NBA Power Rankings: Celtics, Mavs remain unbeaten; Wemby leads Spurs to fast start
The first week-plus of the season is in the books as players and teams around the NBA begin to settle in on the court with a handful of games under their belts.
The early action has already provided several notable performances and other highlights from the best players in the game. Some teams have had fast starts and have been dominant, and others have yet to get going after lackluster showings.
The league is set to tip off its inaugural in-season tournament on Friday with seven qualifying games on the schedule. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is hopeful the concept can catch on as the league is hard at work promoting it across its various platforms.
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.
Washington Wizards (1-3)
Last Rank: 29
The Wizards have lost three out of their first four games, including two straight. The Jordan Poole experience is off and running, and it has been entertaining, to say the least. From tossing an alley-oop off the backboard to Kyle Kuzma down 21 points to getting blocked on a 3-point attempt, Poole has got to be the MVP for “Shaqtin’ a Fool” in the early going.
Houston Rockets (1-3)
Last Rank: 25
The Rockets picked up their first win on Wednesday over the Hornets, but have struggled out of the gate. Their effort was questioned by head coach Ime Udoka after the first game and they haven’t looked to be on the same page. It could be another long season for the group.
For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire
Charlotte Hornets (1-3)
Last Rank: 30
After defeating the Hawks on opening night, the Hornets have dropped three straight. One bright spot, though: The emergence of Brandon Miller. He is third in rookie scoring with 15.5 points per game on 42.1% shooting from 3-point range.
Utah Jazz (2-4)
Last Rank: 24
The Jazz dropped to 2-4 after falling in the closing seconds to the Magic on Thursday. All-Star Lauri Markkanen has been incredible in the early going and rookie Keyonte George is playing meaningful minutes. The Jazz are still working through some growing pains, but they have been fun to watch and are absolutely worth your attention on #LeaguePass.
Detroit Pistons (2-4)
Last Rank: 28
Despite a slow start, there is plenty to like with the Pistons. Cade Cunningham is back to playing at a high level, Jalen Duren is dominating in the paint on both ends of the court, Ausar Thompson looks special on defense and Isaiah Stewart is doing Isaiah Stewart things. It could still be a little while before it all comes together but the Pistons look poised to take a step this year.
Toronto Raptors (2-4)
Last Rank: 22
The Raptors are off to an underwhelming start but have been led by former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes. He has been sensational early, averaging 21.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists and two blocks. They continue a four-game road trip Sunday in San Antonio.
Portland Trail Blazers (2-3)
Last Rank: 26
After dropping their first three games, the Trail Blazers seem to be getting back on track with two straight wins. The early showing by Scoot Henderson seems to be mixed, though, the team believes things are starting to slow down a bit for him. He is still working on his efficiency and limiting turnovers but looks to be a guy they can count on for the future.
Chicago Bulls (2-3)
Last Rank: 20
The Bulls have been mediocre, which may have led to a players-only meeting after the first game of the season. Then, a 50-piece from Zach LaVine couldn’t get it done over the Pistons. The team could already be in trouble, but it is far too early to start making changes. They begin a home-heavy slate on Friday with the Nets (with only two road games over their next 10) so they’ll look to get it going on their floor.
For more coverage on the Bulls, visit Bulls Wire
Indiana Pacers (2-2)
Last Rank: 21
The Pacers have dropped two straight and are dealing with injury concerns with Tyrese Haliburton. He did not play on Wednesday when they lost by 51 points to the Celtics and is questionable to go on Friday. It doesn’t appear serious, but the team has been leaps and bounds better with him on the court. They have their next five games at home.
Orlando Magic (3-2)
Last Rank: 23
The Magic began the year with a 30-point win over the Rockets, the largest margin of victory in a season opener in team history. Then, they pulled out a last-second win over the Jazz on Thursday to split a four-game West Coast road trip.
Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have led the way, while the team has also gotten strong contributions from Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs. They will be without Wendell Carter Jr. after fracturing a bone in his left hand in Utah, so they will be tested coming up.
San Antonio Spurs (3-2)
Last Rank: 27
The Victor Wembanyama era is officially here for the Spurs. The No. 1 pick has dazzled and is coming off a remarkable performance against the Suns, in which he scored 38 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in the win.
He is averaging 20.6 points, eight rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals and is the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992 to total 100 points and 10 blocks in his first five games. It seems like the first of many times he will be mentioned among the all-time greats.
For more coverage on the Spurs, visit Spurs Wire
Memphis Grizzlies (0-5)
Last Rank: 13
To say the Grizzlies have struggled to start the year is an understatement. Without Ja Morant, Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, the group hasn’t looked to be the same as it has been in recent seasons. They are the only winless team and rank in the bottom third in several categories, including offense (30th), defense (22nd) and field goal percentage (29th). With no immediate help in sight, things could spiral unless something changes on the court.
New York Knicks (2-3)
Last Rank: 16
The Knicks are 28th in offense but second in defense through five games. The team, which was fourth in offense last year, has too much firepower to stay ranked that low this season, so it seems reasonable to believe that will improve. They have a tough stretch coming up (at Bucks, vs. Clippers, vs. Spurs), so it will be worth monitoring if they can get their offense going.
Atlanta Hawks (3-2)
Last Rank: 18
The Hawks have won three straight after dropping their first two games. Dejounte Murray has exploded over that stretch, including a 41-point effort on Monday versus the Timberwolves. They are fifth in the league in offense, which is a bit surprising considering Trae Young has struggled to shoot in the early going. Certainly, things can get even better once he breaks out.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2)
Last Rank: 17
The Timberwolves picked up a wire-to-wire win over the previously undefeated Nuggets on Wednesday, 110-89. Anthony Edwards produced 24 points in that game and has looked very good to start the season. The win proved necessary after the group completely fell apart in its previous game versus the Hawks, in which it squandered a 21-point lead and was outscored, 67-34, in the second half. In other words: Minnesota looks better than its record indicates.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2-3)
Last Rank: 12
The Cavaliers continue a road-heavy stretch with the Pacers on Friday. They previously lost to the Pacers on Oct. 28 and will look to correct things and get back on track in their rematch. Donovan Mitchell has performed to expectations and already has a 40-point game this season. They have dealt with some injuries to Darius Garland and Mitchell, so it is far too early to get a grasp on them.
Brooklyn Nets (2-2)
Last Rank: 14
The Nets are 2-2 behind the strong play of Cam Thomas, who is averaging 28 points on 51.3% shooting from the field. He ranks eighth in the league in scoring and 12th in field goals per game (9.8). It isn’t likely that he will continue to score at that clip, but it is good to see him flourishing with a larger role this year.
For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire
Miami Heat (1-4)
Last Rank: 7
The Heat are among the biggest surprises this year, but not in a good way. They eked out a one-point win over the Pistons on opening night and have dropped each of their last four games. It has been Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler leading the way thus far, but the team hasn’t received a ton of help off the bench. We would never worry about the Heat just five games into a season, so we’ll give them some time to get right.
Oklahoma City Thunder (3-2)
Last Rank: 15
The Thunder have beaten the teams they should thus far (Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons) but lost to the Nuggets and Pelicans (after leading by 22 points) to start the year. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been excellent, and Chet Holmgren is off to a great start on both ends of the court. They will face the Warriors on Friday in the in-season tournament, which will be a great test to see where they stack up in the Western Conference.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
New Orleans Pelicans (4-1)
Last Rank: 19
The Pelicans have had a heck of a week. They looked dead in the water on Wednesday against the Thunder after trailing early by 22 points. Instead, the group responded and posted the fifth-largest comeback win in team history. They also dealt with plane issues that delayed their flight home to play the Pistons. They got it done short-handed, thanks in large part to CJ McCollum, who is their leading scorer with 23.4 points per game. New Orleans looks good early, despite some injuries and other factors.
Sacramento Kings (2-2)
Last Rank: 8
The Kings were dealt a tough blow after De’Aaron Fox suffered an ankle injury that will sideline him for at least a week. The team will rely on others to step up, including Davion Mitchell, Malik Monk and Colby Jones, and is confident in those players without Fox in the lineup.
LA Clippers (3-2)
Last Rank: 9
The Clippers pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire James Harden from the 76ers as the organization looks to solidify its place in the Western Conference further. He is expected to suit up with his new team sometime in the next week as Tyronn Lue & Co. look to form their rotation. The good news is they will have, essentially, the whole season to figure it out.
Philadelphia 76ers (3-1)
Last Rank: 11
The Sixers have finally moved on from James Harden and can begin to look ahead with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the way, who will likely be key in determining how far the group can go this year. The early returns suggest Maxey is ready to be the No. 2 option in Philly behind the reigning MVP. Tobias Harris and Kelly Oubre Jr. have also been good to start the season.
For more coverage on the 76ers, visit Sixers Wire
Los Angeles Lakers (3-2)
Last Rank: 5
The Lakers have started the year strong and have already pulled out some last-minute wins. LeBron James is blowing right past his supposed minute restriction, Anthony Davis has mostly played to expectations and D’Angelo Russell has had some nice moments. They will now hit the road for a four-game trip starting Saturday in Orlando.
For more coverage on LeBron and the Lakers, visit LeBron Wire
Phoenix Suns (2-3)
Last Rank: 4
The Suns have been banged up already to start the year with Bradley Beal and Devin Booker missing time. That has left Kevin Durant in charge of leading the team. He has continued to play like Kevin Durant, though, they dropped two games to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs this week. Once they can get everyone on the court, the Suns should play as one of the front-runners in the West.
Dallas Mavericks (4-0)
Last Rank: 10
Dallas enters its matchup on Friday versus the Nuggets as one of two undefeated teams, joining the Boston Celtics, and is 4-0 for the first time since 2004. Luka Doncic is averaging a league-high 33.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 9.8 assists, and rookie Dereck Lively II has been a revelation early to lead the Mavericks.
Golden State Warriors (4-1)
Last Rank: 6
Klay Thompson put his clutch shooting to the test after hitting the game-winner versus the Kings on Wednesday. The Warriors have started 4-1 behind the play of Stephen Curry, Thompson, Kevon Looney and others. Curry already has two 40-point games in five appearances.
For more coverage on the Warriors, visit Warriors Wire
Milwaukee Bucks (2-2)
Last Rank: 2
The Bucks have been up and down already to begin the year. On one hand, like in their opening-night win over the 76ers, they looked to be the team to beat in the East, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard performing like one of the top duos.
On the other hand, like in their 130-111 loss to the Raptors, in which they trailed by 27 points, you’re left wondering how they could even make the playoffs. They will, obviously, make the playoffs, but it could take some time to put everything together with a new roster and coach.
Boston Celtics (4-0)
Last Rank: 3
The Celtics are one of two undefeated teams and have looked great through four games. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are leading the team nightly, while the addition of Kristaps Porzingis has been phenomenal. With everyone performing at a high level, the Celtics may not lose very many games this season.
For more coverage on the Celtics, visit Celtics Wire
Denver Nuggets (4-1)
Last Rank: 1
Denver suffered its first loss on Wednesday against Minnesota, 110-89. The group had been one of three undefeated teams in the NBA before the loss. Nikola Jokic has been sensational and has led the Nuggets in scoring in each game, averaging 26.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists. The reigning champs have had great production off the bench and appear to be picking up where they left off last year.
