35-16 (previous week ranking: 2nd)

I would be lying if I thought the Clippers would be in the position they are in when they traded for James Harden. As a Sixers fan, and living in the world following a postseason where Harden disappeared, I expected a falloff this season. It is possible that Harden will regress again when the lights are brightest, but this Clippers team is built to win, now.