The NBA season has kicked off with teams eagerly competing for standings as they settle into their routines. After an analysis of starters and depth last month, the recent performances of teams offer fresh insights into their play styles and potential directions for the season ahead. As we head into Week 3 of the NBA Power Rankings, it’s essential to recognize the volatility of early rankings—teams that excel now may face challenges later as the season wears on and the true character of each roster is revealed.
This week, we’re ranking teams on a subjective scale while also examining the rotations that define their play. Utilizing win-loss records and stats through Sunday’s games, we’ve categorized each team into five tiers:
1. **Top Contenders**
– **Oklahoma City Thunder (7-0):** The Thunder remain undefeated, bolstered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance and the top-ranked defense in the league. Even without Chet Holmgren for part of the week, they maintain their spot as the elite team to beat.
– **Houston Rockets (3-2):** Rising from last week’s 15th place, the Rockets are lighting up opponents offensively, boasting the league’s top offensive rating—an impressive feat considering they struggled offensively last season.
– **Los Angeles Lakers (5-2):** Despite some inconsistencies, the Lakers are solidly in the playoff picture, with notable performances from their key players ahead of LeBron James’s return.
– **Denver Nuggets (3-2):** Adjustments following the Michael Porter Jr. trade seem to be paying off as they find balance across their bench and starters.
– **Golden State Warriors (4-3):** Although they struggled defensively in recent matchups, there’s potential as they adjust starting lineups to optimize performances.
2. **In a Good Place**
– **San Antonio Spurs (5-1):** After their first-ever 5-0 start, the Spurs faced their first loss but have shown promise, particularly with rookie standout Victor Wembanyama.
– **Philadelphia 76ers (5-1):** Experiencing ups and downs, the Sixers are solidifying their game but will need to bring in Paul George to balance heavy minutes by their leading players.
– **Chicago Bulls (5-1):** They’ve had impressive offensive outputs but were recently caught in a losing streak against hot shooters, highlighting a need for defensive adjustments.
– **Milwaukee Bucks (4-2):** While dealing with injuries, the Bucks show promise with their newly structured lineup.
3. **The Bubble**
– **Miami Heat (3-3):** With challenges on defense while pacing as one of the fastest teams, the Heat need to adapt to their current lineup’s strengths without key players.
– **LA Clippers (3-2):** The Clippers have shown potential but are still trying to find their rhythm amid some disappointing performances.
– **New York Knicks (3-3):** Inconsistent at the start, the Knicks are grappling with offensive integration while integrating new players.
4. **Not the Tier to Fear**
– **Toronto Raptors (3-4):** Testing lineup combinations has led to mixed results, highlighting struggles with adjusting to new roles.
– **Atlanta Hawks (3-4):** Injuries are impacting depth, but players stepping up could reverse fortunes in the weeks ahead.
5. **Basement Floor**
– **Brooklyn Nets (0-6):** With no wins in the season yet, a lack of defensive consistency has drastically impacted outcomes, signaling a crucial turnaround is necessary.
– **New Orleans Pelicans (0-6):** Despite a close call against the Clippers, the team’s ongoing struggles showcase significant issues on both ends of the floor.
As the NBA progresses, early trends can change significantly. The next few weeks may see several teams experience turning points as they face assessments of their rotations and lineups. Fans are encouraged to enjoy the journey as teams navigate this ever-evolving landscape of the league.