place: Orlando Magic (category: serious opponents)
For the first time in seven years, Orlando made it to the playoffs last season. There, the team to Allstar Center Nikola Vucevic (photo) surprisingly won the first game against eventual champion Toronto Raptors, but lost the following four games. In the summer, the team strengthened with Al-Farouq Aminu on the forward position. In addition, the contract was extended by Markelle Fultz. Once in the first place of the draft selected, the point guard is regarded as a flopped talent. In Orlando could be the comeback story of the year.
16th place: Sacramento Kings (category: serious opponents)
Playmaker De'Aaron Fox (photo, back) is perhaps the fastest player in the league with the ball, he is also accurate from a distance and has a good view for free-standing players. He is assisted by sniper Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley, a highly gifted forward. In addition to the young team core still Harrison Barnes belongs to the squad. For 13 years, the Kings are waiting for a playoff participation, longer than any other team in the league. In the West, however, it will be difficult this year, it also changes the new coach Luke Walton nothing.
# 15: Indiana Pacers (category: serious opponents)
The Pacers will miss the first months of the best player: Victor Oladipo (photo) broke in January, the quadriceps tendon. Once the Guard returns, the team is likely to be among the more dangerous in the Eastern Conference. Access Malcolm Brogdon is a formidable substitute for Oladipo in the build-up of the game as well as a scorer and should also be in harmony with the latter on the court. Under the basket plays the 23-year-old Myles Turner, an excellent ring defender.
14th place: Dallas Mavericks (category: serious opponents)
After 21 years, the Dirk Nowitzki era is over. In Dallas, one continues to rely on Europeans: Luka Doncic (photo) has been awarded the rookie of the year and already plays on Allstar level. With Kristaps Porzingis last season, the Mavs committed another top talent: 2.21 meters tall, defensively strong and accurate from a distance - the potential is huge. On the other positions, however, there is no quality compared to the top teams in the West.
# 13: Toronto Raptors (category: serious opponents)
The title defense seems impossible after the departure of Kawhi Leonard. Without the Finals MVP, the first Canadian NBA champion will lack a true superstar to get far in the playoffs. Forward Pascal Siakam got a high-paid four-year contract in the summer - in Toronto they believe they have found the lanky Sudanese to be the next Allstar. Siakam's distance throw must improve for this step. A complete crash is not to be expected, with Kyle Lowry (photo, back), Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, the team has a lot of experience and also a strong bank.
12th place: San Antonio Spurs (category: serious opponents)
The team of coach legend Gregg Popovich will probably never lose his athletic relevance. The remodeling succeeds perfectly, with LaMarcus Aldridge (photo, l.) And DeMar DeRozan are two star players in the squad, which is completed by a well-balanced mix of experienced NBA professionals and talents such as the Guards Dejounte Murray and Derrick White. A playoff participation would be the 23rd in a row and thus new NBA record.
# 11: Brooklyn Nets (Category: Strong playoff teams)
On paper, the Nets are undoubtedly a title candidate. Last season, the young team made it into the playoffs and delivered a contested series with the Philadelphia 76ers, but lost. In the summer came Kyrie Irving (photo, r.) And Kevin Durant, who is one of the best scorers in NBA history. In addition defensive specialist DeAndre Jordan came to the center position. With the broad squad of young, versatile back-up players, Brooklyn is well-positioned for the next few years, if not a snag: Durant tore the Achilles tendon in Toronto's final series in June and fails for the entire season.
10th place: Boston Celtics (Category: Strong playoff teams)
The record champion has a turbulent season behind him. With Kyrie Irving, Al Horford and Gordon Hayward three players Allstar level in the squad were on top of the talented winger Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics disappointed, lacking in harmony. Irving went to Brooklyn after the season, his replacement is Kemba Walker (photo, r.), Which means only a minimal loss of quality. Boston still has a strong squad, whose high performers can be trusted to take another step. Horford's departure for Conference rival Philadelphia will be tough to deal with.
# 9: Portland Trail Blazers (Category: Strong Playoff Teams)
The team around the Guard duo Damian Lillard (photo) and CJ McCollum has been underestimated for years - partly rightly, partly not. In the regular season, the Blazers won six games in a row for the last 50 games. In the playoffs, the team managed but only three times beyond the first round. This year the team is more widely occupied. Nevertheless, a similar course is expected as usual: strong season, possibly good playoffs, for a final or even the title it is not enough.
8th place: Golden State Warriors (Category: Title candidates)
The golden era in Oakland is over, and not just athletic. This season is the first in the new arena in San Francisco. After five finals in a row and three championships, the Warriors may be weaker. Durant is gone and Klay Thompson falls out with a torn ACL. Stephen Curry (photo) still gets help: D'Angelo Russell, who celebrated his Allstar premiere last season, joined the Warriors in the summer. In full strength, the team with Curry, Thompson, Draymond Green and Russell still has four Allstars.
Seat 7: Utah Jazz (Category: Title candidates)
The basketball played in Salt Lake City is defensive and a bit dirty too. Rudy Gobert (Center) has been voted the defender of the league twice in a row and Donovan Mitchell (photo) is the most important offensive. Mike Conley also has an experienced playmaker who is defensively among the best this year. The key to success, however, is the space game where access opens up new possibilities for Bojan Bogdanovic as a distance shooter. Utah is a dangerous opponent for each team in the playoffs.
Rank 6: Houston Rockets (Category: Title candidates)
The Rockets saw a reunion of two superstars in the summer: Russell Westbrook (photo, left) joined James Harden (right). The two had played from 2009 to 2012 already in Oklahoma City in a team. The MVP of 2017 meets the MVP of 2018 - individually, there is hardly a stronger duo in the league. Nevertheless, Houston has problems: On the one hand, there were no two players in the history of the NBA who loved to hold the ball, on the other hand, the Rockets lacked high-quality bankers. What should work well in the regular season could be a problem in the playoffs.
5th place: Denver Nuggets (Category: Title candidates)
Balance and team play are the keywords of nuggets. The focal point of the offensive is Nikola Jokic (photo), who is revolutionizing the center position as a passer-by. Around him, the squad has a variety of versatile professionals such as Gary Harris, Paul Millsap and Access Jerami Grant. Point Guard Jamal Murray is an excellent distance shooter, whose defensive development may well be the deciding factor in the playoffs. Compared to the other title candidates are missing the big stars. But that can also be a strength.
4th place: Milwaukee Bucks (Category: Title favorites)
The "Greek Freak" starts the next step: Giannis Antetokounmpo (photo, r.) Led his team to first place in the East last season. For the 24-year-old, there was the MVP Award, in some statistical categories, he put on historical values. What he lacks is marksmanship from a distance. Should that work out now, the league has a problem. With Khris Middleton Antetokounmpo is a Swiss knife as a co-star to the side. Offensive as well as defensive, Milwaukee will again be among the top teams.
3rd place: Los Angeles Clippers (Category: Title favorites)
Paul George (photo, right) and Kawhi Leonard (photo, left) joined forces in the summer with the chronically unsuccessful team from LA. The Clippers are already in a good shape anyway: distance shooters, defensive specialists, tough Big Men are all available, also belongs with the Guard Lou Williams the best banker in history to the squad. George and Leonard are the NBA's two best wingbacks, as well as excellent scorers. At the beginning of the season, however, George fails after a shoulder surgery for several weeks.
2nd place: Los Angeles Lakers (Category: Title favorites)
LeBron James (photo, left) and the Lakers have their second star. After the posse of the preseason, after the season finally found an agreement and took Anthony Davis of New Orleans (photo, r.) By trade to Los Angeles. The 26-year-old Big Man could be the best teammate in James' career, and that's saying something. In support came experienced NBA professionals with strong defense and good distance throw, and Frank Vogel has a new coach on the sideline who attaches great importance to the defensive. Exciting is the question, which is the best team in LA.
Rank 1: Philadelphia 76ers (Category: Title favorites)
Playmaker is Ben Simmons, 23 years old and 2.08 meters tall. The Australian is missing only a reliable throw-away to be MVP candidate. At this level is already Joel Embiid (photo, r.), The most dominant center of the league. Al Horford was the only big man to stop Embiid in one-on-one, so Philadelphia signed him. Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson have two excellent options on the wing. On paper, no team in the NBA has the individual class of the Sixers, only the thin bench and injuries could be worrying.
Clippers coach Rivers said, "The referees screwed it up." After the fourth defeat of the season, the team from Los Angeles, one of the co-favorites for the NBA title, in the Western Conference in fifth place. Houston scored one more victory after eleven games and is in second place.
