west vs. east ...
• Ten Western Conference teams had
a record of at least .500.
• Three Eastern Conference teams had
records of at least .500.
• Western teams are 67-31 against the East.
• The Timberwolves at 9-11 (.450) rank 13th in the West.
• The Timberwolves would be tied for seventh in the East — a playoff team.
... and the notably bad
Ø Detroit
• The Pistons are under .500 (9-10), but that's the fourth-best record in the East.
Ø Brooklyn
• The Brooklyn Nets are paying an $80 million luxury tax fine for a 6-14 record.
Ø New York
• The New York Knicks expected to be a playoff team, but in the East even 5-14 leaves them in contention.
*Records entering Monday's action