NBA Power Rankings: Nuggets, Celtics and Bucks continue to leading league hierarchy
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What does the Harden trade suggest for Embiid and the 76ers? (1:52)
Adrian Wojnarowski discusses the next actions for the 76ers now that James Harden is on the relocation. (1:52)
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ESPN.com
Nov 1, 2023, 08:00 AM ET
The 2023-24 NBA project is formally in complete swing, and in the very first 2 weeks, we’ve seen some surprises and a couple of groups having a hard time out eviction.
The 4-0 Denver Nuggets continue to control as one of the couple of unbeaten groups left in the league, together with the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celticsboth 3-0. And in the extremely competitive Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers sit directly at.500, as they continue to discover their rhythm in handling LeBron James minutes.
The Philadelphia 76ers stay in the leading 10 in spite of the drama surrounding James Harden that capped on Tuesday, as Harden was traded to the LA Clippers
And although it’s early, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets have yet to discover their groove as the only groups without a win.
Keep in mind: Throughout the routine season, our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk) is ranking all 30 groups from leading to bottom, analyzing which groups are playing the very best basketball now and which groups are looking most like title competitors.
Previous rankings: Post-Finals | Week 1
Dive to a group:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MINUTES
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
2023-24 record: 4-0
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Previous ranking: 1
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Next video games: @ MIN (Nov. 1), vs. DAL (Nov. 3), vs. CHI (Nov. 4), vs. NO (Nov. 6)
The champs are rolling and rapidly advising everybody that they are a leading group in the NBA in spite of all the interesting offseason relocations by groups like Phoenix, Boston and Milwaukee. Not just do the Nuggets have the very best gamer in the league in Nikola Jokicwho appears primed for a 3rd MVP, however they boast the very best beginning 5. Jokic, Jamal Murray & Co. have actually been dominant sometimes, as they revealed versus Oklahoma City, however they’ve likewise been imperturbable when the video game is on the line, like they were at Memphis. As soon as Michael Malone’s 2nd system starts to fit together, the Nuggets will be a genuine horror.– Ohm Youngmisuk
2023-24 record: 3-0
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Previous ranking: 3
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Next video games: vs. IND (Nov. 1), @ BK (Nov. 4), @ MIN (Nov. 6)
Things could not have actually gone better over the opening week for Boston, which swept its very first 3 video games and saw Kristaps Porzingis right away get comfy in his brand-new environments. Plus, the combination of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White is among the very best protective guard duos in the league. — Tim Bontemps
2023-24 record: 2-1
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Previous ranking: 2
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Next video games: @ TOR (Nov. 1), vs. NY (Nov. 3), @ BK (Nov. 6)
The collaboration in between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo is off to a strong start, coming together for a set of wins over Eastern Conference competitors in Philadelphia and Miami. Both gamers have actually clicked off the court due to the fact that of their comparable characters. The Bucks likewise recognize it will be a work in development before the group totally discovers its cohesion, specifically on defense, where the Bucks rank 25th in effectiveness through the very first 3 video games. — Jamal Collier
4. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 record: 2-2
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Previous ranking: 4
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Next video games: vs. SA (Nov. 2), @ PHI (Nov. 4), @ DET (Nov. 5)
The buzz surrounding the Suns’ offseason, Phoenix fans have actually had to wait to see their group take shape. There was a motivating opening-night win versus Golden State for Devin Booker (32 points, 8 helps), however he hasn’t completed considering that due to the fact that of a foot injury. Bradley Beal hasn’t played yet since of a back injury. Kevin Durant (27.7 points per video game) keeps rolling right along, playing all 3 contests and passing Hakeem Olajuwon for No. 12 on the all-time scoring list while doing so. — Dave McMenamin
2023-24 record: 3-1
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Previous ranking: 6
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Next video games: vs. SAC (Nov. 1), @ OKC (Nov. 3), @ CLE (Nov. 5), @ DET (Nov. 6)
It’s a little sample size, however it appears like the Chris Paul age in Golden State is working– like, truly working. A season earlier, the Warriors might hardly endure the non-Stephen Curry minutes. With Paul coming off of the bench as a 6th male, Golden State is flourishing in them. Completely healthy, the depth on this group is precisely what a title competitor appears like. And with Curry off to his most popular start considering that the season he won his consentaneous MVP in 2016, the Warriors are looking frightening. — Kendra Andrews
2023-24 record: 2-1
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Previous ranking: 8
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Next video games: vs. TOR (Nov. 2), vs. PHX (Nov. 4), vs. WAS (Nov. 6)
The James Harden trade was as much about handing the secrets to the franchise over to Tyrese Maxey as it had to do with carrying on from The Beard. Maxey’s play over the very first 3 video games, in which he won his very first Eastern Conference Player of the Week award, supported why lots of in Philly think he can be an All-Star this season. — Bontemps
2023-24 record: 3-0
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Previous ranking: 17
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Next video games: vs. CHI (Nov. 1), @ DEN (Nov. 3), vs. CHA (Nov. 5), @ ORL (Nov. 6)
Luka Doncic is the very first gamer to lead his group outright in points, rebounds and helps in the very first 3 video games of a season, according to ESPN Stats & & Information research study. He likewise signed up with Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only gamers with several 30-point triple-doubles in the very first 3 video games, according to ESPN Stats & & Info information. And his 49-point night versus the Nets– not one of the triple-doubles– has actually been Doncic’s a lot of incredible efficiency throughout Dallas’ 3-0 start. — Tim MacMahon
8. LA Clippers
2023-24 record: 3-1
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Previous ranking: 12
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Next video games: @ LAL (Nov. 1), @ NY (Nov. 6)
The Clippers lastly accepted a handle the Sixers on a trade for James Harden. While the Clippers felt they required to include more skill to provide Kawhi Leonard and Paul George a much better contended a title and enhance their death and scoring, Ty Lue will have a lot to determine. Will he begin Russell WestbrookHarden, George, Leonard and Ivica ZubacWhich mixes will work best for Lue? Can 4 of the leading 12 gamers in seclusion ownerships discover chemistry rapidly? Where does Terance Mann fit when he is back from injury, and who will end up video games? Just time will inform, however the Clippers feel they have actually updated their skill and their possibilities at contending for a title.– Youngmisuk
2023-24 record: 2-1
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Previous ranking: 13
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Next video games: @ GS (Nov. 1), @ HOU (Nov. 4), @ HOU (Nov. 6)
The beam is in fact brighter this season than last. It makes good sense, since the Kings do not appear to have actually fallen back from last season. They did take a significant blow early with De’Aaron Fox slated to miss out on a minimum of one video game– perhaps more– however if they can survive without him, they need to stay best in the mix in the stacked Western Conference. — Andrews
2023-24 record: 3-1
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Previous ranking: 14
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Next video games: vs. NO (Nov. 1), vs. GS (Nov. 3), vs. ATL (Nov. 6)
Chet Holmgren has actually right away filled the Thunder’s requirements for rim defense and 3-point shooting. He is the very first gamer in NBA history with a minimum of 10 blocks and 10 made threes in his very first 4 profession video games, per ESPN Stats & & Info research study. He has actually made 62.5% of his threes– the very best portion in the league amongst gamers with a minimum of 10 efforts– and is connected for 2nd with 2.8 blocks per video game.– MacMahon
2023-24 record: 2-2
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Previous ranking: 5
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Next video games: vs. NO (Nov. 1), vs. GS (Nov. 3), vs. ATL (Nov. 6)
It was clear early on Monday that it was going to be a various kind of night for D’Angelo Russell when he soaked on Orlando’s Paolo Banchero“Surprisingly, D-Lo soaked the ball,” Russell quipped later about his very first slam considering that being traded to L.A. last season. Russell went on to score 12 of his team-high 28 points in the 4th quarter versus the Magic to get the Lakers back to.500 at 2-2. — McMenamin
2023-24 record: 2-1
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Previous ranking: 16
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Next video games: @ OKC (Nov. 1), vs. DET (Nov. 2), vs. ATL (Nov. 4), @ DEN (Nov. 6)
On Monday night versus the Warriors, Zion Williamson scored his 3,000 th point in profession video game No. 117. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, because the NBA-ABA merger, just Michael Jordan (108 video games) has actually signed up 3,000 points quicker than Williamson. Williamson connected the marks of David Thompson and Billy Knight while achieving the task 3 video games quicker than David Robinson and Shaquille O’Neal did. — Andrew Lopez
2023-24 record: 1-3
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Previous ranking: 9
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Next video games: @ NY (Nov. 1), @ IND (Nov. 3), vs. GS (Nov. 5)
Darius Garland missed out on 2 of Cleveland’s very first 3 video games with a stretched left hamstring, and Donovan Mitchell missed out on one contest since of best hamstring concerns, making it challenging to pass judgment on the Cavs’ early battles. Beginner Max Strus has actually done his finest to fill their lacks, notching 2 20-point, 10-rebound efficiencies in the very first 3 video games after never ever reaching the 20-10 mark in 189 profession video games before signing up with the Cavaliers.-– McMenamin
14. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 record: 2-1
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Previous ranking: 19
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Next video games: @ BOS (Nov. 1), vs. CLE (Nov. 3), vs. CHA (Nov. 4), vs. SA (Nov. 6)
With All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton at the helm, Indiana is currently on track to be among the very best death groups in the NBA. Haliburton is balancing a league-high 12.3 helps, and the Pacers have actually acquired 100 helps through 3 video games, the most by any team given that 1988. It’s why Indiana has the second-best offending ranking in the league early on. — Collier
15. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 record: 2-2
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Previous ranking: 18
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Next video games: vs. WSH (Nov. 1), @ NO (Nov. 4), @ OKC (Nov. 6)
Dejounte Murray assisted the Hawks rebound from back-to-back losses to begin the season with a 41-point effort versus the Timberwolves. He connected his profession high, and it marked the 3rd time he dropped 40 in any video game, all with the Hawks. In each of the 40-point efficiencies, Murray has actually likewise installed a minimum of 5 rebounds and 5 helps. — Lopez
16. Orlando Magic
2023-24 record: 2-2
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Previous ranking: 21
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Next video games: @ UTAH (Nov. 2), vs. LAL (Nov. 4), vs. DAL (Nov. 6)
The Magic left to their ninth 2-0 start in franchise history and practically enhanced to 3-0 before the Lakers retreated late. In Friday’s win over the Trail Blazers, bros Franz Wagner and Mo Wagner integrated to score the last 16 points for the Magic. Something that has actually assisted Orlando early has actually been its defense. It held groups to 103 points per 100 belongings in its very first 4 video games, the second-best mark in the NBA. — Lopez
2023-24 record: 2-2
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Previous ranking: 7
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Next video games: vs. CLE (Nov. 1), @ MIL (Nov. 3), vs. LAC (Nov. 6)
The most appealing part in New York’s split of its very first 4 video games? The play of RJ Barrettwho is 9-for-21 from 3-point variety. If Barrett can shoot anywhere near 40 percent from 3 this season, it would be an enormous increase to the Knicks’ offending attack.– Bontemps
18. Miami Heat
2023-24 record: 1-3
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Previous ranking: 10
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Next video games: vs. BK (Nov. 1), vs. WAS (Nov. 3), vs. LAL (Nov. 6)
It wasn’t the greatest start for the safeguarding Eastern Conference champs, who squeaked out a success versus the Pistons in the past dropping successive video games at Boston, Minnesota and Milwaukee. Tyler Herro has actually delighted in a strong start, ending up being the 4th gamer in Heat history to score 100 points in the group’s very first 4 video games of a season, signing up with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade (two times) and Alonzo Mourning. — Lopez
19. Detroit Pistons
2023-24 record: 2-2
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Previous ranking: 27
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Next video games: vs. POR (Nov. 1), @ NO (Nov. 2), vs. PHX (Nov. 5), vs. GS (Nov. 6)
The Pistons have actually formally let loose Jalen Duren — who will turn 20 years old this month– as their beginning center, and he has actually placed on a couple of mind-blowing efficiencies. Through his very first 4 video games, Duren is balancing 15.5 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, and Detroit appears like it has actually discovered another focal point for the franchise moving forward.– Collier
20. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 record: 1-2
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Previous ranking: 15
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Next video games: vs. DEN (Nov. 1), vs. UTAH (Nov. 4), vs. BOS (Nov. 6)
The Wolves have actually revealed flashes through their very first 3 video games, with extended stretches of suppressing defense for a group that ranks 8th in protective performance and spurts of appealing offending capacity. Minnesota showed both sides of an up-and-down start on Monday versus Atlanta, racing out to a huge lead with a motivating very first half then having a hard time in the 2nd as they enabled the Hawks to come back.– Collier
21. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 record: 2-2
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Previous ranking: 22
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Next video games: @ DAL (Nov. 1), vs. BK (Nov. 3), @ DEN (Nov. 4), vs. UTAH (Nov. 6)
It was an eventful very first week in Chicago, from a players-only conference following the season opener and a wild resurgence triumph versus Toronto to a 50-point, no-assists efficiency from Zach LaVine in a video game the Bulls visited double digits and a benches-clearing event in a win over the Pacers. The Bulls have actually taken a winding roadway to their 2-2 record.– Collier
22. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 record: 1-2
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Previous ranking: 20
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Next video games: @ MIA (Nov. 1), @ CHI (Nov. 3), vs. BOS (Nov. 4), vs. MIL (Nov. 6)
Among the most significant surprises of this season so far has actually been the play of Nets secure Camera Thomaswho scored a minimum of 30 points in all 3 video games up until now and is shooting an incredible 61% from the flooring.– Bontemps
23. Utah Jazz
2023-24 record: 1-3
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Previous ranking: 23
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Next video games: vs. MEM (Nov. 1), vs. ORL (Nov. 2), @ MIN (Nov. 4), @ CHI (Nov. 6)
Walker Kesslera first-team All-Rookie choice in big part since he was an elite rim protector, has actually left to a sluggish start because department. Kessler has actually obstructed just 3 shots in 4 video games. He balanced 2.9 blocks in his last 34 video games last season after ending up being a full-time starter.– MacMahon
2023-24 record: 2-2
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Previous ranking: 25
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Next video games: @ PHX (Nov. 2), vs. TOR (Nov. 5), @ IND (Nov. 6)
In the Spurs’ overtime win versus the Rockets, Victor Wembanyama ended up with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 takes. He ended up being the very first Spurs novice considering that Tim Duncan to have at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks in a video game (and Duncan did it at the end of his novice season in 1998) and the very first to have a 20-point double-double in his very first 2 profession video games because David Robinson in 1989.– Lopez
25. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 record: 1-3
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Previous ranking: 24
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Next video games: vs. MIL (Nov. 1), @ PHI (Nov. 2), @ SA (Nov. 5)
It has actually been all downhill for Toronto because its opening-night win over Minnesota, consisting of frustrating losses to Chicago and Portland. Things aren’t ready to get any much easier, either, with a back-to-back today versus Milwaukee and Philadelphia.– Bontemps
2023-24 record: 1-2
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Previous ranking: 29
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Next video games: @ HOU (Nov. 1), @ IND (Nov. 4), @DAL (Nov. 5)
The season left to an appealing start with a home-opening win over Atlanta. That was followed by 2 home losses to Detroit and Brooklyn. LaMelo Ball filled package rating in the very first 2 video games however has actually had a hard time to discover his shot, shooting 11-of-44 from the field, consisting of simply 6-for-24 from 3. Novice Brandon Millerhowever, had his very first 20-plus-point video game (22 points, 9 rebounds) in a loss to Brooklyn on Monday. — Youngmisuk
2023-24 record: 0-4
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Previous ranking: 11
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Next video games: @ UTAH (Nov. 1), @ POR (Nov. 3), @ POR (Nov. 5)
The Grizzlies are 22-24 (including their first-round playoff series loss) given that center Steven Adams went down with a knee injury in January. Adams will miss out on the whole season after it was just recently figured out that he required surgical treatment, which he tried to prevent with summertime rehab. Memphis has actually begun 0-4 for the very first time because the 2004-05 season.– MacMahon
2023-24 record: 1-3
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Previous ranking: 28
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Next video games: @ DET (Nov. 1), vs. MEM (Nov. 3), vs. MEM (Nov. 5)
It has actually been a rough start for Portland. 3rd general choice Scoot Henderson has yet to discover his scoring touch, going simply 1-of-18 on 3-point efforts through his very first 4 video games. In addition, Anfernee Simons will be out the next 4 to 6 weeks with a best thumb injury.– Andrews
2023-24 record: 1-2
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Previous ranking: 30
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Next video games:@ ATL (Nov. 1), @ MIA (Nov. 3), @ PHI (Nov. 6)
Just 3 video games into the season, the Wizards have the play that might best specify their restoring year. Jordan Poole was dribbling on a quick break when he began to pull it back out without numbers versus Boston. As Poole delicately dribbled back to the 3-point line, he turned and attempted to introduce a 3 as his colleagues were still capturing up, just to see Kristaps Porzingis get a piece of it. Naturally, the head-scratching play went viral. In 3 video games, the Wizards have actually given up 143 points and 126 in their 2 losses and their finest huge guy, Daniel Gaffordis currently hurt. It’s going to be a long season in D.C. — Youngmisuk
30. Houston Rockets
2023-24 record: 0-3
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Previous ranking: 26
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Next video games: vs. CHA (Nov. 1), vs. SAC (Nov. 4), vs (Nov. 6)
Alperen Sengun had 58 points, 27 rebounds and 20 helps throughout the Rockets’ 0-3 start, signing up with Nikola Jokic (3 times) and Domantas Sabonis as the only centers because the ABA-NBA merger to set up those numbers in the very first 3 video games of a season. Houston has actually been outscored by 16 points in Sengun’s 102 minutes.– MacMahon
