NBA Power Rankings: T’Wolves take No. 1; Magic make leap behind win streak
The top players in the NBA are settling in on the court, and have their respective teams off to strong starts out of the gate as the calendar approaches December.
The league has seen some teams take a step forward of late, with the likes of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic stringing together some lengthy winning streaks. The three teams are all near the top of the standings in their conferences.
To make further sense of it all, Rookie Wire looked at the NBA and ranked each team from worst to first. We will return each week and provide our latest assessment of the best teams and those that are rising.
Detroit Pistons (2-13)
Last Rank: 30
The Pistons have lost 12 straight games and still haven’t won in November. However, rookie Ausar Thompson has been incredible. He is fifth among rookies in scoring and ranks among the league leaders in blocks (seventh), total rebounds (ninth) and offensive rebounds (fourth). In other words: Thompson has been one of the few bright spots so far this season.
Washington Wizards (2-12)
Last Rank: 29
The Wizards have the third-longest losing streak in the league at seven games. They are 28th in defense and have the third-worst point differential entering play on Friday (minus-8.4). It still might be early in the season, but the Wizards look to be heading toward the lottery based on their early showing.
Memphis Grizzlies (3-11)
Last Rank: 28
The Grizzlies were likely hyped to face Dillon Brooks and the Rockets on Wednesday until they started the game. Brooks and the Rockets dominated the short-handed Grizzlies as they dropped for the third time in five games. The clock ticks until they can get Ja Morant back in the lineup.
San Antonio Spurs (3-12)
Last Rank: 23
Since starting 3-2, the Spurs have lost 10 straight games. It seems the headline of the week was coach Gregg Popovich grabbing the arena microphone and telling fans not to boo Kawhi Leonard at the free-throw line in San Antonio. That’s where things are at the moment with the Spurs.
For more coverage on the Spurs, visit Spurs Wire
Portland Trail Blazers (4-11)
Last Rank: 27
The Trail Blazers got Malcolm Brogdon and Scoot Henderson back in the lineup this week and snapped their eight-game losing streak on Wednesday versus the Jazz. They now begin a five-game road trip on Sunday in Milwaukee.
Chicago Bulls (5-11)
Last Rank: 25
The Bulls tipped off their four-game road trip with a loss to the Thunder on Wednesday, their fifth in six games. Their lone win in that stretch was against the Heat, where they trailed 22-1 to start the game. With the slow start to the year, and growing trade speculation with some key players, changes, to some degree, are likely on the horizon in the Windy City.
For more coverage on the Bulls, visit Bulls Wire
Utah Jazz (4-11)
Last Rank: 24
The Jazz have lost four straight, which includes two close games to the Suns. Despite the recent skid, the team has gotten some strong play from rookie Keyonte George. He has started the last seven games, averaging 10.9 points, 7.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds in that span. George recently put up back-to-back 15-point performances and has performed well since assuming a larger role.
Toronto Raptors (7-8)
Last Rank: 22
The Raptors responded to a 19-point loss to the Magic on Tuesday with a one-point win over the Pacers the next night. They continue to hover around .500 to start the year, which is likely what we can expect from them throughout the season.
Charlotte Hornets (5-9)
Last Rank: 26
The Hornets have won two straight and look to be playing better with the addition of Miles Bridges to the lineup. Bridges is averaging 20.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals on 40% shooting from 3-point range in four games.
Brooklyn Nets (6-8)
Last Rank: 15
The Nets have dropped three straight but will begin a five-game homestand Saturday against the Heat. They are also still alive in the in-season tournament, along with the Celtics and Magic. Their outcome versus the Raptors on Tuesday will determine a lot in Group C.
For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire
Cleveland Cavaliers (8-7)
Last Rank: 21
The Cavaliers appear to be trending upward after winning four out of their last five games. Darius Garland has led the way of late without Donovan Mitchell, while rookie Craig Porter Jr. has also contributed at a high level. He is averaging 15.3 points, 5.8 assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block over his last four games.
Atlanta Hawks (7-7)
Last Rank: 14
The Hawks have lost four out of their last six games since starting 5-3. They are coming off an overtime win over the Nets on Wednesday, in which Trae Young dropped 43 points. He had 14 points alone in overtime to lead the Hawks down the stretch.
New Orleans Pelicans (8-7)
Last Rank: 20
After dropping five straight, the Pelicans have won four out of their last five games. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have led the team over that stretch, while they recently got Jose Alvarado back for the first time this season. He has totaled 15 points, five assists and three steals in two appearances.
Houston Rockets (7-6)
Last Rank: 17
The Rockets snapped a three-game losing streak on Wednesday against the Grizzlies. They have hung their hat on the defensive end, ranking fourth in rating this season, and have received great performances from Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun and others. Houston appears to be in for a much-improved year.
For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire
LA Clippers (6-7)
Last Rank: 19
The Clippers have finally won with James Harden on the roster after taking their last three games. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have stepped up of late to lead the team, alongside Harden and others. George has scored at least 23 points in each of his last four games.
New York Knicks (8-6)
Last Rank: 16
The Knicks recently completed a five-game road trip, in which they went 3-2. Jalen Brunson had two 30-point games and led them in scoring four times on that trek. They’ll have their next four games at home, including two in the in-season tournament.
Golden State Warriors (7-9)
Last Rank: 9
The Warriors have lost seven out of their last eight games. They have one more game left before getting Draymond Green back from suspension, which should provide a big boost on the court. They should be able to get back on track on Friday with the Spurs, who have lost 10 straight.
For more coverage on the Warriors, visit Warriors Wire
Los Angeles Lakers (9-7)
Last Rank: 13
LeBron James became the first player to reach 39,000 career points this week, and the Lakers have won six out of their last eight games. They’ll begin a four-game road trip Saturday in Cleveland.
For more coverage on LeBron and the Lakers, visit LeBron Wire
Indiana Pacers (8-6)
Last Rank: 12
The Pacers have alternated wins and losses over their last six games after a strong start to the year. Their offense is still tops in the NBA, as the group seems to be clicking very well on that, but they are last in defense. There is quite a disparity on offense and defense, and that will need to change for the Pacers to have sustained success this season.
Sacramento Kings (8-6)
Last Rank: 11
The Kings wrap up a six-game road trip on Friday in Minnesota. They have posted a 3-2 record thus far on the trek and are coming off back-to-back losses to the Pelicans earlier this week. They can clinch Group C in the in-season tournament with a win and loss by the Warriors on Friday.
Dallas Mavericks (10-5)
Last Rank: 4
The Mavericks are 4-4 since starting the season with a 6-1 record. The offense continues to hum along, but they have the 27th defense in the league over that span. They will be without Dereck Lively II on Saturday after the rookie suffered a back injury. He has been a key player for them in the early going.
Orlando Magic (11-5)
Last Rank: 18
What a week for the Magic. They are tied for the longest win streak in the NBA (6) and have their best start since the 2011-12 season under third-year coach Jamahl Mosley. The group has the No. 2 defense in the league and just knocked off the Nuggets and Celtics this week. Orlando is still in the mix to advance out of Group C in the in-season tournament after winning its last three group phase games.
The Magic have gone on their streak without two starters in Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz, which further illustrates their depth. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have led the way, and they’ve also gotten strong production out of Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Moe Wagner, Goga Bitadze and others. They are second in the Eastern Conference now and are looking to keep their run going Sunday versus the Hornets.
Phoenix Suns (9-6)
Last Rank: 10
The Suns have won five straight with Kevin Durant leading the way nightly. The team is still a little bit away from getting its Big 3 on the court for the first time as Bradley Beal is still a week or two away from returning. However, Durant has averaged 33.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.4 rebounds over his last seven games.
Milwaukee Bucks (10-5)
Last Rank: 7
The Bucks saw their five-game win streak end to the Celtics on Wednesday. Despite the loss, they are up to third in the Eastern Conference and have a very favorable schedule coming up with nine out of their next 11 games at home.
Miami Heat (10-5)
Last Rank: 8
The Heat have won 10 out of their last 11 games to climb to fifth in the Eastern Conference. The team has seen everyone step up without Tyler Herro, from Jimmy Butler to Bam Adebayo to rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. He is averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists over their recent run.
Philadelphia 76ers (10-5)
Last Rank: 3
The Sixers have slipped some after starting 8-1. They have dropped four out of their last six games after falling to the Timberwolves on Wednesday without Joel Embiid. They have also been without Kelly Oubre Jr., a vital member of the second unit. Philly is still fourth in offense and 11th in defense, so they’re likely not panicking.
For more coverage on the 76ers, visit Sixers Wire
Denver Nuggets (10-5)
Last Rank: 1
Like the Sixers, the Nuggets have also lost four out of their last six games after starting 8-1. They are just 1-3 on their five-game road trip after losing to the Magic on Wednesday. They have missed Jamal Murray and hope he can return in the next week or two. Until then, it will be Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon leading the way.
Boston Celtics (12-4)
Last Rank: 2
The Celtics are coming off a defeat to the Magic on Friday, their second loss in three games. They put up a season-low 96 points to the Magic and were held to just 40 points in the second half. However, they have their next seven games at home and will look to get back on track there.
For more coverage on the Celtics, visit Celtics Wire
Oklahoma City Thunder (11-4)
Last Rank: 6
The Thunder have gone 8-1 over their last nine games and are tied for the longest win streak in the NBA (6). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Thunder in scoring, averaging 33.4 points, 6.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals over that span. They have also gotten strong contributions from the likes of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and others.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
Minnesota Timberwolves (11-3)
Last Rank: 5
The Timberwolves are first in the Western Conference, entering play on Friday, after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. They clinched their best 14-game start in franchise history and improved to 7-0 at home for the first time. Anthony Edwards finished with 31 points in that win, his 100th career game with at least 25 points. He surpassed Carmelo Anthony to become the fifth-youngest player in history to reach that mark at 22 years, 109 days. Minnesota is off to a great start this year and appears to be one of the top teams in the early going.
