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The hot start of the Minnesota Timberwolves is somewhat unexpected, considering they're doing it without Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio.
They're getting outstanding contributions from several members of their roster. Ten players are averaging double-digits in minutes with five of those players averaging double-digits in points.
The hero Friday was Chase Budinger, whose layup with less than one second remaining gave Minnesota a 96-94 win over Indiana. The win improved the Timberwolves' record to 4-1 on the season.
Oklahoma City trails them by one loss after having defeated Detroit 105-94 Friday, their third consecutive win. Denver has a three-game winning streak of their own, sitting at 3-3. Portland (2-3) and Utah (2-4) are at the bottom of the division.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs (5-1) own the Western Conference's best record and sit at the top of the Southwest division. They're one half game up on 4-1 Memphis, who's won their last four games. Dallas sits at 4-2, with New Orleans (3-2) and Houston (2-3) following.
The Clippers (4-2) sit at the top of the Pacific division, riding a two-game winning streak after dispatching Portland (103-90) on Nov. 8. Golden State and Phoenix are 3-3, with Sacramento and the Lakers trailing them at 2-4.