NBA Power Rankings: OKC battles out West, while the Magic ascend in the East

We’re one month into the 2024-25 NBA season, and in just some weeks loads has unfolded in each conferences.

The second version of the NBA Cup kicked off final week, as soon as once more unveiling some flashy courts. Group stage video games will finish Dec. 3 and knockout contests will begin Dec. 10.

The Cleveland Cavaliers proceed to carry the No.1 spot within the rankings regardless of having their 15-game win streak finish after dropping to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday evening.

In the meantime, in the wild West, the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder are battling for No.1. The Houston Rockets have additionally ascended into the highest of the convention, whereas the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets are struggling to remain above .500.

Can the Milwaukee Bucks discover momentum? Will the Philadelphia 76ers ultimately overcome their accidents? Let’s verify this week’s energy rankings to see the place all 30 groups stack up.

Word: Workforce rankings are primarily based on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) assume groups belong this season.

Earlier rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13

Leap to a staff:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland’s undefeated begin led to Boston on Tuesday — dropping a nail-biter 120-117 regardless of the Celtics being a plus-36 in 3-point scoring differential. Nonetheless, the Cavs can take a bow after notching their fifteenth win Nov. seventeenth. In LeBron James‘ final 4 seasons with the franchise, the quickest Cleveland reached 15 wins was Nov. thirtieth. — Dave McMenamin

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2. Golden State Warriors

• 2024-25 report: 10-3

• Earlier rating: 4

• Subsequent video games: vs. ATL (Nov. 20), @ NO (Nov. 22), @ SA (Nov. 23), vs. BKN (Nov. 25)

The Warriors have solely misplaced three video games this season — two of them to the Clippers. This early-season success is a significant feat for the Warriors given their dismal begin to final season. The depth they have been enthusiastic about heading into the 12 months has proved to be authentic as they’ve navigated some early-season accidents, and the defensive id they needed to depend on has been extraordinarily robust. The one space that could possibly be a priority are the Warriors’ free throws — lacking 10 of their loss towards the Clippers on Monday evening. — Kendra Andrews

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3. Boston Celtics

The wealthy get richer. Not solely does Boston proceed to rattle off victories, taking down the undefeated Cavaliers on Tuesday, however Kristaps Porzingis practiced for the primary time this season Monday. The Latvian heart has but to make his debut due to offseason ankle surgical procedure however is on tempo to probably return throughout the subsequent few weeks — giving the defending champions not solely one other 3-point shooter, however an elite post-up menace to additional diversify their offense. — Tim Bontemps

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4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Luguentz Dort is proving that his 3-point capturing marketing campaign final season wasn’t an outlier. Dort is capturing a career-best 44.9% from 3-point vary on the heels of capturing 39.4% final season, which was an uptick of greater than six share factors from the primary 4 years of Dort’s profession. He is earned a status as an elite perimeter defender, so Dort’s improvement as a shooter makes him one of many league’s premier position gamers. — Tim MacMahon

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5. Houston Rockets

Concentrate. Off to their greatest 14-game begin since 2019-20 after Sunday’s win at Chicago, the Rockets are one of many hottest groups within the West. Houston hasn’t misplaced consecutive video games this season, and its suffocating protection seems to be bettering as Alperen Sengun continues to develop on that finish of the ground. The Rockets entered Tuesday with the third-best defensive score within the league (105.2), and two bench gamers — Amen Thompson and Tari Eason — are arguably probably the most important contributors to that and making robust circumstances to enter the beginning lineup. — Michael Wright

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6. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets already knew life with out Nikola Jokic was very onerous — they’re now 19-28 all time with out the MVP. Jokic missed his third straight recreation at Memphis on Tuesday evening due to personal reasons. With out Jokic, the Nuggets misplaced to an injury-decimated New Orleans squad after which misplaced by 15 in Memphis on Sunday, regardless of Ja Morant and Marcus Smart not taking part in. After scoring a mixed 29 factors in these first two video games with out Jokic, Jamal Murray led the Nuggets to a win over the Grizzlies on Tuesday with 27 factors. Michael Malone stated afterward the purpose guard’s scoring struggles weren’t solely on Murray, who additionally should make performs for teammates as properly. “[But] if it is not him, you are asking some actually younger gamers to hold a load that they’re most likely not prepared to hold,” Malone stated. — Ohm Youngmisuk

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7. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers may have an early litmus check this weekend to see how actual their sizzling begin is after they host the Nuggets. L.A. has misplaced 12 of its previous 13 video games towards Denver, together with two straight playoff boots. However there are a pair new characters added to the rivalry. Former Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is now suiting up for Denver, whereas L.A. has the dazzling Dalton Knecht coming off a 37-point efficiency Tuesday, when he tied the all-time rookie report with 9 3s. — McMenamin

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8. Phoenix Suns

It is déjà vu in The Valley. After Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker managed to play simply 41 video games collectively final 12 months, Phoenix is flailing due to its well being as soon as once more. The Suns have gone 1-5 since Durant went out with a left calf pressure, together with 0-4 since Beal joined him on the bench with an analogous damage. The Suns are in a homestretch, however it will not get any simpler towards playoff-worthy opponents within the Knicks, Lakers and Warriors over the subsequent week. — McMenamin

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9. Orlando Magic

• 2024-25 report: 9-6

• Earlier rating: 17

• Subsequent video games: @ LAC (Nov. 20), @ LAL (Nov. 21), vs. DET (Nov. 23), @ CHA (Nov. 25)

Franz Wagner has been protecting the Magic afloat as they anticipate a number of key gamers to get wholesome, together with Paolo Banchero, incomes Jap Convention Participant of the Week accolades. Throughout his previous seven video games, Wagner is averaging 27.4 factors and 6.1 rebounds whereas capturing 46% from the ground. He scored 20 factors in seven consecutive video games, which ties the longest streak of his profession. Orlando is the primary staff since December 2018 to carry its opponents to lower than 100 factors in six straight video games. — Andrews

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10. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves are nonetheless seeking to discover their groove after making the convention finals final season, however new addition Julius Randle had a signature second Sunday when he hit a game-winning, buzzer-beater to defeat the Suns. Randle has upped his effectivity since becoming a member of Minnesota this season, capturing 51% from the sphere, 38% from 3 (each increased marks than any of the previous three seasons). After three days off, the Wolves start a street journey by means of Toronto and Boston this week earlier than returning house. — Jamal Collier

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11. Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant (hip) stays week to week, however Memphis continues to flex a deep rotation that would show useful because the season progresses. Jaren Jackson Jr. has scored 29 factors or extra in three of his previous six video games. Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane look like on the mend and have regularly labored their approach into the combo by coming off the bench. When Memphis’ beginning group is completely again within the fold, anticipate reserves akin to Scotty Pippen Jr., Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey and Santi Aldama to wreak havoc on opposing bench items. — Wright

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12. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs went 1-4 within the stretch that ahead P.J. Washington missed as a consequence of a sore knee. He made his presence felt in a significant approach in his second recreation again, setting season highs with 27 factors and 17 rebounds in Sunday’s street win over the Thunder. That served as a reminder of the important position that Washington performed within the Mavs’ West semifinals win over the Thunder final season. Washington averaged 17.7 factors and eight.3 rebounds in that sequence, when he shot 46.9% from 3-point vary. — MacMahon

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13. New York Knicks

Few gamers have been extra offensively dynamic than Karl-Anthony Towns, who’s having fun with career-best effectivity and rebound charges whereas spraying no-look passes throughout from one recreation to the subsequent. The draw back? Groups are capturing 9.5 share factors higher than common inside six toes of the basket when Cities is defending it, by far the NBA’s worst price for any heart who’s confronted at the least 50 such photographs this season. — Chris Herring

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14. Sacramento Kings

The Kings are itching for Malik Monk, Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan to return, the latter two of whom may come back as soon as Friday. It isn’t that the wheels fully fell off for Sacramento whereas they have been sidelined — De’Aaron Fox scored a combined 109 points over two video games — however there have been a number of shut contests that they really feel they might have received with their stars taking part in. The Kings struggled with clutch time video games final season, and it was excessive on their checklist of issues to deal with this season. — Andrews

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15. LA Clippers

• 2024-25 report: 8-7

• Earlier rating: 13

• Subsequent video games: vs. ORL (Nov. 20), vs. SAC (Nov. 22), @ PHI (Nov. 24), @ BOS (Nov. 25)

With out Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have needed to scrap for the whole lot. However they’ve managed handy the Warriors two of their three losses. Assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy’s protection pressured 19 turnovers that led to 31 factors in Monday’s win towards Golden State. Head coach Ty Lue is determining handle Ivica Zubac‘s minutes. Mo Bamba‘s return previously two video games helps, and Lue has additionally inserted Kris Dunn into the beginning lineup to ease James Harden‘s ballhandling and playmaking load. Terance Mann had his greatest recreation of the season Monday with 10 factors, six assists and 5 rebounds off the bench. Till Leonard will get again, the Clippers might want to preserve treading above .500. — Youngmisuk

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16. Indiana Pacers

• 2024-25 report: 6-8

• Earlier rating: 14

• Subsequent video games: @ HOU (Nov. 20), @ MIL (Nov. 22), vs. WAS (Nov. 24), vs. NO (Nov. 25)

After dropping a recreation to the Raptors to start out the week, the Pacers will start a 10-game stretch that would outline their season and provides themselves an opportunity to bounce again from a sluggish begin. Indiana will face simply two groups with a successful report throughout that span, starting with Wednesday’s recreation at Houston earlier than an NBA Cup showdown and playoff rematch towards Milwaukee. The Pacers might want to get its offense again into gear. After ending second final season in offensive effectivity, they’re at present ranked 14th. — Collier

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17. San Antonio Spurs

On a two-game skid, San Antonio obtained a much-needed two-day break with star Victor Wembanyama listed as day-to-day as a consequence of a right knee contusion. Wembanyama’s damage is not thought-about critical, however he sat out Tuesday’s victory towards Oklahoma Metropolis. Second-leading scorer Devin Vassell is again within the lineup however coming off the bench for “the foreseeable future,” based on interim coach Mitch Johnson. Rookie guard Stephon Castle has been a revelation on each ends, and veteran Chris Paul has dished nine-plus assists in 5 of his previous six appearances. — Wright

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18. Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler returned for Monday’s come-from-behind victory over the 76ers, however the story of the Warmth’s season has been the play of Tyler Herro, who’s averaging a career-high 24.2 factors whereas capturing a career-best 45.2% from 3-point vary on nearly 10 makes an attempt an evening. If he can preserve that up, it modifications his and Miami’s ceiling. — Bontemps

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19. Detroit Pistons

Though the Pistons missed a chance to succeed in .500 by beating the Bulls at house Monday, they nonetheless have their greatest successful share (.438) at any level after the primary 10 video games of the season since final making the playoffs in 2018-19. Below new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, a younger Detroit roster has made strides defensively, bettering from twenty fifth in defensive score a 12 months in the past to the highest 10 with largely the identical core. The Pistons’ opponent shot high quality ranks seventh hardest within the league, per Second Spectrum’s quantified shot high quality measure. — Kevin Pelton

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20. Atlanta Hawks

Winners in three of its previous 4, the Hawks have to be ok with limiting Kings guard De’Aaron Fox to 29 factors after a mixed 109 factors in his earlier two video games. Atlanta’s Twenty second-ranked protection is not elite, however Dyson Daniels (who was answerable for guarding Fox in Monday’s win) has appeared spectacular taking part in subsequent to offense-minded lead Trae Young. Daniels entered Tuesday with an unbelievable 15-steal lead and 34-deflection edge on the next-closest gamers — flat-out ridiculous numbers provided that we’re lower than one month into the season. — Herring

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21. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 report: 5-9

• Earlier rating: 20

• Subsequent video games: vs. CHI (Nov. 20), vs. IND (Nov. 22), vs. CHA (Nov. 23), @ MIA (Nov. 26)

The Bucks have received three of their previous 4 video games, offering aid after a disastrous 2-8 begin. Milwaukee’s improved protection, powered by an more and more locked-in Giannis Antetokounmpo, ranked seventh in defensive effectivity for the reason that begin of November. A smooth schedule this week stuffed with house video games will give the Bucks an opportunity to bounce again from their sluggish begin — they are going to host Jap Convention foes Chicago, Indiana and Charlotte. — Collier

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22. Charlotte Hornets

Brandon Miller, final season’s runner-up in Rookie of the Yr voting, has struggled since getting back from a glute pressure he suffered within the season opener. He is capturing 35.3% (down from 44% as a rookie) and 30.6% from 3 (down from 37.3%). Even when left wide-open, he is linked on simply 26.5% of his 3s. Coach Charles Lee challenged Miller coming into the season to develop a extra environment friendly shot profile by swapping out extra midrange photographs for 3s as an alternative. Nevertheless it is also price it for Miller to place the ball on the ground to attract journeys to the road to construct the 21-year-old’s confidence. — Herring

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23. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 report: 6-8

• Earlier rating: 27

• Subsequent video games: @ OKC (Nov. 20), @ HOU (Nov. 22), @ HOU (Nov. 23), @ MEM (Nov. 25)

The Blazers’ present three-game successful streak ties their longest since a 4-0 begin to the 2022-23 season, again when Damian Lillard known as Portland house. All three wins got here with starters Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons sidelined, with the Blazers getting 27.3 PPG on red-hot capturing from guard Shaedon Sharpe and robust performances from each backup facilities. Robert Williams III, wanting absolutely wholesome, has totaled 33 factors on 15-of-16 capturing in two begins. And when Williams sat out the again finish of a back-to-back, lottery decide Donovan Clingan stepped in with 17 factors, 12 rebounds and eight blocks. — Pelton

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24. Brooklyn Nets

The Nets have been extra aggressive than anticipated of their first season beneath coach Jordi Fernandez. They are a top-10 offense however their most obtrusive problem has been their defensive struggles. Brooklyn commits extra fouls per 100 possessions than any membership, and solely Toronto sends opponents to the road extra on a per-shot-attempt foundation. Regardless of these metrics, and the aggressive play they recommend, the Nets are nonetheless tied for final in blocked photographs per 100 performs. It highlights simply how a lot they might use injured rim protector Nic Claxton again within the lineup. — Herring

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25. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 report: 6-9

• Earlier rating: 24

• Subsequent video games: @ MIL (Nov. 20), vs. ATL (Nov. 22), vs. MEM (Nov. 23), @ WAS (Nov. 26)

The Josh Giddey expertise for the Bulls has include ups and downs throughout his first few weeks. He has began all 15 video games for Chicago, however he was out of the closing lineup for 5 straight video games earlier than staying on the ground in Monday’s win over Detroit. Giddey is capturing a decent 36.4% from 3, however the staff remains to be getting outscored with him on the court docket to the tune of a minus-8.2 internet score. Giddey’s improvement, after an important commerce from the Thunder involving Alex Caruso, shall be one of many measurements for the Bulls’ success this season. — Collier

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26. Philadelphia 76ers

Team meetings or not, the answer for the 76ers getting out of the East cellar is a straightforward one: extra manufacturing from their stars. Philadelphia is being outscored by a staggering 20.4 factors per 100 possessions when Joel Embiid is on the ground this season, and 12 factors per 100 possessions when Paul George is taking part in. If these two begin taking part in like All-Stars once more, the 76ers will shortly begin to appear like a greater staff. — Bontemps

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27. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans snapped a six-game dropping streak by beating the Nuggets on Friday with Jokic out of the lineup, however they proceed to lose floor within the West playoff race due to accidents. The most important impediment for New Orleans could also be what number of groups stand between the Pelicans and the play-in event. Proper now, that is 4, with solely the Jazz behind them within the standings. New Orleans handled an analogous predicament in Zion Williamson‘s rookie season, taking part in round .500 after a 1-7 begin however by no means digging out of that gap. — Pelton

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28. Utah Jazz

Rookie guard Isaiah Collier is simply 1-of-12 from 3-point vary, however he is offering proof that he could make a constructive impression. Collier, whose debut was delayed two weeks as a consequence of a hamstring damage, has a plus-10 score in 108 minutes over his first six video games. His tenacious, powerful protection has made a good impression. Getting into Tuesday, the Jazz have been permitting solely 104.5 factors per 100 possessions with the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Collier on the court docket, the bottom defensive score amongst Utah gamers. — MacMahon

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29. Toronto Raptors

Over the previous three video games, Raptors heart Jakob Poeltl has produced at an All-NBA stage, averaging 30 factors on 72% capturing and 15 rebounds. Per Keerthika Uthayakumar of TSN Sports activities, Poeltl is simply the sixth player in Stathead.com’s database to reach those heights over a three-game span, and the entire others, save Dwight Howard, received MVP. Poeltl’s highly effective play helped Toronto take Boston to additional time Saturday earlier than lastly ending a seven-game dropping streak towards the Pacers on Monday. — Pelton

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30. Washington Wizards

After beginning the season 2-2, Washington has misplaced 9 straight. Even worse, solely a type of losses (to San Antonio) have come by single digits. The Wizards have six 20-point losses, tied for probably the most by means of 13 video games of a season in NBA historical past. An upset Wizards coach Brian Keefe took the blame for the previous two losses to Detroit and New York, which have been by a mixed 48 factors. Washington did get level guard Malcolm Brogdon again just lately from damage, however rising prospect Bilal Coulibaly missed Monday’s recreation as a consequence of a head damage. — Youngmisuk