It’s still early in the young 2008-9 NBA season, but 3 teams have emerged as the cream of the crop so far:

Boston Celtics – the 2007-8 defending champs – it doesn’t look like anyone has gotten complacent in Beantown. The Celtics are 22-2 so far, going 13-1 at home and 9-1 on the road. The Celtics are still led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Celtics play tenacious “D”, which they will need on a west-coast road trip later this month – where they will play at the Lakers and at upstart Portland. The Celtics also have a tough game on the road at the surprising Hawks.

Los Angeles Lakers – lost to the Celtics in 5 games in the 2007-8 NBA Finals. The Lakers are 19-3 with a 12-1 home record. The Lakers are also led by a trio of elite players – Kobe Bryant, Pao Gasol and Andrew Bynum. With only 7 games left in December, the Lakers only have 2 tough contests – at New Orleans where the Hornets are starting to regain their amazing 2007-8 form and at home against the Celtics.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Lebron, Lebron, Lebron. He makes everyone on that team so much better. The Cavs are 20-4 overall and a perfect 13-0 at home. The Cavs’ 7 remaining December games are fairly easy – with 3 potential stumbling blocks along the way. Home against the Rockets and a home and home series against the Heat to end the month where Dwayne Wade could pull off an upset all by himself.

Here’s to enjoying watching these 3 top teams the rest of the way – get ready for another Celtics – Lakers NBA Finals…