The NBA landscape has already provided numerous talking points as we approach the initial monthly milestone of the 2025-26 season.
The Detroit Pistons, a squad that endured a record-breaking 27-game losing streak just two seasons prior, are presently leading the Eastern Conference, holding the second-best record surpassed only by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the current league champions.
The Thunder stand alone as the singular team in the league with just one defeat, yet the Western Conference continues to present formidable challenges. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets boast a five-game winning streak, while the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged victorious in six of their last seven contests as they eagerly await the return of LeBron James.
Our team of NBA experts dissects this week’s hierarchical standings and positions all 30 teams, shedding light on the happenings in Dallas and the pervasive injury concerns affecting various squads.
Note: Team positions are determined by the collective assessment of our panel (ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) regarding each team’s performance this season.
Prior positions: Preseason | Oct. 29 | Nov. 5
Navigate to a team:
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
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 33.2 points across 12 games this season, the third-highest in the league. Despite Jalen Williams’ absence in every game and the intermittent absences of several rotation players, the Thunder’s auspicious commencement can be attributed to their remarkable depth. Yet, their success hinges on the unwavering excellence of the league’s most dependable scorer. Following his scoring title victory last season with an average of 32.7 points per game, Gilgeous-Alexander has amplified his output early in his eighth season, signaling further improvement. — Anthony Slater
The three-time MVP Jokic is executing his favored offensive strategy, prioritizing facilitation above all else. Though averaging 25.2 points, his field goal attempts (15.0) have decreased by more than four per game compared to the previous season. Jokic is achieving a career-high 11.9 assists, topping the league. He also leads the league in potential assists (19.2 per game) and points generated from assists (28.8). — Tim MacMahon
-
2025-26 record: 9-2
-
Previous ranking: 10
-
Next games: vs. CHI (Nov. 12), vs. PHI (Nov. 14), vs. IND (Nov. 17), @ ATL (Nov. 18)
The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons’ noteworthy six-game winning streak has witnessed a significant elevation in the performance of big man Jalen Duren. During this stretch, Duren has averaged 23.3 points (with an 86% free throw percentage) and 13.5 rebounds. The pick-and-roll combination with Eastern Conference Player of the Week Cade Cunningham (31.0 points, 9.8 assists last week) has swiftly become highly effective. However, their depth will be tested given injuries affecting Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, and Ausar Thompson, coupled with Jaden Ivey’s yet-to-occur season debut. — Vincent Goodwill
-
2025-26 record: 7-4
-
Previous ranking: 7
-
Next games: @ MIA (Nov. 12), vs. TOR (Nov. 13), vs. MEM (Nov. 15), vs. MIL (Nov. 17)
Following initial difficulties, the Cavaliers’ offense has started to gain momentum. Entering Wednesday’s game in Miami, their offense ranks eighth, and they are poised to commence a season-long six-game homestand. This revival aligns with Darius Garland’s return, although the seventh-year guard exited Monday’s game due to a left toe injury, merely his third game back following toe surgery in June. — Jamal Collier
The Knicks are thriving at home, remaining undefeated at Madison Square Garden during a seven-game homestand. With 137 and 134 points against the Timberwolves and Nets, respectively, their offense demonstrates effectiveness, if not complete integration. Their pace still ranks 22nd. Josh Hart has steadily returned to his typical performance. After a scoreless 15-minute stint in Chicago, he’s nearly achieved 14 points and eight rebounds, shooting 53% from 3-point range. This followed his admission of having the “biggest adjustment” since transitioning to the bench. — Goodwill
-
2025-26 record: 8-2
-
Previous ranking: 2
-
Next games: vs. GS (Nov. 12), vs. GS (Nov. 14), vs. SAC (Nov. 16), vs. MEM (Nov. 18)
Victor Wembanyama alleviated any concerns about his shot selection Monday against the Bulls, sinking a pair of late 3-pointers to ignite a 12-3 run that propelled San Antonio to a 121-117 victory. The Frenchman became the first NBA player to register 35-plus points (38) in a game with 5-plus blocks, 10-plus rebounds (12), and 5-plus 3-pointers (6), as San Antonio secured its third consecutive win and its first 8-2 start since the 2015-16 season. The Spurs begin a five-game homestand Wednesday against Golden State. — Michael C. Wright
Following a three-game road trip, the Rockets concluded with a 2-1 record, highlighted by a 15-of-21 shooting performance in the final quarter of a 122-115 win against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. The Rockets dominated the rebounding battle, 50-27. Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun became the first Rockets duo since 2003 (Steve Francis and James Posey) to amass at least 20 points and 5 assists while shooting 65% or better. In the win, Durant, 37, achieved his 51st 30-point game since turning 35, ranking as the fourth-most in NBA history. — Wright
-
2025-26 record: 8-3
-
Previous ranking: 4
-
Next games: @ OKC (Nov. 12), @ NO (Nov. 14), @ MIL (Nov. 15), vs. UTAH (Nov. 18)
The Lakers hold the No. 4 position in the West following an 8-3 start, and reinforcements are imminent. Gabe Vincent, sidelined for the past two weeks due to an ankle sprain, is approximately a week away from returning, according to coach JJ Redick. Rookie Adou Thiero, who has been inactive for the entire season recovering from knee surgery, might debut during L.A.’s current five-game road trip, according to Redick. Furthermore, LeBron James is reportedly nearing practice with the South Bay Lakers later this week, sources informed ESPN, paving the way for his return from sciatica in the near future. — Dave McMenamin
After a sluggish start, Minnesota has gained significant momentum in November. The Timberwolves commenced the month with a 5-1 record and boast the league’s second-ranked offense, outscoring opponents by 84 points across those six games. Ample opportunity exists for the Timberwolves to build upon this success, with their upcoming schedule featuring five of their next six games against teams that missed the playoffs last season. — Tim Bontemps
The Heat rallied around Erik Spoelstra, whose house tragically burned down Thursday night, and have since embarked on a three-game winning streak. Their No. 11 offense continues to perform well, with Miami averaging 134 points in these wins, including 140 in a two-point overtime victory over Cleveland that culminated in an excellent playcall by the Heat, freeing up Andrew Wiggins for the game-winning alley-oop dunk off the inbounds pass. — Ohm Youngmisuk
-
2025-26 record: 7-4
-
Previous ranking: 9
-
Next games: @ CHA (Nov. 12), vs. CHA (Nov. 14), vs. LAL (Nov. 15), @ CLE (Nov. 17)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has adopted an early mantra that has become a rallying cry for the Bucks to initiate the season: Good teams avoid consecutive losses. Milwaukee has yet to experience consecutive defeats this season, rebounding from each loss last week with a victory. The Bucks now seek to string together several wins, beginning with two games against the Hornets before facing the Lakers and Cavaliers. — Collier
The Bulls’ initial momentum has subsided, as they have dropped three straight games to Milwaukee, Cleveland, and San Antonio. The fourth quarter of each loss shares a common thread: The Bulls have struggled to contain the opposing team’s star player — Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, and Wembanyama — down the stretch. Chicago seeks to rebound as it embarks on a four-game road trip, but the slide could persist as coach Billy Donovan suggested that guard Josh Giddey’s ankle injury might sideline him for at least the first game Wednesday night in Detroit. — Collier
It wouldn’t be a 76ers season without ongoing injury concerns. Joel Embiid and Paul George have indefinite timelines for their return due to knee issues, with George yet to make his season debut following offseason surgery. However, the dynamic combination of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe has enabled Philly to achieve a significantly better start than anticipated. — Bontemps
-
2025-26 record: 6-6
-
Previous ranking: 13
-
Next games: @ SA (Nov. 12), @ SA (Nov. 14), @ NO (Nov. 16), @ ORL (Nov. 18)
The duality of this experienced team has been evident in their two encounters with the Nuggets this season. Stephen Curry scored 42 points in an overtime win in late October, supported by energetic closing performances from Jimmy Butler III, Al Horford, and Draymond Green. Two weeks later, Curry, weakened by illness, didn’t travel to Denver, Horford rested due to a sore foot, Butler managed back stiffness, and Green had a sore rib. The Warriors, receiving inconsistent contributions from their younger players, suffered a 25-point defeat. — Slater
-
2025-26 record: 5-5
-
Previous ranking: 14
-
Next games: @ NO (Nov. 12), @ HOU (Nov. 14), @ DAL (Nov. 16), vs. PHX (Nov. 18)
Following their come-from-behind victory against the Thunder last Wednesday, handing them their sole loss this season, the Blazers couldn’t translate strong performances into wins in Florida. Portland was tied with 2:16 remaining on Saturday at Miami and ultimately lost. And similarly, they lost with two seconds left Monday in Orlando, when Desmond Bane secured a 3-point buzzer-beater. The remaining games on this five-game trip appear more promising, with visits to New Orleans and Dallas, but a pivotal game at Houston looms as Portland aims to maintain its position atop a competitive NBA Cup group. — Kevin Pelton
-
2025-26 record: 6-5
-
Previous ranking: 18
-
Next games: @ SAC (Nov. 12), @ UTAH (Nov. 13), @ PHX (Nov. 16), vs. DET (Nov. 18)
The Hawks have won three of their past four despite missing Trae Young and other key players. After a loss to Toronto, their second this season, the Hawks convincingly defeated the Lakers at home without Kristaps Porzingis, Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. They then beat the Clippers in Los Angeles two days later with Porzingis, Johnson, and Kennard back in the lineup. Backup wing Vit Krejci was instrumental in the victory over the Clippers, scoring 28 points, while Alexander-Walker remains sidelined with lower back spasms. With three winnable games on their schedule — at Sacramento, Utah, and Phoenix — their role players will continue to be important if the Hawks hope to keep climbing in the East. — Youngmisuk
The Raptors have recovered from a 1-4 start, capitalizing on absences from opposing star guards (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Ja Morant, and Trae Young all missed recent Raptors wins) to rise above .500. Between now and the end of the month, Toronto has games against Indiana twice, Charlotte twice, Washington, and Brooklyn, which means the Raptors have the runway to keep ascending in the standings. — Zach Kram
The Celtics no longer feature Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, or Al Horford, and Jayson Tatum might be sidelined with a torn Achilles, but Boston has still adhered to coach Joe Mazzulla’s principles — primarily attempting 3-point shots. Boston entered Tuesday’s action second to the Cavaliers in 3-point attempts per game despite losing all of that offensive firepower in the offseason. — Bontemps
-
2025-26 record: 6-5
-
Previous ranking: 23
-
Next games: @ DAL (Nov. 12), vs. IND (Nov. 13), vs. ATL (Nov. 16), @ POR (Nov. 18)
After concluding last season with nine losses in their final 10 games, the Suns have won five of their past six to move above .500. Adding to their achievement, they have done so despite Jalen Green playing only one full game due to a right hamstring strain. He scored 29 points in his season debut against the Clippers last week before aggravating the injury and returning to the sidelines. — McMenamin
-
2025-26 record: 5-6
-
Previous ranking: 17
-
Next games: @ NYK (Nov. 12), vs. BKN (Nov. 14), @ HOU (Nov. 16), vs. GS (Nov. 18)
The Magic experienced a tumultuous 72 hours. On Friday, they defeated Boston in an NBA Cup game where Desmond Bane delivered his best performance in a Magic uniform, tallying 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Two days later, the Magic lost to the same Jayson Tatum-less Celtics in a frustrating game that prompted head coach Jamahl Mosley to state that the team had 17 turnovers for 29 points, seven times in his postgame news conference. On Monday, the Magic relinquished a 13-point fourth-quarter lead, only to secure a buzzer-beating 3-point win against the Blazers from Bane. For Orlando to solidify its position in the East, Bane’s shot (27.7% from 3 so far this season) must stabilize as well. — Youngmisuk
After losing six of their past seven games, the Grizzlies are commencing a four-game road trip that features three opponents (the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Spurs) currently ranked in the top three of their respective conferences. Ja Morant, for his part, posted his first 20-point double-double of the season in Friday’s loss to the Mavericks, while rookie Cedric Coward continues to exhibit considerable potential. Still, Morant has shot 50% or better in just two games this season, and he’s 10 of 38 in his past two outings. — Wright
-
2025-26 record: 3-7
-
Previous ranking: 12
-
Next games: vs. DEN (Nov. 12), @ DAL (Nov. 14), @ BOS (Nov. 16), @ PHI (Nov. 17)
The Clippers’ schedule doesn’t ease up. They host a Nuggets team with the second-best point differential in the league Wednesday, outscoring their opponents by an average of 13.2 points, before starting a seven-game road trip. And to make matters worse? Norman Powell’s hot start for the Heat. L.A. traded the guard as part of a three-team deal to acquire John Collins and afford Bradley Beal, and Powell has since averaged 24.5 points while shooting 45.8% from 3 early on for Miami. — McMenamin
-
2025-26 record: 3-7
-
Previous ranking: 24
-
Next games: vs. MIL (Nov. 12), @ MIL (Nov. 14), vs. OKC (Nov. 15), @ TOR (Nov. 17)
The Hornets have lost six of their past seven games, but a glimmer of hope is appearing. The team announced Tuesday that LaMelo Ball and Mason Plumlee were assigned to practice with the Greensboro Swarm. Ball, who had averaged 23 points, 10 assists and 8 assists, has not played since Nov. 1, due to right ankle impingement. First-round pick Kon Knueppel, though, has been a bright spot. He just missed a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a loss to the Lakers on Monday, and has averaged 23.2 points, nine rebounds and 4.7 assists in Ball’s absence. — Youngmisuk
During the second half of a second consecutive blowout loss at home this past weekend, Kings fans loudly booed a listless defense. It had surrendered a combined 276 points in 96 minutes to the Thunder and Timberwolves. Subsequently, Zach LaVine frankly admitted that the roster lacked the necessary components to address the issue: “We’ve all been trying,” LaVine stated. “I’ve been working extremely hard on defense, but you need a team effort, the right identity. Occasionally, you require the right individuals on the court. You’re not going to expect Rudy Gobert to excel at averaging 30.” — Slater
-
2025-26 record: 3-8
-
Previous ranking: 22
-
Next games: vs. PHX (Nov. 12), vs. LAC (Nov. 14), vs. POR (Nov. 16), @ MIN (Nov. 17)
It goes without saying that the initiation of Cooper Flagg’s NBA career has not aligned with his expectations, as the turmoil surrounding GM Nico Harrison’s dismissal has impacted everyone within the franchise. Nonetheless, much is to be admired regarding the 18-year-old rookie’s potential, and his recent performances have offered compelling indications of his promise. Since coach Jason Kidd discontinued the experiment of deploying him as the starting point guard, Flagg has elevated his box scores, averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks in the past four games. “He is poised to become an exceptional player in this league, and he will continue to achieve great accomplishments,” remarked Mavs forward P.J. Washington after Flagg’s career-best 26-point showing, accentuated by a clutch finish over Giannis Antetokounmpo, in Monday’s defeat to the Bucks. — MacMahon
Following Walker Kessler’s season-ending shoulder surgery, Jusuf Nurkic has assumed the Jazz’s starting center role. This is concerning because Nurkic, now with his third team since the beginning of last season, has been among the league’s least effective offensive big men. He has recorded 6.6% points on 30.8% shooting in six starts. This also creates a significant void in rim protection. While Kessler is one of the NBA’s most prolific shot blockers, Nurkic has only accumulated 38 blocks in 61 games since the start of last season. — MacMahon
-
2025-26 record: 2-8
-
Previous ranking: 29
-
Next games: vs. POR (Nov. 12), vs. LAL (Nov. 14), vs. GS (Nov. 16), vs. OKC (Nov. 17)
Any momentum the Pelicans generated during back-to-back wins last week over Charlotte and Dallas evaporated Monday when they were soundly defeated by the Suns in the final game of a three-game road trip. The result leaves New Orleans alone in the West cellar, and the team’s minus-13.2 point differential ranks 28th in the NBA, ahead of teams intentionally positioning themselves for lottery selections (Brooklyn and Washington). Yet, such a predicament has provided increased playing time for their young players, including lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Saddiq Bey has emerged as a positive, scoring in double figures in four consecutive games as he continues his recovery from ACL surgery. — Pelton
Young Pacers are receiving more playing time than ever before, due to the cascade of injuries affecting Indiana’s roster. For example, Jarace Walker, the No. 8 pick in the 2023 draft, has nearly doubled his minutes, from 15.8 last season to 30.1 this season, and he’s already started more games in his career. One benefit of a “gap year” is the opportunity to assess whether players like Walker — a career 40% 3-point shooter, although currently down at 32.1% this season — are a long-term fit in Indiana’s frontcourt. — Kram
True assistance might not arrive for the Nets until the lottery, but someone had to emerge victorious in the contest between them and the equally struggling Pacers last week. (The Nets achieved their lone victory of the season, 112-103.) Nonetheless, misfortune continues to accumulate as top scorer Cam Thomas will be sidelined for three to four weeks with a left hamstring strain, leaving Michael Porter Jr. as the primary offensive force for a team that already ranks 25th. Porter rose to the challenge for a half against the Knicks on Sunday, scoring 22. However, he was limited to three points in the second half, and the Nets lost by 36. Thus, that represents the state of the 2
