The 2025-26 NBA season is underway for approximately a month, with the culmination of group competition in the third annual NBA Tournament approaching this week.
The Detroit Pistons have showcased continued strength in the initial weeks, ascending to the Eastern Conference summit and establishing a lead of 2.5 games over the Toronto Raptors – both squads displaying growing drive after experiencing some less favorable campaigns.
While the East is emerging as a fiercely contested conference, the West remains a highly competitive arena for most teams, except for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who stand as the singular team with a mere single defeat this season. The Los Angeles Lakers have also demonstrated an upward trend, securing victories in their previous four contests and celebrating the reinstatement of star player LeBron James.
Our squad of NBA experts delivers their insights on this week’s NBA team evaluations, addressing subjects like current standings pertaining to significant player injuries and which teams are already aiming at the 2026 draft so prematurely in the season.
Note: Team evaluations are dependent on our panel’s opinion (ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) pertaining to where the teams belong during the ongoing season.
Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 12 | Nov. 19
Jump 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
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2025-26 record: 17-1
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Previous ranking: 1
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Next games: vs. MIN (Nov. 26), vs. PHX (Nov. 28), @ POR (Nov. 30), @ GS (Dec. 2)
The Thunder’s initial two successes of the current season arrived through a pair of double overtime games. Two of their following three triumphs were secured by gaps of six and seven points. Lacking Jalen Williams, their second All-Star, there were some initial indications of a greater competitive drive in opposition to the defending titleholders — a misleading signal. The ensuing 12 victories for the Thunder have been realized by double-digit margins. Following their establishment of an NBA record with a point differential of plus-12.9 in the prior season, the Thunder are overshadowing that performance this season, boosting it to plus-16.9 points through their 17-1 start. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, presently averaging 32.2 points, has been absent from 11 of the team’s 18 fourth quarters as results had already been determined.— Anthony Slater
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2025-26 record: 15-2
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Previous ranking: 3
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Next games: @ BOS (Nov. 26), vs. ORL (Nov. 28), @ MIA (Nov. 29), vs. ATL (Dec. 1)
There seems to be no conclusion foreseen for these athletes, who are improving in productivity on both ends of the court and sustaining strength as a top-10 team. This serves as a fundamental aspect of a title-contending profile, specifically as they maintain a top-five defensive position without possessing a complete squad. They were without victories in November of 2023 and currently stand to perhaps go undefeated in November two years later. Jaden Ivey has resumed his activity, and although under limitations regarding minutes, he appears to be reverting to the energetic player he has consistently been. Also, Cade Cunningham accomplished a franchise-benchmark streak: averaging 25.2 points, 10.4 assists and 6.2 rebounds across 10 matches, with his shooting rate of 47.0 solely being adversely affected by a single showing of 14 for 45 versus the Wizards a fortnight prior.— Vincent Goodwill
Peyton Watson, who is approaching restricted free agency following failure to reach an extended arrangement on his rookie contract with the Nuggets, will encounter a prolonged period as a starter to demonstrate his worth, while Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon are sidelined for multiple weeks because of ailments. Watson has accumulated averages of 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds whilst launching the past six contests, underlined by the two top-scoring performances of his profession (32 and 27 points in triumphs against the Pelicans and Grizzlies, respectively). Watson is shooting 40% from the 3-point zone this season, which could be the determining factor in securing the kind of contract he seeks. — Tim MacMahon
Upcoming star Amen Thompson connected with a season-best in scoring, with 28 against Phoenix on Monday, adding 8 rebounds and 7 assists, marking his second showing this season with a minimum of 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, as Kevin Durant coped with a personal predicament that prevented him from being with the team. Alperen Sengun, meanwhile, has registered a minimum of 10 points accompanied by 5 rebounds and 5 assists across all encounters, resulting in the seventh-longest streak since 1950 to commence a season, according to ESPN Analysis. Houston is slated to participate in 9 of its forthcoming 11 encounters away from home.— Michael C. Wright
How should a squad that at the same time started the season at 12-4 yet also finished at the bottom in 3-pointers produced and ranked 26th in team 3-point rate address their struggles with shooting? By remaining inactive at all, as indicated by LeBron James. “It’s not going to last,” James insisted on Sunday, after the L.A. squad achieved a 10-for-38 (26%) result from 3 while prevailing in Utah. “We’re not concerned about it. We possess an abundance of skilled shooters.” Lakers coach JJ Redick concurred, pointing out how L.A. contended with shooting challenges in the early phase of the prior season, yet ultimately occupied the 15th spot in 3s made and the 14th position in 3-point percentage. — Dave McMenamin
Donovan Mitchell was recently acknowledged as the Eastern Conference player of the week in the wake of averaging 31.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Cleveland managed a 3-1 mark over the past week. He’s accounting for 29.9 points, while converting 50% of his shots from the floor, both establishing career benchmarks, while guiding the Cavs with Darius Garland continuing to work to regain form following his injury. Nevertheless, Mitchell specified earlier this month, scoring and personal accolades do not constitute his focal point this season — “I desire a ring,” he stated after a triumph against Milwaukee. — Jamal Collier
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2025-26 record: 13-5
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Previous ranking: 12
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Next games: vs. IND (Nov. 26), @ CHA (Nov. 29), @ NYK (Nov. 30), vs. POR (Dec. 2)
Throughout Toronto’s present eight-game streak of victories, six of those successes have been attained against less-than-impressive competitors. Overcoming squads like Charlotte, Washington, and Brooklyn affects the standings, but it shouldn’t alter the perception of a team. However, the remaining two triumphs throughout the Raptors’ streak carry significantly more weight: Toronto twice defeated Cleveland during the prior two weeks. That stands as a prospective playoff preview, and the Raptors already show a 3-0 record opposing the Cavaliers this season, encompassing a triumph in NBA Cup group competition (when, admittedly, Donovan Mitchell was inactive); the Cavaliers show a 0-3 record against the Raptors, and a 12-4 record against all other teams. — Zach Kram
The Heat may turn out to be substantially more formidable now that Tyler Herro has returned. With Norman Powell not present due to a groin injury, Herro totaled 24 points in 29 minutes, connecting on 12 of 18 shot attempts to complement seven rebounds and three steals. He didn’t log any assists, subsequent to averaging 5.5 a season prior. Naturally, Herro and the Heat will need time to adapt to the evolving free-flowing offense. For Miami to add its leading athlete ahead of December makes for a notable surge for a squad that has prevailed in five consecutive encounters and eight of the previous 10. — Ohm Youngmisuk
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2025-26 record: 10-6
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Previous ranking: 6
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Next games: @ CHA (Nov. 26), vs. MIL (Nov. 28), vs. TOR (Nov. 30), @ BOS (Dec. 2)
Relief could be sensed emerging from Madison Square Garden on account of two factors: Firstly, Jalen Brunson’s ankle injury didn’t cost him a month of playing time like the prior season — and it would have verified disastrous this time around, with how things were barely afloat in the standings. He solely missed two encounters. And secondly, opposing the regrettable Nets, the Knicks located Karl-Anthony Towns in ways they had not before during this season. His stat line of 37 points and 12 rebounds, achieved with a 70% shooting percentage feels more typical, compared to the splits of 43/30 through the prior 12 encounters. All of this seems like an odd thing to state, taking into account OG Anunoby is partway through being absent as a result of a hamstring injury. — Goodwill
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2025-26 record: 10-7
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Previous ranking: 8
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Next games: @ OKC (Nov. 26), vs. BOS (Nov. 29), vs. SA (Nov. 30), @ NO (Dec. 2)
Minnesota has dealt with some truly discouraging defeats within the past several days, letting go of an 8-point advantage in the final minute during an OT loss in Phoenix, and then yielding a 10-0 run to conclude regulation time before succumbing in Sacramento on Monday. This lack of consistency could eventually distinguish between the Timberwolves achieving a top-4 seeding within the West and repeatedly fighting to sidestep the play-in phase. — Tim Bontemps
The Hawks have moved beyond expectations lacking Trae Young, as various players have heightened their performance while additional fundamental Hawks have been injured, not well, or kept out of play. However, for those who would like to depend on this phase to express Atlanta performs more favorably lacking its leading athlete, the claim needs to be checked. The Hawks are scheduled to be analyzed in a more significant way. They are set to confront the Cavs this Friday, preceding journeys to Philadelphia and the surging Detroit squad. This following week, the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic are expected to arrive in Atlanta. These represent three considerable assessments for Quin Snyder’s group. — Youngmisuk
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2025-26 record: 11-5
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Previous ranking: 11
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Next games: @ POR (Nov. 26), @ DEN (Nov. 28), @ MIN (Nov. 30), vs. MEM (Dec. 2)
The Spurs secured three back-to-back home triumphs with Victor Wembanyama not participating because of a left calf strain, before falling to Phoenix in the first encounter of a four-game away journey that will assess the fortitude of the depleted Spurs. San Antonio plans to reassess Wembanyama and Stephon Castle (hip flexor) in the near future, as rookie guard Dylan Harper (calf) preps for his comeback. Expect the Spurs to finalize their away journey in Denver and Minnesota lacking Wembanyama. De’Aaron Fox, who has accumulated over 25 points in four straight encounters, requires constant input to sustain the Spurs.— Wright
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2025-26 record: 11-7
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Previous ranking: 14
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Next games: @ SAC (Nov. 26), @ OKC (Nov. 28), vs. DEN (Nov. 29), @ LAL (Dec. 1)
The Suns represent a surprising early success story this season, with ample credit owed to Dillon “The Villain” Brooks. Acknowledged for his defensive toughness, Brooks is averaging a career-best 22 points per game (increasing from 14.0 the prior season) while additionally averaging a career-best 1.9 steals per game — corresponding to the fifth-best outcome within the league. The Kevin Durant deal to Houston is shaping up as a rare win-win for either team so far, with the Rockets positioned at No. 4 and the Suns at No. 6 in the West. — McMenamin
Orlando sustained a defeat for the second time in three meetings to the Celtics, yet some favorable elements could be removed from Sunday’s defeat in Boston. The event stood as the second element of a back-to-back following the Magic having overcome the Knicks in Orlando the day prior, and they sustained their lack of Paolo Banchero (left groin strain), Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle), and Goga Bitadze (ankle). Nevertheless, Orlando reduced a 26-point deficit to six throughout the final 1:11, obtaining a visual representation of potential future performance as Jett Howard and Jase Richardson added to 36 points throughout the fourth quarter. The current week will put Orlando’s defense to the test as the Magic will attempt to slow down the Pistons in Detroit this Friday. — Youngmisuk
The current week presents hazards for the Warriors. They have recently returned to San Francisco for their primary prolonged home stand throughout the season, however, their frontline has taken damage and the Rockets and the Thunder are coming to town within the next seven days. Al Horford remains unavailable due to sciatic nerve irritation. Jonathan Kuminga is dealing with knee tendinitis. He informed ESPN he would be back “soon.” Saturday offers a possibility, however Wednesday will represent a seventh consecutive match absence. Draymond Green twisted his right foot last weekend. He will attempt to participate opposing the Rockets, however, it will remain primarily Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis tasked with competing versus Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein as the Warriors attempt to work back up the standings. — Slater
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2025-26 record: 9-8
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Previous ranking: 18
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Next games: vs. DET (Nov. 26), @ MIN (Nov. 29), @ CLE (Nov. 30), vs. NYK (Dec. 2)
Boston’s season, up to the present, has developed primarily as anticipated. The Celtics are remaining near the .500 mark, are proving competitive primarily nightly, and Jaylen Brown is registering career-high numbers. What is left to determine is whether Boston may achieve more than that, or the resulting outcome should either Brown or Derrick White be unavailable through injuries. Nevertheless, if Brown’s scoring binge continues, the Celtics are likely to remain competitive nightly. — Bontemps
Another year brings with it another cycle of updates with respect to the health condition of Joel Embiid. He has been unavailable for eight encounters subsequent to staying on the sidelines during Tuesday night’s extensive defeat at home by the Magic, although his return has been trending near due to his continuing proper knee discomfort — the opposite knee from the one which has resulted in problems during the prior couple of years. The 76ers have not fared poorly without him, but could definitely and consistently employ Embiid’s still remarkable offensive ability. — Bontemps
Chicago has followed a 3-7 mark following a quick start of 6-1, and its defense has been dismantled subsequent to a productive start to the season. The Bulls maintained the 10th position in defensive output through the initial seven encounters but occupy the 24th position in this category across their prior 10 encounters. Chicago is in the middle of a four-game journey on the road versus a lenient schedule possessing back-to-back matches opposing Charlotte and Indiana prior to the Bulls traveling to Orlando. — Collier
Regardless of participation without either starting guard (Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe, each managing calf injuries) and backups Scoot Henderson (still not present for an extensive duration resulting from a severe hamstring pull), Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley, the Blazers are approaching winning their loaded NBA Cup group. Friday’s triumph at Golden State, sparked by 26 points from two-way rookie Caleb Love, placed Portland one home triumph on Wednesday opposing San Antonio away from progressing to the quarterfinals. The Blazers additionally overcame Milwaukee on Monday, after facing a blowout in Oklahoma City on the front section of a back-to-back.— Kevin Pelton
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2025-26 record: 8-10
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Previous ranking: 16
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Next games: @ MIA (Nov. 26), @ NYK (Nov. 28), vs. BKN (Nov. 29), @ WAS (Dec. 1)
Milwaukee has sustained five consecutive defeats, encompassing all three matches without their star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who might be listed to return to the lineup in the near future. Antetokounmpo stood listed as having doubtful availability for Wednesday’s encounter in Miami subsequent to being ruled out of the prior three competitions. The Bucks are in dire need of his capabilities. With Antetokounmpo occupying the court, the Bucks possess what would become the prime offensive output within the NBA, accounting for 126.5. Without him, the statistic drops to 106.9, equivalent to being ranked as the worst across the league. — Collier
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2025-26 record: 6-12
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Previous ranking: 25
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Next games: @ NO (Nov. 26), @ LAC (Nov. 28), @ SAC (Nov. 30), @ SA (Dec. 2)
The Grizzlies prevailed in back-to-back encounters for the initial duration all season, before actuality set in on Monday resulting in a defeat versus the Nuggets. Reserve Jock Landale guided the Grizzlies in scoring (26 points) and rebounds (10) upon the defeat, and consequently turned into the fourth player throughout franchise history to introduce that stat line originating from the bench. With Memphis remaining in dire straits resulting from various injuries, they are embarking on a four-game journey away, commencing within New Orleans and ending within San Antonio. Guard Ja Morant has been slated to remain out for at least one additional week.— Wright
The Clippers recently underwent a period through which they obtained a 2-10 mark extending across 12 encounters, with the singular triumphs arriving during occasions when James Harden accounted for 41 and 55 points. Harden surely maintains status as one of the foremost prolific scorers the game has experienced, recently going beyond the 28,000 career points milestone, but at 36 years old, he can’t always be trusted to serve as “the system” as he declared upon initially arriving in L.A. Restoring Kawhi Leonard, who returned boasting 20 points on Sunday subsequent to an absence of three weeks, is expected to be of assistance. — McMenamin
Rookie Ace Bailey, the fifth pick in the 2025 draft, has been present inside the Jazz’s opening lineup during the prior eight encounters, and has appeared inclined to hold on to the position for the foreseeable duration. Bailey, now 19, has averaged 14.4 points boasting a .628 reliable field goal rate while in his role as starter. He has equally endeared himself to coach Will Hardy by exhibiting a willingness to depend on his extent and physical capabilities to produce an influence on the defensive side. — MacMahon
Max Christie has become a bright spot during the Mavs’ subpar start. Christie is averaging 12.8 points per game whilst shooting 49.1% from the floor, and 45.6% from the 3-point range and generally guarding one of the opponent’s most adept perimeter scorers. Christie, now 22, who was acquired throughout the infamous Luka Doncic transaction, has established a consistent standing inside the starting lineup and potentially reflects a prolonged fit, while the Mavs pivot to establishing a team around Cooper Flagg. — MacMahon
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2025-26 record: 4-13
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Previous ranking: 24
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Next games: vs. NYK (Nov. 26), vs. CHI (Nov. 28), vs. TOR (Nov. 29), @ BKN (Dec. 1)
A Hornets season, which commenced with promising beginnings has now witnessed the squad succumb to six consecutive defeats and point guard LaMelo Ball denying a report by Yahoo Sports indicating his openness to a trade. Ball has struggled subsequent to a comeback via an ankle injury, with shooting rates averaging at 19% (6-of-31) via the 3-point range. Rookie Kon Knueppel sustains status as a favorable element for Charlotte. The No. 4 pick directs all freshman athletes in scoring and is simply accruing momentum, having averaged 26.5 PPG throughout the prior four encounters, while hitting 22 of 41 3s (54%). — Pelton
Are the Kings instantly… hot? The Kings simply accompanied up one of the more unproductive eight-game losing phases throughout history — defeats of 31, 27, 14, 33, 14, 13, 14 and 41 points — with their two prime triumphs of the season. They accomplished the Nuggets within Denver to complete a long road journey, then rallied back from 10 down within the closing two minutes to overcome the Timberwolves at home. It isn’t by random chance that their effort level has improved subsequent to the return of Keegan Murray, the fourth-year wing who sustains status as the prime defender and building component listed on the roster. DeMar DeRozan remarked postgame of the fourth-year forward: “Keegan accounts for the key to this team. This signifies his team.” — Slater
It’s complex to assess the benchmarks of success for a team that is obviously configuring itself to contend for the 2026 draft, however overcoming the developing Celtics throughout an NBA Cup night signifies something Jordi Fernandez is capable of using as evidence. Prior to his substandard showing opposing the Knicks, Michael Porter Jr. resembled his prime self: 27.4 points and 7.3 boards via borderline 50/40/90 splits. Mike Brown tossed his old apprentice, Fernandez, a lifeline: “Jordi exists at a complex position,” Brown stated. “Whilst they undergo this process, sustaining the actions performed is recommended… They’re playing determinedly; improvement can be viewed. Jordi qualifies as a notably proficient young coach.” — Goodwill
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2025-26 record: 2-15
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Previous ranking: 29
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Next games: @ TOR (Nov. 26), vs. WAS (Nov. 28), vs. CHI (Nov. 29), vs. CLE (Dec. 1)
With Bennedict Mathurin back inside the lineup and Pascal Siakam totaling a career-best 24.8 points for each match, Indiana has been removed from its position as being severely lacking on offense as it has been visually confirmed on occasions throughout this season. The advancement might not immediately alter the number of wins achieved: Lacking a match opposing the sub-par Wizards, Indiana’s rigorous schedule sustains itself throughout the upcoming week, presenting matches versus the developing Raptors, Cavaliers and Nuggets. — Kram
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2025-26 record: 3-15
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Previous ranking: 28
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Next games: vs. MEM (Nov. 26), @ GS (Nov. 29), @ LAL (Nov. 30), vs. MIN (Dec. 2)
The Pelicans snapped a nine-match losing run in impressive fashion on Monday, acquiring their first double-digit triumph, and their initial success throughout this season, opposing an over-.500 opponent, Chicago. Zion Williamson’s 29 points across 30 minutes correlated with a season peak, while his 13 free throws stood as his maximum within a match spanning almost three years. New Orleans equally secured robust play stemming from its bench, with all four reserves contributing double figures in
