As the NBA season progresses, it’s time to evaluate which teams are in strong contention for the championship. Each month this season, I will provide my NBA Power Rankings here on Yahoo Sports, addressing this key question.
In these rankings, I’ve listed all 30 teams according to how I would rate their chances of winning the title, factoring in their recent performances. This explains why the unbeaten Grizzlies are not in the top spot, although they have experienced a significant rise since the preseason. Let’s dive into the rankings, starting with the teams at the bottom:
East: Atlanta Hawks • Boston Celtics • Brooklyn Nets • Charlotte Hornets • Chicago Bulls • Cleveland Cavaliers • Detroit Pistons • Indiana Pacers • Miami Heat • Milwaukee Bucks • New York Knicks • Orlando Magic • Philadelphia 76ers • Toronto Raptors • Washington Wizards
West: Dallas Mavericks • Denver Nuggets • Golden State Warriors • Houston Rockets • LA Clippers • Los Angeles Lakers • Memphis Grizzlies • Minnesota Timberwolves • New Orleans Pelicans • Oklahoma City Thunder • Phoenix Suns • Portland Trail Blazers • Sacramento Kings • San Antonio Spurs • Utah Jazz
RELEGATION ZONE CANDIDATES
Record: 0-6 | Previous rank: 30
The Kings are struggling without a single victory. They even failed to secure a win in the preseason and have been thoroughly dominated every night. Achieving more than one or two wins in the next 13 games appears very unlikely, putting the NBA’s record for the worst starting losing streak (0-18) within reach for Sacramento.
For fans of the Kings, it’s vital to focus on developmental progress rather than final scores this year. The development of rookie point guard Darius Acuff is crucial. Acuff has started strong, averaging 26.3 points per game but is attempting 24 shots each game. Supporters should hope to see not only more impressive scoring from their rookie but also improvement in efficiency, playmaking, and defensive skills. Acuff must demonstrate that he can contribute to victories; failing that, he risks being labeled an empty-stats player.
Record: 1-5 | Previous rank: 29
On his part, new Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins should consider moving away from relying on veteran players. Myles Turner appears to be waiting for a trade, and Tyler Herro is not engaged defensively. Kyle Kuzma seems distracted by other ventures instead of focusing on the game. Why is Jenkins still heavily invested in their performances? Every other player on this team is under the age of 30 and has much room for development. Kel’el Ware should take precedence over Turner, and rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament have provided enough promise to earn increased playing time. Let’s see what these younger players can achieve.
(Hassan Ahmad/Yahoo Sports Illustration)
Record: 1-5 | Previous rank: 28
What should be the priority for the Clippers this season is the growth of rookie point guard Keaton Wagler, and his fearless attacks into the paint have been a spectacular sight to behold. This experience will undoubtedly pay dividends for him.
However, all eyes are on Brook Lopez, Derrick Jones, Rui Hachimura, and Kris Dunn. The Clippers have talented individuals who could strengthen playoff-bound teams, presenting opportunities to recover some draft picks lost because of the Aspiration punishment.
Record: 1-5 | Previous rank: 25
Caleb Wilson, the Bulls rookie, conveyed determination with his statement on Friday, saying, “I’m 20 years old, and I’ve never experienced losing, so I will do my utmost to prevent that from happening. It’s my responsibility to be a leader on this team, and it begins with me. I own my part in our rocky start, and it won’t happen again.”
If you’re among the Bulls’ supporters, it’s hard not to be energized by Wilson’s remarks. He plays with vibrant energy and has exhibited significant signs of potential since his drafting. Nevertheless, my concern lies in the fundamental issues of the trio made up of Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Josh Giddey. None of these players are traditional point guards or proficient shooters. As Wilson becomes the focal point, Buzelis and Giddey seem to have regressed from their promising performances of last season. It’s possible they will find their rhythm, but as of now, this trend is resulting in more defeats than anticipated.
Record: 1-5 | Previous rank: 26
Finding a silver lining while watching a struggling basketball team is essential, and I hope Nets fans are enjoying the excitement brought by Nolan Traoré. Watching him play feels like experiencing a game at 1.5x speed, and it allows him to create opportunities for his teammates that many guards find challenging to achieve.
The most optimistic takeaway from his 16-point performance last Sunday was his success in making spot-up 3-pointers. Traoré’s shooting was an initial concern when entering the NBA, but he is now shooting at 39% this young season, having hit 4 of 8 in Brooklyn’s first win. His shooting form appears reliable — he even achieved no-dipping on his 3-pointers. If he maintains this performance, the Nets may very well have uncovered their future point guard.
Record: 2-4 | Previous rank: 27
At this early stage of the season, the data is quite limited. However, when Herb Jones is on the floor, the Pelicans exhibit a +19.2 net rating, while they fall to -14.5 without him. He played under 20 minutes in their opening three games, resulting in an 0-3 outcome. Conversely, in the last two games, he clocked over 25 minutes in each, leading to victories. If the Pelicans can’t consistently score at an elite level — largely due to a lack of shooting across the roster — they should double down on their defensive efforts. This strategy calls for Jamahl Mosley to maximize Herb’s playing time.
IT LOOKED BETTER ON PAPER
Record: 1-5 | Previous rank: 21
A few weeks before the commencement of the season, Krysyan Edler kindly interviewed me regarding the Jazz for The Deseret News. She quoted me as saying, “I just don’t see this team being unsuccessful again. They possess an excess of quality players, both seasoned and young.”
It’s regrettable that those comments weren’t untrue, but I indeed expressed them. I bought into the narrative that the Jazz would be a compelling story this season. However, it appears that I was completely mistaken. Jaren Jackson Jr. is currently sidelined with a torn MCL. Jusuf Nurkić has yet to play a game. Lauri Markkanen seems to be a shadow of his former self. Additionally, the younger players haven’t made notable contributions. Darryn Peterson has struggled among the top four picks. Ace Bailey and Keyonte George appear to have plateaued. Perhaps Will Hardy is not the coach everyone thought he was? Once again, the Jazz seem destined for the NBA Draft Lottery.
Record: 1-3 | Previous rank: 20
Recently, NBA reporter Chris Haynes noted there’s “growing frustration” within the Suns’ locker room due to the absence of a point guard capable of organizing the offense. Have the players inside that locker room forgotten about Collin Gillespie?
While Gillespie is not Chris Paul, he did start 58 games last season and maintained a 2.9 assist-to-turnover ratio, showcasing good chemistry with Devin Booker. This season, however, he has been benched in favor of Jalen Green, who has struggled offensively, making this decision perplexing. The Suns’ offensive rating sits at 110.2 in the 92 minutes that Booker and Green have played together; however, it jumps to 128.3 in the 43 minutes when Booker has played alongside Gillespie without Green. Perhaps the Suns should consider this combination more often.
Record: 2-4 | Previous rank: 19
Is it too early to express concerns about Franz Wagner’s shooting? Wagner has succeeded in landing just six of 31 three-point attempts so far this season (19.4%), and his shooting mechanics seem utterly off, with an overwhelming number of moving parts occurring simultaneously once he receives the ball. In his sixth season, Wagner still hasn’t translated his effective free throw shooting (85%) and floater game (nearly 50%) out to the perimeter, with his career average being 32.1%. However, it has never been this problematic.
The absence of Paolo Banchero is undoubtedly significant, as his ability to shoot from the perimeter could alleviate some of Wagner’s challenges. The Magic miss Banchero significantly, and until he makes his return, it’s difficult to feel confident in the team’s overall capabilities. Nevertheless, Banchero himself can be inconsistent and experiences cold spells. We may be discovering that Wagner and Banchero aren’t compatible together.
ASK ME AFTER THANKSGIVING
Record: 2-5 | Previous rank: 14
Tyrese Haliburton returned, showcasing his skill right away. Unfortunately, he has been sidelined due to a hamstring issue, leading the Pacers to resemble the same 19-win team that played without him last year. Indiana finds itself being outscored by 8.7 points per 100 possessions during Haliburton’s absence this season. Things aren’t looking promising as long as they remain without him.
Record: 3-4 | Previous rank: 15
The optimistic projections for Atlanta this year heavily relied on Jalen Johnson’s growth. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists last year, securing a position on an All-NBA team. Unfortunately, this season, he seems to be regressing. His scoring efficiency has declined, his shot volume has decreased, and the rest of the roster hasn’t compensated.
The Hawks are struggling with three-point shooting. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been more effective off the ball. Meanwhile, CJ McCollum appears to be playing at a level far below standards. If Johnson fails to elevate his game, it’s improbable that the rest of the team will step up either.
Record: 3-4 | Previous rank: 16
It’s challenging to evaluate the Hornets at this point, primarily since both Kon Knueppel and Coby White have not participated in the season thus far (White is expected to make his debut on Monday). Making judgments about the team’s performance without two of its top players feels unfair.
However, it’s uplifting to note that the Hornets have secured three victories and have kept competitive against both the Pistons and Sixers despite a weakened lineup. Once the team is back to full strength, we can hope for Brandon Miller’s scoring efficiency to improve, and the rotation to align as intended.
FUN AND FIESTY
Record: 3-3 | Previous rank: 23
The narrative that AJ Dybantsa lacks an impact defensively has been put to rest. In his second game with the Wizards, he notched seven rebounds and made five deflections. Both Brandon Miller and Naz Reid found it challenging to produce quality shots against him. Dybantsa proved agile against Miller on the perimeter and held his own against Reid during multiple post-up situations. We already know Dybantsa has scoring and passing ability. The notable defensive contributions he’s making have alleviated the primary concerns surrounding his game.
Record: 4-1 | Previous rank: 18
Discussion about Portland in the preseason often revolved around ownership uncertainties, the anticipated comebacks of Ja Morant and Damian Lillard, and expectations from a new head coach in Micah Nori. However, one of the most compelling stories has been Deni Avdija, who only continues to improve following his breakout season last year. Deni exhibits an unyielding drive to score near the basket, coupled with improved three-point shooting.
During my last interview with Deni to cap off the previous season, I inquired about the hardships he faced as a shooter; he tersely responded, “You’re hurting me by stating those numbers.” Yet he confidently assured, “I know it’s going to come back. I’ll persist in working hard.” He truly appears to be putting in the effort, as his percentage is now at 37.5% on all three-point attempts and over 40% on catch-and-shoot opportunities. Given that he will share the court with various other guards throughout the year, it’s paramount that he can stretch the floor to progress further toward becoming an All-Star.
Record: 4-3 | Previous rank: 22
It’s such a relief to see Steph Curry maintaining his remarkable form on the basketball floor. Averaging 29 points per game with a true shooting percentage of 69.1%, the Warriors remain an enjoyable watch. However, the spotlight is shifting towards rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who is transforming what was anticipated to be a tough season for Golden State into something special.
Lendeborg showcases a versatile skill set, excelling in scoring both inside and outside while exhibiting a selfless passing ability that likely delights Steve Kerr. He scored 37 points on Sunday and is currently averaging 22.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Lendeborg’s early-season performances are so remarkable that they raise questions about his potential All-Star candidacy as a rookie; the last time a rookie achieved this was in 2011 with Blake Griffin on the Clippers.
Record: 6-0 | Previous rank: 24
The Grizzlies stand as the lone unbeaten team in the NBA, yet their ranking here is beneath the top 10. This is primarily due to my intention to avoid overreacting to the events of the first two weeks. Moreover, let’s be straightforward: Their victories have come predominantly against Utah, Sacramento, Portland, and Golden State. They potentially could reach 8-0 with upcoming matches against New Orleans and Indiana, followed by tougher games against Oklahoma City, Toronto, and Denver that would be more telling of their caliber.
Nonetheless, there’s no disputing the optimism surrounding their team. Ty Jerome has capitalized on a strong finish to last season, Cedric Coward appears to have regained his three-point shooting, and Cam Boozer is shaping up to be a future multi-time All-Star in the league. I had expected Memphis to perform well this season; perhaps that’s why their success doesn’t come as a shock. However, maintaining this undefeated run with the best record in the league remains to be seen.
Record: 4-2 | Previous rank: 17
Is Cooper Flagg really emerging as a top-10 player at only 19 years of age? This season has showcased Flagg leading the Mavericks to victories while outshining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo, even recording a 33-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist game to hand Houston its first defeat. His current trajectory mirrors his upward growth post-turning 18 at Duke. Over the last 26 games of his rookie season, Flagg averaged 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. This year, he’s averaging 26.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists with outstanding offensive efficiency, an even better assist-to-turnover ratio, and impactful defense.
What will his numbers look like at the season’s conclusion when he has already proven to be one of the top 5-to-10 players in the league? Some might think I’m being hasty, but Flagg’s progression has been consistent over the years. Regardless of where he ranks at present, it’s clear Flagg has made his mark.
FALLING CONTENDERS
Record: 3-3 | Previous rank: 10
The uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s health is a significant challenge when considering this team as a candidate for representing the East in the NBA Finals. Leonard may return mid-season and perform at a high level like he did with the Clippers last season. That said, his reliability to reach the end of the season is often in question.
Given the youth and continued growth of Scottie Barnes, Toronto has potential, yet they stand at 3-3 and lack their best player without any guarantees on when he will return at the most crucial time.
Record: 4-2 | Previous rank: 11
It’s quite surprising to see Mario Hezonja performing better as a free-agent signing than Peyton Watson, but that’s the reality. In six games, Hezonja has put in the effort, offering secondary scoring without turnovers. In contrast, Watson has struggled with a mere 17% shooting from beyond the arc and hasn’t shown much in creating shots, failing to fulfill the expectations set for him defensively. During a loss to the Sixers, Watson couldn’t keep up with Jaylen Brown in critical moments.
While the Cavaliers have begun the season relatively well, they need Watson to make adjustments swiftly. He was brought on board as a major signing, while Hezonja was taken on with minimal risk. Yet Hezonja has managed to meet his role while Watson has fallen short of the expectations.
Record: 2-4 | Previous rank: 7
The Heat still appear to be searching for their identity. They kicked off the season with four straight losses but bounced back with two wins against Atlanta and Indiana. Head coach Erik Spoelstra has already made adjustments, incorporating more pick-and-roll strategies in their recent matchup against Atlanta with 57 sets compared to their usual average of 23.5. Giannis employed a total of 24 screens in that game, exceeding his total in the previous four encounters. Following that, the team recorded 37 on-ball screens against Indiana. Clearly, the Heat are exploring a blend of their previous system with new traditional pick-and-roll ideas.
Starting Monday night, they embark on a challenging five-game road trip on the West Coast, followed by a tough homestand against four strong teams. The upcoming weeks will reveal much about the true nature of this Heat team, and should their struggles persist, we could see a sharp decline in the next update of these Power Rankings.
Record: 3-2 | Previous rank: 8
Last season, after Nikola Jokić hyperextended his knee, his three-point shooting never returned to form. Prior to the injury, Jokić boasted a 44% shooting rate from the arc, which subsequently dropped to 32% following his return, and then plummeted further to 19% during the playoffs. Currently, his shooting sits at 21%. The ramifications of Jokić’s diminished shot were discussed extensively, particularly the negative impact it had on his previously effective two-man game with Jamal Murray. The Minnesota defense has been able to sag off him, daring him to shoot and thereby inhibiting the driving paths for Murray and others.
This trend is still evident this year. Whenever Jokić sets screens for Murray, the Nuggets’ efficiency drops to a mere 1.02 points per play, marking their lowest performance since the 2019-20 season when doubts still loomed about Jokić’s potential as a leader of a championship-caliber team. If he cannot restore his shooting touch, he may never be able to achieve that leadership role again.
Record: 5-2 | Previous rank: 6
Austin Reaves’ statistics look impressive at face value: he’s averaging 23.1 points with a true shooting percentage of 66.9%. However, the Lakers have generated a miserable offensive rating of just 100 during the minutes Reaves is on the court without Luka Dončić. This statistic is in stark contrast to 137.7 when both are on the floor together and 112 when Dončić plays alone.
The pressing concern entering this season was whether the Lakers could hold their ground defensively. They cannot afford to have offensive issues when their star player is off the court. This needs to be resolved quickly; otherwise, they may end up outside the conversation for being a contender.
RISING CONTENDERS
Record: 6-1 | Previous rank: 12
Leading the league in offensive rating, Houston is notable for maintaining one of the lowest volumes of three-point attempts. How things have changed since the era of James Harden, when the Rockets aggressively prioritized shooting from deep. Nowadays, the emphasis is on high-quality shots, resulting in them ranking fourth in 3-point percentage.
Last year, the Rockets secured 52 wins without Fred VanVleet and while Steven Adams missed a significant portion of the season. Adams has yet to play this year as well, which restricts head coach Ime Udoka from implementing a two-big strategy that heavily relies on Adams and Alperen Şengün. Once that combination is fully operational, the Rockets may appear even more dynamic and formidable, given their strong early season performance.
Record: 5-1 | Previous rank: 13
If Victor Wembanyama doesn’t hit the 65-game mark, Ausar Thompson could easily emerge as the Defensive Player of the Year. The Pistons currently hold the top defensive rating in the league and are significantly better with Ausar on the court — 97.8 when he plays and 108.4 when he’s off.
While Thompson’s defensive prowess gets much attention, I also find his offensive play intriguing. He still struggles with shooting, but the inclusion of several other shooters has allowed the Pistons to position Thompson in a Draymond-like role where he can facilitate ball movement. Ausar is posting a career-high 5.2 assists this season. They’re maximizing his unique skills, making him vital for their success.
Record: 5-1 | Previous rank: 9
It may sound odd, but Jayson Tatum and Paul George seem to have stronger synergy on the court together than Tatum ever did with Jaylen Brown. Of course, Tatum and Brown enjoyed a championship together, but George’s durability remains a concern. Yet, the vision of their pairing has been evident this season. George embraces a secondary role while providing complementary skills as an exceptional three-point shooter and a top-tier defender. This season, George is making 38.8% of his shots from long range and ranks second in the NBA with 5.5 deflections per game, while Tatum continues to post All-NBA numbers with averages of 28.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
I LIKED THEM BETTER TWO WEEKS AGO
Record: 4-3 | Previous rank: 5
My initial optimism regarding the Timberwolves entering this season has waned following Anthony Edwards’ recent knee surgery, which will sideline him for at least two months. The situation is particularly concerning since Rudy Gobert seems far from his peak, struggling with back issues. Historically, the Timberwolves’ defense has faltered in minutes without Gobert, so navigating these challenges without Ant’s presence becomes a daunting task.
At the beginning of the season, the conversation revolved around how deep the league had become and how injuries would heavily influence playoff seeding. Now, the Timberwolves have transitioned from contenders for the top seed to fighting to stay out of the play-ins until Ant returns. This transition is alarming.
Record: 2-4 | Previous rank: 3
Is there cause for concern among Knicks fans? Personally, I’m not worried. Jalen Brunson has had a sluggish start, and OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges aren’t converting their three-point attempts yet. Mike Brown continues to refine the best lineup combinations with his adjusted bench unit. This slow start for the defending champions has been challenging, but they have engaged in competitive games against tough teams in the East. Dropping them down just one spot seems reasonable. Should these challenges extend into December, then serious concerns might arise.
Record: 4-2 | Previous rank: 1
One day, fans can wake up feeling like their team is ready for a historic comeback across the NBA landscape, while the next day they might feel like they are experiencing a lost season with no clear path back to the championship. This duality is what Thunder fans face after losing Jalen Williams for most of the season and Chet Holmgren for a considerable stretch. The team remains capable of winning numerous games this season, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expected to flourish. However, hopes of competing for the title have significantly diminished due to these injuries, as has the outlook for the future — especially since Williams has struggled to stay on the court for two straight seasons. Holmgren has also seen action in only a fraction of possible games so far in his career. Although Gilgeous-Alexander exemplifies consistency and reliability as a superstar, the same cannot be said for his supporting cast.
THE FAVORITES
Record: 6-1 | Previous rank: 4
Following his decision to join the Sixers, LeBron James emphasized that Tyrese Maxey was a primary factor in that choice. Maxey is exceeding expectations as he averages 29.6 points on a true shooting percentage of 60.4%. He’s emerging as an early contender for Clutch Player of the Year, thanks to several key late-game shots contributing to wins, with fans even discussing his potential as an MVP candidate. Regardless of how the rest of the season unfolds, witnessing Maxey’s development is nothing short of remarkable. He possesses incredible speed complemented by a newfound skill in controlling his movements, as well as an enhanced ability to score from all areas of the court. The Sixers depended on Maxey’s ongoing growth to solidify their place as true contenders, and he certainly appears to be delivering on that promise.
Record: 4-2 | Previous rank: 2
Mitch Johnson’s choice to start all three guards — De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper — raised eyebrows throughout the league, yet thus far, it’s proving to be effective. The Spurs currently hold an impressive offensive rating of 122.5 and defensive rating of 96.6 with this trio on the court for 66 minutes alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Surprisingly, the three guards have yet to play a single minute together without Wembanyama. Instead, they’re functioning as one or two together, paralleling last year. However, this year, the alternative combinations have struggled. Every single pairing that excludes Wemby is capped at a dismal 105.9 offensive rating alongside a 123.5 defensive rating. Their defensive performance deteriorates significantly without him. Although this was also the case last year, the drop-off in offensive efficiency has been much steeper this time. The small sample sizes warrant careful observation of these non-Wemby minutes regarding offensive output.
Nonetheless, these concerns are minor compared to those facing other top contenders, allowing the Spurs to assert their rightful place at the top of the Power Rankings.
