2014-15 NBA Standings: Hawks close the gap, another big week coming up

Almost the first full month of the the NBA's regular season is in the books. While its still a bit early to put a lot of focus on the standings, there is still a lot of movement and some surprises in both conferences.

The Atlanta Hawks completed a 3-1 week and improved to 9-6 on the season. They remain in fourth place but managed to close the gap on the some of the teams they are trailing. Atlanta is just a half game behind the Chicago Bulls entering play on Sunday and one full game behind the Washington Wizards who are second in the conference.

The Toronto Raptors continue to lead the East but suffering a big blow this week when DeMar DeRozan went down with a torn tendon in his groin. Most reports speculate that DeRozan will be out at least a month so it will be interesting to see how his loss effects Toronto going forward.

Elsewhere in the East, Cleveland seems to have righted the ship and has won three straight to climb back into the picture. Milwaukee continues to surprise while the struggles continue for Charlotte and Detroit.

*Standings are up to date entering play on Sunday

Another big week is on tap for the Atlanta Hawks who have four games, two of which are on the road. Atlanta opens the week with a back-to-back starting Tuesday at home against Boston and wrapping up on Wednesday in Miami. The Hawks head north on Friday to face the Brooklyn Nets and return home on Sunday for a rare matinee game against Denver.

Things remain in flux out West where one bad week could shuffle you to the bottom of the standings. Memphis continues its reign at the top of the West standings at 14-2 but is followed closely by Golden State, Houston, Portland, San Antonio and Dallas. The Spurs have won six straight and are 11-4 so I guess you could say their slow start to the season is officially over.

The story out west is currently in Oklahoma City where the Thunder are 5-12 but just got Russell Westbrook back from injury with Kevin Durant figuring to not be far behind. Oklahoma City is 9.5 games back of Memphis and five back of Phoenix who is currently eighth. Once healthy, the race will be on for the Thunder.