NBA Power Rankings: Thunder on the rise; Pacers move up after hot run
The calendar has flipped to 2024, and teams in the NBA have started to hit their stride after stringing together some impressive performances on the court of late.
The past week of action has seen some of the championship contenders pick up key wins, proving how dangerous they can be. Other teams around the league have seemingly struggled of late and have fallen down the standings some.
The collective basketball community is also getting a clearer picture of the players approaching All-Star status after the league released the first batch of voting results on Thursday. The list featured some of the usual candidates and some newcomers.
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 (3-31)
Last Rank: 30
The Pistons did the unthinkable and won a game. They snapped their 28-game skid on Saturday against the Raptors and avoided claiming sole possession of the longest losing streak in history. The group also nearly picked up another win Wednesday in Utah but eventually lost in overtime in a high-scoring affair. In any case, the streak is over, and morale in Detroit isn’t quite as low as before.
San Antonio Spurs (5-28)
Last Rank: 29
Victor Wembanyama continues to perform at a high level with the Spurs nightly, albeit on a minute restriction (ankle). He hopes to have the 24-minute restriction lifted soon, which would increase his workload and production. He is still averaging 20 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.2 blocks and 3.3 assists over that span.
For more coverage on the Spurs, visit Spurs Wire
Washington Wizards (6-27)
Last Rank: 28
The Wizards are 3-7 over their last 10 games, as Kyle Kuzma has handled the bulk of their scoring duties this season. He is averaging 22.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 46.9% shooting from the field over his last five games.
Charlotte Hornets (8-24)
Last Rank: 27
The Hornets snapped their 11-game losing streak Wednesday in Sacramento to complete the biggest upset of the season. They were 15.5-point underdogs (plus-800 moneyline) entering the contest and ended up pulling out the 111-104 win. Terry Rozier led the way with 34 points.
Portland Trail Blazers (9-24)
Last Rank: 26
The Trail Blazers have dropped back-to-back contests to begin a seven-game road trip. However, rookie Scoot Henderson looks to be settling in on the court after missing time with ankle injury. He was nominated for Western Conference Player of the Week after averaging 21.3 points, 8.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds on 46.7% shooting from 3-point range in three games. He produced back-to-back 20-point outings in that span, including a career-high 25 points on Dec. 28.
Brooklyn Nets (15-20)
Last Rank: 20
The Nets have lost 10 out of their last 12 games, which includes two separate five-game losing streaks. The organization was fined $100,000 by the league on Thursday for violating the player participation policy after Jacque Vaughn opted to rest most of his starters on Dec. 27 against the Bucks. However, it doesn’t seem to matter which players are on the court for the Nets: They simply just haven’t played well of late.
For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire
Atlanta Hawks (14-19)
Last Rank: 25
The Hawks have won back-to-back games for the first time since Dec. 18-20. They are coming off an impressive victory over the Thunder, in which Jalen Johnson scored a career-high 28 points. The team has mostly struggled since starting 8-7 but will be hoping it can start to build some positive momentum behind its recent run.
Memphis Grizzlies (11-23)
Last Rank: 21
Since winning four straight with Ja Morant back in the lineup, the Grizzlies have lost four out of their last five games. The offense seemed to get a jolt with Morant running the show, but they are still 25th in the league in that category. It is still too early to tell if Morant can help the Grizzlies turn things around and save their season, but the early returns haven’t been promising with their All-Star back.
Toronto Raptors (14-20)
Last Rank: 24
The Raptors pulled off the first major trade of the season after acquiring RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from the Knicks for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn. They have been long rumored to want to trade Anunoby and finally went forward with it.
Toronto gets two starters that should help transform its rotations. They are 2-0 with them in the lineup and look to be an improved team in a limited sample size. They are not expected to move other players at this time, though, that could eventually change.
Houston Rockets (17-15)
Last Rank: 22
Houston has posted back-to-back wins after losing three straight games, though they came against the Pistons and Nets, two teams that have struggled recently. They will have a tough upcoming stretch with the Timberwolves and Bucks at home before beginning a six-game road trip. There is good news to report: Rookie Amen Thompson looks to be settling in on the court. He has scored in double figures in back-to-back games for the first time this season, totaling 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire
Golden State Warriors (16-18)
Last Rank: 19
The Warriors lost for the fourth time in five games on Thursday and did so in dramatic fashion. They blew an 18-point lead with just under seven minutes to play after the Nuggets went on a 25-4 run to finish the game, capped off by a 39-foot game-winning shot by Nikola Jokic. The group will have questions to answer after losing yet another double-digit lead.
For more coverage on the Warriors, visit Warriors Wire
Utah Jazz (16-19)
Last Rank: 23
The Jazz have turned things around after a sluggish start. Since dropping to a season-high nine games below .500, they have gone 9-3 over their last 12 games to climb to 12th in the Western Conference. They are 10th in offense and defense over that span and have received strong contributions up and down the roster. They now head east for a three-game trip starting Friday in Boston.
Chicago Bulls (15-21)
Last Rank: 18
The Bulls have lost two straight after going 4-2 on their recent six-game homestand. However, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic appear to be progressing toward returning. They have progressed in their rehab and are both listed as questionable to play on Friday.
For more coverage on the Bulls, visit Bulls Wire
Los Angeles Lakers (17-18)
Last Rank: 11
The Lakers are 3-9 over their last 12 games and have fallen below .500 for the first time since November. Unsurprisingly, rumors are circulating about a disconnect between coach Darvin Ham and some players over rotations and other adjustments. We’ll see if the group can overcome those issues and get back on track.
For more coverage on LeBron and the Lakers, visit LeBron Wire
Cleveland Cavaliers (19-15)
Last Rank: 17
The Cavaliers have won six out of their last nine games after dismantling the Wizards on Wednesday. They set season highs in points (140), rebounds (62), assists (37) and 3-point percentage (47.6) in the 39-point win. They are fifth in offense and lead the league in assists per game over their recent stretch. More good news: They host the Wizards again on Friday.
Orlando Magic (19-15)
Last Rank: 10
The Magic nearly pulled off a double-overtime win over the Kings on Wednesday but ultimately fell. Paolo Banchero was fantastic, producing a career-high 43 points to become the seventh player in franchise history with multiple 40-point games in the same season.
The team has been banged up of late, with Gary Harris (calf) and Franz Wagner (ankle) joining Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac on the injury report. Wagner suffered his injury on Wednesday and is expected to miss some time.
Dallas Mavericks (20-15)
Last Rank: 13
The Mavericks are hopeful the return of Kyrie Irving can help spark a run, after struggling for much of their past 12 games. They saw firsthand on Wednesday how valuable he can be. He and Luka Doncic each produced at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists for the first time this season in their win over the Trail Blazers. They reached that mark three times last season.
Phoenix Suns (18-16)
Last Rank: 15
The Suns are 3-1 on their current six-game homestand. They have played without Kevin Durant in their last two games, with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal leading the way. Beal has scored at least 20 points in three straight games for the first time this season.
Sacramento Kings (20-13)
Last Rank: 12
The Kings are coming off an exciting double-overtime victory over the Magic on Wednesday. Malik Monk was excellent in that contest, producing a season-high 37 points with seven 3-pointers, while Domantas Sabonis had 22 points, 23 rebounds and 12 assists. Sabonis has dealt with some turnover issues of late, committing 17 over his last two games, but has otherwise been crucial for the team.
New Orleans Pelicans (21-14)
Last Rank: 14
The Pelicans have posted four straight wins to improve to a season-high seven games above .500. They are coming off a dominating win on the road over the Timberwolves on Wednesday, in which their starting group produced 90 points, 23 assists and 21 rebounds. It was their fifth straight road win, the sixth time they’ve posted such a streak in franchise history.
Indiana Pacers (19-14)
Last Rank: 16
The Pacers are the hottest team in the NBA after winning five straight games. Their recent run includes back-to-back wins over the Bucks, with Tyrese Haliburton performing at a high level in each game. Speaking of Haliburton, he currently leads all Eastern Conference guards in All-Star voting in the first batch of returns released on Thursday. With the game in Indianapolis this season, the hometown crowd will have its star on the court.
New York Knicks (19-15)
Last Rank: 9
The Knicks are 2-0 since acquiring OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn from the Raptors for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Anunoby is averaging 14 points, seven rebounds and two steals since joining the team. His arrival will give the Knicks a versatile defender and another scorer in the starting lineup.
Miami Heat (20-14)
Last Rank: 8
The Heat will close their five-game West Coast road trip Friday in Phoenix. They have gone 5-1 without Jimmy Butler (calf), with a different player seemingly leading the way each night. Tyler Herro has stepped up since returning from injury, averaging 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.4 steals in eight games.
Milwaukee Bucks (25-10)
Last Rank: 3
The Bucks have gone 3-3 over their last six games and are coming off an entertaining win over the Spurs on Thursday. They have been led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month. He averaged 32.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists in the month to lead the Bucks to an 11-2 record. They wrap up their road trip Saturday in Houston before returning to Milwaukee for a four-game homestand.
LA Clippers (21-12)
Last Rank: 7
Tyronn Lue was named Western Conference Coach of the Month after a remarkable month of December. They have the best record in the league since Dec. 1 (13-2) and are third in offense over that span. Lue has the Clippers up to third in the Western Conference as they look to settle in on the court. They are proving a dangerous team and should be among the contenders this year.
Minnesota Timberwolves (24-9)
Last Rank: 2
The Timberwolves have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season after falling to the Knicks and Pelicans this week; they were the last team in the NBA to lose two straight. The group has had its best start in franchise history and still has a one-game lead over the Thunder for first place in the Western Conference. They will look to get back on track on Friday in Houston.
Denver Nuggets (25-11)
Last Rank: 6
The Nuggets have won 11 out of their last 13 games and are coming off a spectacular comeback win over the Warriors on Thursday. They overcame an 18-point deficit with just under seven minutes to go, capped off by a 39-footer by Nikola Jokic as time expired. They have four out of their next five games at home.
Philadelphia 76ers (23-10)
Last Rank: 4
The Sixers are up to third in the Eastern Conference behind a dominant run by Joel Embiid. He has produced at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in 14 straight games; only two players have ever had 15 straight such games in a single season: Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In other words: Embiid is putting up a strong case to repeat as MVP.
For more coverage on the 76ers, visit Sixers Wire
Oklahoma City Thunder (23-10)
Last Rank: 5
The Thunder cleaned up in the December awards races after their strong run. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has led the team in scoring in their last 14 games, won Western Conference Player of the Month for the first time in his career and Chet Holmgren was named Rookie of the Month for the second straight time. It marked the sixth time in history a team won both Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month in the same month.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
Boston Celtics (26-7)
Last Rank: 1
Joe Mazzulla was named Coach of the Month in the Eastern Conference after guiding the Celtics to a 12-2 record. The group dropped its first game of the new year on Tuesday but still has a two-game lead for first place. They will look to get back on track on Friday against the Jazz.
For more coverage on the Celtics, visit Celtics Wire
