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By Sam Smith | 12.8.2014 | 8:51 a.m. CT

Perhaps it really was an NBA Finals preview Saturday in the United Center when the Golden State Warriors finally pulled away from the Bulls in the fourth quarter for a 112-102 victory. It seemed impressive for the Warriors, who moved to 17-2 on the season, five and a half games better than the Bulls. The Bulls, however, remain with the good fortune of residing in the Eastern Conference, where the competition is not quite as daunting.

This weekend basically marked the conclusion of the first quarter of the regular season with just about everyone hitting the 20-game mark. Weekly power ratings are a popular feature. But this early in the season it’s difficult to make an accurate comparison because of the inequities of the schedule. Interconference play isn’t equal. Nor is the ratio of home to road games. One way coaches and executives measure their teams this early in the season is to measure road wins, which are more difficult, against home losses. It’s not perfect because it doesn’t consider the quality of the opponents. But it’s an excellent bellwether for looking ahead toward the end of the season.

For example, last season the formula of road wins minus home losses lined up exactly with the final standings in the conferences.

Last season, Indiana was first in the Eastern Conference at plus 15 followed by Miami at plus 13 with Toronto and the Bulls tied at plus 7. That also was the top four in the East by record. In the Western Conference, the Spurs were first at plus 21 followed by the Thunder at plus 18, the Clippers at plus 16 and the Rockets and Trailblazers tied at plus 13. That also lined up with the final standings.

So here’s a look by conference at the road win/home loss ratio at the first quarter pole of the season long race.

Eastern Conference

Bulls, Plus 5: The Bulls have had some surprising problems at home, but the road record is exemplary with a tough trip to start the season. Plus, it’s been some tough home losses, especially the Dallas and Cleveland overtime losses. It’s a developing Bulls team that will be better late this time given early season injuries and new players adjusting to one another. Overall, it’s a good start. Toronto Raptors, Plus 3. Has the look of a team that could break through. Sustained a tough loss with the injury to All-Star DeMar DeRozan, which gives Terrence Ross a chance to finally take responsibility. One of the league’s highest scoring teams with Kyle Lowry having yet another breakthrough season. Washington Wizards, Plus 2: They’re an improved team that beat the Bulls in the playoffs last season and look like one of the four and maybe five that can win the conference. John Wall is having his best season and moving into elite status as a point guard, though there are questions about the good level of reserve production and if it can sustain along with Paul Pierce. Atlanta Hawks, Plus 2: One of the surprise teams, though it often seems that way for a team underappreciated, though at home as well. Paul Millsap is having another impressive season and even among the leaders in steals. Intriguing backcourt pair with Jeff Teague and Dennis Shroder and another good Kyle Korver season. Orlando Magic, Plus 2: The true surprise team given they have an overall losing record. But they’ve played by far the most road games in the league and just finished up strong with five games out west, winning three and blowing a late lead in Golden State even with center Nikola Vucevic out. They’re looking like they could be a surprise playoff team this season. Cleveland Cavaliers, Plus 1: They’ve been OK after a slow start, though disjointed with LeBron James curiously looking disengaged at times. They should be better late as well with two of their top three players new and the defense a work in progress. Being small up front remains a limitation for now. Milwaukee Bucks, Plus 1: Another Eastern surprise as Jason Kidd has had an impact as coach with a young team that is much improved defensively and better organized. Kidd’s use of the depth and the reserves has proven crucial. Brooklyn Nets, Minus 1: A team that’s been all over the place trying to adjust to the demanding ways of tough new coach Lionel Hollins. Not a very athletic group that has talent with Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams, but seems to balk at times to yet another new leader. Miami Heat, Minus 1: Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have played well, which is the concern if they’re still hanging around mediocrity. This suggests making the playoffs will be a battle as they recently lost Luol Deng to injury as he’s still been trying to fit in. Indiana Pacers, Minus 2: They’ve been decimated like no one else in the Eastern Conference, but have started to get guys like David West, Rodney Stuckey and C.J. Watson back and in staying competitive also have been a pleasant surprise. And in the East thus still a playoff possibility with their tough defense. Boston Celtics, Minus 5: With Rajon Rondo back they’ve been a different team. They are among the top scoring teams, though scattered defensively. They’re a building team sort of in the middle with good players but not enough who might be dominant quite yet. Charlotte Hornets, Minus 6: An early season disappointment, though not as bad as their record with several close losses. Still don’t shoot well enough and not much margin for error, which thus hurts with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out. But still should make a playoff run in the East. New York Knicks, Minus 8: New coach, new system, injuries, lots and lots of close losses, bad losses. Not exactly Phil Jackson’s dream scenario. It wasn’t supposed to be a good season even with Carmelo Anthony back, but it should have been better than this. Detroit Pistons, Minus 9: It’s been a brutal start as new chief Stan Van Gundy tries to figure out what he has and what to keep. There’s way more talent than the way they’ve started. Philadelphia 76ers, Minus 9: Give the players credit for playing through the lack of management support and coming close several times as well. Michael Carter-Williams is looking like his Rookie of the Year self once again with Tony Wroten out.

Western Conference