For all of the depth within the West — a staff over .500 would miss even making the play-in proper now — are the 2 greatest groups within the NBA within the East? They’re on this week’s NBC Sports activities 2024-25 NBA Energy Rankings.
TITLE CONTENDERS
1. Boston Celtics (12-3, Final Week No. 5). Final season, the Celtics led the league taking 42.5 3-point makes an attempt a sport, which helped win them a hoop. This season, they’re taking much more — 50.5 a sport — and if there was any doubt they’re the staff to beat their win Tuesday over the Cavaliers ought to have answered that. Boston “solely” took 41 3-pointers towards Cleveland, however they hit 22 and when the 3s are falling like that the Celtics are unbeatable. The Celtics usually are not enjoying with that focus nightly, they’ve typically been flat. For instance, final week they wanted time beyond regulation to beat the Raptors, fortuitously for Boston it had Jayson Tatum.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (15-1, LW 1). Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson and his gamers will fall again on the cliche “There are not any ethical victories within the NBA,” and dropping to Boston on Tuesday did knock the staff down a notch in these rankings. However that was an ethical victory. Cleveland withstood the perfect punch of a championship staff taking pictures higher than 50% from 3, got here again thanks nice play from Evan Mobley, and stood toe-to-toe with Boston down the stretch. They did all that with out Isaac Okoro (they missed his protection on Tatum), Caris LeVert and Max Strus. This staff is legit. There’s a gentle schedule forward for the Cavs this week with the banged-up Pelicans tonight, then internet hosting the Raptors on Sunday.
3. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (11-4, LW 3). Oklahoma Metropolis must maintain its head above water till first Isaiah Hartenstein and later Chet Holmgren get again from accidents (Hartenstein is shut) — dropping to San Antonio with out Victor Wembanyama (because the Thunder did Tuesday) isn’t how one stays afloat. The Thunder are 3-2 since Holmgren went down with a fractured hip and, unsurprisingly, they’re struggling on the glass with out both of their large males. OKC wants a greater outing Wednesday at dwelling towards an athletic and feisty Portland staff, then they’re off till Monday after they begin a stretch of 10-of-12 on the street.
4. Golden State Warriors (10-3, LW 2). It is arduous to search out a lot fault with the Warriors’ quick begin to the season — the protection has been elite (fourth within the NBA) and enjoying 12 deep into the bench has labored (even with D’Anthony Melton out with a sprained ACL). Nevertheless, even Stephen Curry admitted the one “obvious problem” is the staff’s free throw taking pictures — they missed 10 towards the Clippers and it price them the sport Monday. Golden State is attending to the road a good quantity (tenth in free throw makes an attempt a sport, 14th in free throw fee) however is taking pictures a league-worst 69.7% on these makes an attempt. The Warriors will want these gimme factors over the course of the season.
CONTENDERS ON THE FRINGE
5. Houston Rockets (10-5, LW 9). Stories this week mentioned to not anticipate Houston to make a giant in-season commerce to improve the roster. That is good. First, the gamers that look like accessible in-season this 12 months are good function gamers or quantity scorers however not the form of 1A franchise famous person the Rockets would possibly need to put with their younger core. Second, Houston ought to let this younger core play it out this season — they’re good. Simply ask Alperen Sengun, who had back-to-back triple-doubles this previous week. “Everyone is speaking, serving to one another. We’re a terrific staff proper now. We’re doing the teamwork in offense and protection, every little thing.”
6. Denver Nuggets (8-5, LW 6). New season, similar problem in Denver: They seem like a contender when Nikola Jokic is on the courtroom and fall off a cliff when he sits (or has to overlook a sport). Denver has a 125.8 offensive score with Jokic on the courtroom (higher than Cleveland’s league-best offense at 122.2, utilizing NBA.com’s numbers), however that falls to 92.1 when he sits. General, the Nuggets outscore opponents by +11.3 per 100 possessions when he’s on the courtroom however will get outscored by -14.9 when he sits. Jokic has missed the final three video games for private causes and Denver is 1-2 (with the win coming towards Memphis). It is unclear when he’ll return but it surely’s not anticipated to be a long-term scenario.
PLAYOFFS OR BUST
7. Los Angeles Lakers (10-4, LW 12). Winners of six in a row, Lakers followers will say I ought to bump this staff up a class as a result of they need to be thought-about contenders, however I am not offered. But. These six wins have come towards an extremely mushy a part of the schedule and whereas the Lakers have executed nicely to beat the groups they face, that does not imply I’ve to think about them contenders. But. Credit score Rob Pelinka and the entrance workplace for nailing the Dalton Knecht decide, he put up 37 on the hapless Jazz Tuesday and will by no means have fallen to 17 within the draft final June (all the time take the highest shooters within the draft early!). He must be getting increasingly more of the inconsistent Rui Hachimura’s minutes (Knecht wants to enhance on protection if he needs extra time on the courtroom).
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-6, LW 7). It stays arduous to get a learn on this staff. Statistically, they need to be higher than this — the Timberwolves are eleventh within the league in internet score and seventh in adjusted internet score — however then you definitely watch them play, and the attention check says they’re in bother. Particularly, the attention check through the loss to Miami with out Butler, then the 2 losses to Portland (and the Blazers had been with out Simons and Ayton). The issue is simple to establish — the perfect protection within the NBA a season in the past is twelfth this 12 months, greater than three factors per 100 possessions worse — and the offense lacks the identical movement. None of that’s going to be that straightforward to repair. Toronto, Boston, and Houston are on the schedule for this week.
9. New York Knicks (8-6, LW 14). Within the wake of the Karl-Anthony Cities commerce, one of many predicted upsides for New York was how having a floor-spacing 5 was going to open up the courtroom. The house could also be open, however what are the Knicks doing with it? To date this season, the Knicks are taking fewer 3-pointers per sport than they did a season in the past (barely, mainly one much less for each two video games, however there was not an explosion of 3s we anticipated). With Cities struggling up to now in a brand new defensive function — it reveals in a number of metrics, plus the Knicks protection as an entire is a pair factors per 100 possessions worse — it makes one query what the ceiling is for this Knicks staff? They’re good, however how good can they actually be?
10. Dallas Mavericks (8-7, LW 8). In search of the widespread denominator from when Dallas misplaced 4 in a row and 5-of-6 whereas struggling within the clutch, after which bounced again with three straight wins, together with a clutch one over OKC? P.J. Washington. He missed these 4 losses with a knee sprain however returned for the three wins. Dallas is outscoring opponents by 5.3 factors per 100 possessions when he’s on the courtroom. No different large on the Mavericks can match his athleticism and exercise, and so they miss him when he’s out.
11. Phoenix Suns (9-6, LW 4). Phoenix has dropped 4 in a row and 5-of-6 with out Kevin Durant (these final 4 with out Bradley Beal, who, like Durant, has a calf pressure). Whereas it was anticipated the Suns offense would fall off with out KD (and it has), the larger problem has been on the defensive finish. Phoenix began the season stable on that finish however over the last six video games with out Durant they’ve fallen to twenty sixth within the league on that finish of the courtroom. This all looks like déjà vu from final season, when the Suns had been fairly good when everybody was wholesome however could not keep that approach.
12. Sacramento Kings (8-7, LW 11). Can we are saying sufficient good issues about De’Aaron Fox? The person scored 109 factors mixed on a back-to-back, which is not only a Kings’ franchise report, the one different participant to beat it within the final 50 years was Kobe Bryant (2007). Wilt Chamberlain did it 15 occasions again within the ay as a result of he makes a mockery of the report books. However did Kobe or Wilt ever virtually lose a shoe throughout a steal, stomp it again on in play, then rating a lay-up? I feel not.
13. Orlando Magic (9-6, LW 17). Who wants Paolo Banchero? Properly, the Magic do, however they’ve now gained six in a row with out him, thanks partly to Franz Wagner stepping up — 27.4 factors and 6.1 rebounds a sport over his final seven. Nevertheless, the larger motive for the win streak (even greater than the mushy spot within the schedule that allowed it) is Orlando’s elite protection by no means went away — the Magic haven’t allowed a staff to attain in triple-digits throughout this win streak. That protection has pushed them as much as third within the Jap Convention proper now.
14. Los Angeles Clippers (8-7, LW 13). “We simply acquired to win video games till we get No. 2 again,” was how Tyron Lue described the Clippers mindset — and so they have been doing simply that, together with beating the Warriors twice. The Clippers have a top-10 protection up to now this season and, along with James Harden, Norman Powell has stepped up with a profession 12 months, Ivica Zubac has been stable within the paint and function gamers Amir Coffey and Terance Mann have made performs when referred to as upon. This can be a stable staff that could possibly be an actual risk with a wholesome Kawhi Leonard again within the combine. When will Leonard return? We’ll must get again to you on that one.
15. Memphis Grizzlies (8-7, LW 10). The Grizzlies are the second unluckiest staff within the NBA up to now this season. Going by level differential, they need to be 11-4, or possibly 10-5, however they’ve misplaced 4 video games by 5 factors or much less (whereas blowing some groups out in wins). The Grizzlies lead the NBA in factors within the paint this season, averaging 59.9 factors a sport within the paint — an indication of an offense that likes to get out in transition and get downhill.
16. Miami Warmth (6-7, LW 18). A rested Jimmy Butler is a harmful Jimmy Butler. He returned to the lineup Monday after lacking 4 video games throughout 10 days, and he went off towards the 76ers with 30 factors, 10 rebounds and 0 turnovers. Whereas we’re shouting out Warmth gamers, Tyler Herro is having a profession 12 months averaging 24.2 factors a sport whereas taking pictures 45.2% from 3. Wholesome, this can be a harmful staff come the playoffs.
17. Atlanta Hawks (7-8, LW 21). Proper now, it seems to be like Atlanta gained the Dejounte Murray commerce — Dyson Daniels has been the perfect participant concerned in that deal up to now. He is made a leap averaging 14.9 factors a sport, all whereas enjoying First-Workforce All-Protection stage on the opposite finish of the courtroom, averaging 3.4 steals a sport. Daniels had 4 consecutive video games with 15+ factors and 5+ steals, one thing just one different participant has executed — Michael Jordan. A scout informed NBC Sports activities the leap is basically alternative and match. He was caught in a crowded wing mess in New Orleans, however now he is subsequent to a powerful level guard in Trae Younger and attending to deal with his strengths reasonably than being shoehorned into the function the Pelican wanted to be crammed. He is enjoying with a freedom he did not have earlier than, not wanting over his shoulder after each mistake.
18. San Antonio Spurs (8-8, LW 15). Victor Wembanyama has missed a few video games with a knee contusion, simply as his outdoors shot was stating to fall persistently fall. Wembanyama is taking pictures 73.4% within the paint however he’s taking 47% of his pictures from 3 (and hitting 33.9% of them. After they do fall it is a factor of magnificence, like when he dropped the primary 50-point sport of his profession this week.
19. Indiana Pacers (6-8, LW 16). Throughout the league, accidents really feel just like the story of this younger season, and that’s no completely different in Indiana. Accidents have robbed the Pacers of their depth with wings Andrew Nembhard (knee) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) out, as are reserve large males James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson (each with season-ending torn Achilles). Enjoyable sport Friday evening because the Pacers tackle the Bucks, a staff Indiana matched up with nicely final season after which knocked out of the playoffs. Milwaukee might be motivated for this one, however Indiana nonetheless has some matchup benefits.
PLAY IN HOPEFULS
20. Detroit Pistons (7-9, LW 20). After beginning the season 0-4, the Pistons are a powerful 7-5 since with the sixth-best protection within the NBA over that stretch. Detroits protection is doing it by taking away the simple pictures and contesting every little thing, their opponent have the seventh hardest shot high quality within the league, per Second Spectrum’s shot monitoring. With winnable video games developing towards Charlotte, banged-up (however scorching) Orlando, and Toronto, may the Pistons climb over .500 this week?
21. Milwaukee Bucs (5-9, LW 24). Milwaukee is utilizing a softer a part of the schedule to proper the ship, having gained 3-of-4. On the optimistic facet, Milwaukee beat Houston and Detroit on this stretch, but it surely wanted OT towards Detroit and misplaced to Charlotte (on a horrible name, however nonetheless an unpleasant loss). The Bucks protection has regarded higher, however what has actually pushed this week is a locked-in Giannis Antetokounmpo enjoying like his MVP self. Bulls, Pacers, Hornets and Warmth on the schedule this week, it is an opportunity for the Bucks to maintain rolling in the fitting path.
22. Brooklyn Nets (6-9, LW 19). As re-emphasized this week in one other spherical of studies (stating what we already knew): The Nets stable begin to the season doesn’t change their plans to be sellers on the commerce deadline. The Nets have dropped 5-of-7 towards a more durable stretch of the schedule (however discovered their footing Monday evening towards Charlotte). If Brooklyn wins it tends to be in a shootout with Cam Thomas and/or Cameron Johnson going off for large numbers, as a result of the staff’s protection is twenty fifth within the league and is not successful them many video games (getting Nic Claxton wholesome and again within the lineup will assist, he has missed three video games with a sprained ankle).
23. Charlotte Hornets (5-9, LW 22). Among the many vivid spots in Charlotte has been reserve heart Moussa Diabaté stepping up, enjoying nicely and being a beast on the boards. He is been pressed into motion on account of harm, and the third-year heart out of France (by means of Michigan) has been stable defensively and powerful on the glass (he had 10 offensive rebounds towards the Bucks). It was good to see Brandon Miller have a powerful sport towards Brooklyn (27 factors) after he struggled since getting back from harm.
24. Chicago Bulls (6-9, LW 23). One of many causes groups have been hesitant to commerce for Zach LaVine has been issues about his protection, however he has performed higher on that finish of the courtroom this season. “I am undoubtedly making an attempt,” LaVine informed Joe Cowley of The Chicago Solar-Occasions. “I do know what I can do on that finish, particularly in isolation one-on-one, and simply attempt to make it robust on them.” LaVine is averaging 21.6 factors a sport taking pictures 42% from 3, however his potential to get factors was by no means the problem, it is all the time been the scale of the contract and harm historical past. Nonetheless, his identify will come up across the commerce deadline.
CAPTURE THE (COOPER) FLAGG
25. Portland Path Blazers (6-8, LW 27). Here is a sentence I did not assume I would write this season: This rating could also be too low for the Path Blazers. They’ve gained three straight, and executed it with out Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons (each out with accidents). Shaedon Sharpe has stepped up like a star averaging 27.3 factors a sport in these three wins, whereas backup facilities Robert Williams III and rookie Donovan Clingan have impressed on each ends of the courtroom. Actuality could come crashing down on Portland because it heads out of a five-game street journey that features Oklahoma Metropolis and Houston (twice), however this staff is enjoyable and performs arduous.
26. New Orleans Pelicans (4-11, LW 26). We’re simply 15 video games into the season, however in a deep West, it is virtually time to have this dialog: At what level do the Pelicans pull the plug on this season and turn out to be sellers on the commerce deadline? New Orleans hasn’t been wholesome, however Zion Williamson is not returning anytime quickly and key gamers like Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones stay out. The Pelicans are already 4 video games out of the No. 10 seed and have to leap 4 groups to get there. New Orleans controls its personal first-round decide. It isn’t time but, however in a 12 months with a powerful high of the lottery, it is going to be time to have that dialog sooner reasonably than later.
27. Toronto Raptors (3-12, LW 28). Monday’s win towards Indiana snapped a seven-game dropping streak. One vivid spot of late has been the play of heart Jakob Poeltl, who has averaged 30 factors and 15 rebounds an evening over the past three video games. Continued improved play may up his commerce worth heading towards the commerce deadline (Poeltl is on a really tradable contract). Do not anticipate to see a variety of wins till Scottie Barnes returns from his orbital bone fracture.
28. Philadelphia 76ers (2-11, LW 25). Workforce conferences are overrated by way of the influence they have an inclination to have, but it surely seemed like Philadelphia wanted one within the wake of falling to 2-11. Perhaps this staff could possibly be superb if Tyrese Maxey acquired wholesome, Paul George stayed wholesome, Joel Embiid acquired in higher situation, if these three began lastly enjoying like All-Stars, if Nick Nurse coached them tougher and if their key function gamers began performing higher. Nevertheless, even when that occurs, this sluggish begin has made any postseason path this staff climbs as much as a lot tougher. This feels lots like a season in the past in Philly — a play-in staff bounced within the first spherical by a superior opponent.
29. Utah Jazz (3-11, LW 29). Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht dropped 37 on the Jazz Tuesday and this postgame quote from Utah coach Will Hardy sums up their season: “It appeared like everyone within the fitness center knew that Dalton Knecht was going to shoot the subsequent shot except a number of individuals. The issue was that these few individuals had been on our staff.” Ouch.
30. Washington Wizards (2-11, LW 30). The Wizards have dropped 9 in a row, with the worst protection within the NBA over that stretch and the second-worst protection. If you happen to’re on the lookout for vivid spots, um… rookie Alex Sarr scored 20 towards Atlanta on Friday. And Malcolm Brogdon has returned from thumb surgical procedure. So there’s that.