We’re slightly over a month into the 2024-25 NBA season and we’re already previous the midway level of the NBA Cup group section with groups going through knockout spherical clinching situations this week.
Some groups are dominating in group play, whereas others are specializing in the long-term objectives of the common season. Both approach, each recreation counts relating to our weekly rankings.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are separating themselves from the remainder of the Japanese Convention, using the most effective begins in franchise historical past with their solely loss coming by the hands of their greatest rival, the Boston Celtics.
In the meantime, the Golden State Warriors look like in championship type once more and are chasing the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, who’re at present main a stacked Western Convention.
This week, we requested our NBA insiders to choose one lesson realized from each workforce this season. What has, and hasn’t, labored out for groups within the first month? How are accidents impacting alternatives? Which groups are falling into rebuild mode already?
Listed below are the up to date rankings for all 30 groups.
Be aware: Workforce rankings are primarily based on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) suppose groups belong this season.
Earlier rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20
Bounce to a workforce:ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLEDAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | INDLAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MINNO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHXPOR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2024-25 file: 17-1
Earlier rating: 1
Subsequent video games: vs. ATL (Nov. 27), @ ATL (Nov. 29), vs. BOS (Dec. 1), vs. WAS (Dec. 3)
The time for Cleveland is now. With solely two gamers within the rotation aged 30 or older (Caris LeVert and Georges Niang), the franchise incorporating a brand new coach in Kenny Atkinson and the group coming off two straight playoff appearances, it might have been comprehensible if Cleveland handled the season like one other constructing block. As a substitute, a 15-0 begin has Donovan Mitchell’s preseason declaration to Andscape’s Marc Spears sounding prescient: “We’re championship contenders once we’re wholesome.” — Dave McMenamin
2. Boston Celtics
Their 3-point taking pictures stays unstoppable. For the reason that begin of final season, when the defending champions shoot over 40% from 3-point vary — together with Monday’s rout of the Clippers — Boston is a staggering 44-1. However maybe the extra spectacular stat is that when Boston shoots underneath 35% the Celtics are 20-14. With Kristaps Porzingis wholesome and again within the fold, Boston’s high eight rotation gamers are all plus 3-point shooters who may also maintain their very own on protection. No different workforce within the league can match that two-way versatility. — Tim Bontemps
3. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
2024-25 file: 13-4
Earlier rating: 4
Subsequent video games: @ GS (Nov. 27), @ LAL (Nov. 29), @ HOU (Dec. 1), vs. UTAH (Dec. 3)
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Measurement nonetheless issues within the NBA. The Thunder realized this lesson even whereas en path to the West’s No. 1 seed and the second spherical of the playoffs final season, which is why Oklahoma Metropolis made recruiting 7-footer Isaiah Hartenstein the highest offseason precedence. However OKC nonetheless needed to endure a stretch when Chet Holmgren suffered a critical harm and Hartenstein was nonetheless recovering from a damaged hand, going 3-3 over the span which began the evening Holmgren was harm. Hartenstein immediately confirmed his worth in his Thunder debut final Wednesday, recording 13 factors, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks in 29 minutes throughout a win over Portland. — Tim MacMahon
4. Golden State Warriors
No lead is protected. Pretty much as good because the Warriors have been, they let two wins slip away to the Spurs and Nets in stinging style. They blew a 17-point lead in San Antonio within the remaining 13:55 and seemed drained on the second evening of a back-to-back. After which they squandered a 19-point lead within the remaining 19:13 to the Nets. The Warriors misplaced consecutive video games regardless of main by 15 or extra in every for the primary time since April 2000. Making these losses much more painful is the truth that the Warriors’ upcoming schedule is extraordinarily troublesome. Their subsequent eight video games are in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis, Phoenix, Denver, Houston, Minnesota and Memphis. — Ohm Youngmisuk
5. Houston Rockets
Intense execution of simplistic schemes wins. It was solely a matter of time till Houston began to exhibit the grit and toughness that outlined coach Ime Udoka’s enjoying profession. It reveals totally on protection, the place Udoka calls for his gamers win their particular person matchups. The Rockets rank No. 2 in defensive effectivity behind the Thunder. Credit score veterans Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet for establishing Houston’s defense-first mentality that is been adopted by youthful gamers akin to Tari Eason, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. because the Rockets proceed to try in a scheme devoted to taking away the 3-pointer. — Michael Wright
6. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets need to rediscover the starvation they’d throughout their title run. Whereas Denver has the very best participant on the planet in Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets aren’t enjoying like they’ve a finite window to contend. The Nuggets already received a dose of life with out Jokic when he was away from the workforce for 3 video games, two of which had been losses to a depleted New Orleans squad and Memphis. If a 145-118 beatdown by the hands of the Knicks on Monday at house would not wake Denver up, a furious Michael Malone in all probability will. “I would like Nikola Jokic,” Malone mentioned when requested about needing extra vocal management exterior of Russell Westbrook. “I would like Jamal Murray. I would like guys who’ve been right here, in that beginning lineup, to be vocal. ” –Youngmisuk
7. Los Angeles Lakers
2024-25 file: 10-7
Earlier rating: 7
Subsequent video games: @ SA (Nov. 27), vs. OKC (Nov. 29), @ UTAH (Dec. 1), @ MIN (Dec. 2)
The identical issues persist for Los Angeles. After the Lakers had been humiliated by the Nuggets within the second half Saturday — dropping for the thirteenth time in 14 video games in opposition to the workforce that eradicated them from the postseason the previous two seasons — Anthony Davis mentioned L.A.’s flaws are frequent information across the league. “The scouting report on us,” Davis mentioned, “run once we miss, run in transition and offensive rebound, crash the glass.” L.A. is final within the NBA, permitting 19.3 fast-break factors per recreation and second to final in offensive boards allowed (13.3). However hey, at the least they’re conscious of what to deal with. — McMenamin
8. Memphis Grizzlies
2024-25 file: 11-7
Earlier rating: 11
Subsequent video games: @ DET (Nov. 27), vs. NO (Nov. 29), vs. IND (Dec. 1), @ DAL (Dec. 3)
Accidents open alternatives. What a weekend for Scotty Pippen Jr., who dropped a career-best 30 factors at his Corridor of Fame father’s outdated stomping grounds, taking pictures a scorching 13-of-16 with 10 assists in opposition to the Bulls. The efficiency confirmed simply how harmful Memphis will probably be as soon as it will get again to full well being. Ja Morant returned Monday, and apparently, the Grizzlies had been slightly extra environment friendly offensively within the video games the two-time All-Star had missed than those he performed. Morant will look to ease again right into a rhythm as the subsequent three video games on the present four-game homestand come in opposition to groups with information under .500. — Wright
9. Orlando Magic
2024-25 file: 12-7
Earlier rating: 9
Subsequent video games: vs. CHI (Nov. 27), @ BKN (Nov. 29), @ BKN (Dec. 1), @ NYK (Dec. 3)
Franz Wagner can deal with a go-to function. When Paolo Banchero suffered an indirect pressure on the finish of October, it was unclear how the Magic would change his shot creation. Banchero had a team-high 30% utilization fee final season and was as much as 32% of the workforce’s performs by means of Orlando’s first 5 video games. Wagner has helped fill within the hole by pushing his utilization fee from 26% in a secondary function in 2023-24 to 31.5% since Banchero’s harm with little decline in his effectivity. Even when Banchero returns, coach Jamahl Mosley might want Wagner to share lead playmaking duties with him. — Kevin Pelton
10. New York Knicks
2024-25 file: 10-7
Earlier rating: 13
Subsequent video games: @ DAL (Nov. 27), @ CHA (Nov. 29), vs. NO (Dec. 1), vs. ORL (Dec. 3)
Prolong a skinny rotation with rookies. New York, nonetheless awaiting season debuts from large males Mitchell Robinson and Treasured Achiuwa, is a comparatively skinny, precarious group for the time being with backup guard Deuce McBride having missed 5 video games as a result of sickness and a left knee harm. Coach Tom Thibodeau has had strong well being together with his beginning 5, leaning on every member of that group to the tune of 35 minutes per evening or extra over the previous two weeks. With somebody just like the trusted McBride out, Thibodeau has turned to rookies like Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet — one thing he has hardly ever executed in previous years — simply to have an eighth or ninth participant on a nightly foundation this early within the marketing campaign. — Chris Herring
11. Dallas Mavericks
2024-25 file: 10-8
Earlier rating: 12
Subsequent video games: vs. NYK (Nov. 27), @ UTAH (Nov. 30), @ POR (Dec. 1), vs. MEM (Dec. 3)
Clutch statistics are inclined to have a large variance. For the second straight season, the Mavs have served as an excessive instance of this. It was a terrific improvement final season, when Dallas was a dominant closing workforce, rating second within the league in clutch profitable proportion (23-9, .719) and first in clutch offensive ranking (127.1). That was in stark distinction to the Mavs’ clutch struggles in 2022-23 following the commerce for Kyrie Irving, when Dallas misplaced 15 of 21 clutch video games whereas limping into the lottery. The Mavs have reverted to that type early this season with a 3-7 clutch file. Dallas is 5-of-15 from the ground within the remaining minute with a one-possession margin. In distinction, the Mavs shot a league-best 55.2% in these conditions final season. — MacMahon
12. LA Clippers
2024-25 file: 11-8
Earlier rating: 15
Subsequent video games: @ WAS (Nov. 27), @ MIN (Nov. 29), vs. DEN (Dec. 1), vs. POR (Dec. 3)
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Jeff Van Gundy’s protection is life. Regardless of a blowout loss in Boston, the Clippers are off to a a lot better begin than anticipated largely as a result of their protection. When Jeff Van Gundy’s protection is at its greatest, the Clippers are an issue. Throughout their current five-game profitable streak, they held Golden State, Orlando, Sacramento and Philadelphia every underneath 100 factors. They’ve overwhelmed the Warriors twice, received at Denver and are sixth within the West. To not point out they’re doing this with out Kawhi Leonard. Till Leonard can return, the Clippers’ recipe for achievement is their scrappy and stingy protection. — Youngmisuk
13. Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant remains to be on the high of his recreation. With Durant within the lineup this season, the Suns are 9-1. With out him, heading into Tuesday in opposition to the Lakers, they had been 1-6. Coming off a gold medal summer time with Workforce USA, the 36-year-old scorer’s recreation has continued to shine, placing up MVP numbers (27.6 factors on 55%/43%/84% splits with 6.6 rebounds and three.4 assists) greater than a decade after he final received the award with the Thunder. — McMenamin
14. Minnesota Timberwolves
Chemistry takes time. Though the Wolves insisted their roster shake-up on the eve of coaching camp — exchanging Karl-Anthony Cities for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — would add energy and depth, it has been clear this season that the workforce will take time to regulate to its new make-up. Randle has had some vibrant particular person performances, however the Wolves haven’t introduced the identical depth on protection they had been recognized for final season. There’s loads of time to seize it, however the Wolves’ rising pains out of the gate are obvious. — Jamal Collier
15. San Antonio Spurs
Following the vets is the best way to go. Final season, San Antonio did not tally its first three-game profitable streak till late March. The Spurs are at present using a four-game run after defeating the Jazz on Tuesday. Credit score veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes for instructing the younger Spurs constant execution when the stakes are highest. San Antonio is a top-10 workforce in clutch time when it comes to win proportion (57.1%) after ending final season 13-28 in clutch video games. Victor Wembanyama is again after a three-game absence whereas Devin Vassell seems nearer to a return. — Wright
16. Milwaukee Bucks
Do not overreact. After a disastrous begin to the season, the Bucks have began to proper the ship a bit. They’ve received six of their previous seven video games coming into Tuesday to climb again into the No. 6 slot within the Japanese Convention, proper again within the combine for a playoff spot regardless of a 2-8 begin. For the reason that starting of November, the Bucks rank within the high 10 in defensive effectivity, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is enjoying like an MVP averaging a career-high 32.4 factors whereas taking pictures 61% from the sphere. Their win streak got here throughout a comfortable spot within the schedule, so let’s examine if they will do it in opposition to more durable competitors earlier than declaring all of them the best way again. — Collier
17. Miami Warmth
2024-25 file: 7-8
Earlier rating: 18
Subsequent video games: @ CHA (Nov. 27), vs. TOR (Nov. 29), @ TOR (Dec. 1), @ BOS (Dec. 2)
The beginning lineup wants to alter. Miami entered this season desirous to see what the group of Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo seemed like. The outcome? That group, throughout eight video games this season coming into Tuesday evening’s motion, has been outscored by 10.6 factors per 100 possessions. Consequently, Rozier got here off the bench after getting back from harm Tuesday in opposition to Milwaukee and Butler stays in a extra ball-dominant function — a probable development shifting ahead. — Bontemps
18. Sacramento Kings
2024-25 file: 8-10
Earlier rating: 14
Subsequent video games: @ MIN (Nov. 27), @ POR (Nov. 29), vs. SA (Dec. 1), vs. HOU (Dec. 3)
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It is robust to construct an elite offense with out 3-pointers. Having added midrange maestro DeMar DeRozan to the duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings have dominated contained in the arc. Solely the Cavaliers have shot higher on 2-point makes an attempt than Sacramento’s 58%. But the Kings rank simply twelfth in efficient area aim proportion as a result of they’re close to the underside of the NBA in 3-point makes an attempt (twenty fourth) and proportion (twenty sixth). Sacramento can hope for higher taking pictures by slumping Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray, all under 30% from 3. With out it, the Kings might not have sufficient scoring effectivity to threaten for a top-six spot. — Pelton
19. Detroit Pistons
2024-25 file: 8-11
Earlier rating: 19
Subsequent video games: @ MEM (Nov. 27), @ IND (Nov. 29), vs. PHI (Nov. 30), vs. MIL (Dec. 3)
Protection is the simplest approach to enhance. A lot of the deal with the Pistons has been on the taking pictures they added with veteran newcomers Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobias Harris. Though Detroit’s offensive ranking has improved from twenty seventh to twenty first, the larger positive factors have been on protection — not precisely the robust swimsuit of the additions. Very like Ime Udoka with final season’s Rockets, new Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff has introduced a defensive tradition that has helped the Pistons leap from twenty fifth in defensive ranking to twelfth, placing Detroit in rivalry for a play-in spot. — Pelton
20. Indiana Pacers
2024-25 file: 8-10
Earlier rating: 16
Subsequent video games: vs. POR (Nov. 27), vs. DET (Nov. 29), @ MEM (Dec. 1), @ TOR (Dec. 3)
Each season is totally different. The Pacers blitzed the league at first of final season with a high-engine offense and an All-Star level guard able to driving the groups towards wins. However regardless of a run to the Japanese Convention finals final season, nothing has come as straightforward for Indiana this season. Their offense has fallen from close to the highest of the league final season to 18th to date this yr. Tyrese Haliburton has struggled and accidents have decimated Indiana’s depth. It is a utterly totally different begin in comparison with how briskly the Pacers started final yr. — Collier
21. Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 file: 8-10
Earlier rating: 24
Subsequent video games: @ PHX (Nov. 27), vs. ORL (Nov. 29), vs. ORL (Dec. 1), @ CHI (Den. 2)
Ben Simmons is regressing. Following a loose-ball state of affairs, Simmons discovered himself on their own — wide-open — underneath the basket Friday with a possibility to both dunk or drop in a simple layup. However upon catching the go from Jalen Wilson, Simmons rushed the try, failing to even hit the rim. The play occurred in Philly, of all locations, the place Simmons had an identical split-second flub as a Sixer throughout a 2021 playoff recreation. It was a reminder of a tough reality: Whilst Simmons leads the Nets with 6.6 assists per recreation, his obvious confidence points have made him a shell of his former franchise participant self-due to his reluctance to shoot. In an all-important contract yr, Simmons is averaging simply 4.8 pictures, which qualifies as a profession low for the 28-year-old, no matter whether or not you rely these makes an attempt on a per-game, per-minute or per-100 possession foundation. — Herring
22. Atlanta Hawks
2024-25 file: 7-11
Earlier rating: 20
Subsequent video games: @ CLE (Nov. 27), vs. CLE (Nov. 29), @ CHA (Nov. 30), vs. NO (Dec. 2)
Turnovers can cancel out enhancements. Atlanta has improved on the defensive finish this season — twenty second in effectivity, up from twenty seventh final season. However what’s continued to carry again the Hawks defensively is their turnovers, and the way effectively opponents rating off of them. Atlanta, which coughs the ball up at an above-average clip, is surrendering 1.42 factors per possession following their live-ball turnovers, per Inpredictable, the NBA’s second-worst fee. The issue was on full show final Wednesday, when the Hawks misplaced after conceding 22 factors to Golden State following turnovers. — Herring
23. Chicago Bulls
It is higher to be early than late along with your rebuild. The primary few weeks of the Bulls season has outlined how this workforce ought to navigate the ups and downs of this rebuild. They’re nonetheless looking for the precise function for guard Josh Giddey, one of many key constructing blocks of their revamp — they’re at present being outscored with him on the courtroom. Defensively, they’re challenged when slowing any workforce down. Offensively, the Bulls are nonetheless counting on veterans Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine, each of whom are having bounce-back seasons, however wish to get extra from their younger core. The Bulls rebuild might have come slightly too late and has left them with a middling season to try to make sense of. — Collier
24. Charlotte Hornets
2024-25 file: 6-11
Earlier rating: 22
Subsequent video games: vs. MIA (Nov. 27), vs. NYK (Nov. 29), vs. ATL (Nov. 30), vs. PHI (Dec. 3)
Frontcourt depth will now be essential. Between the accidents to large males Mark Williams and Nick Richards — and most not too long ago to ahead Grant Williams, who this previous weekend was misplaced for the season to a torn ACL and meniscus in his proper knee — the Hornets have realized that they are both going to faucet into their depth, or discover some to remain afloat. Taj Gibson, 39, has been part of the rotation in current weeks, and now coach Charles Lee must determine who takes the spot of Williams, a flexible ahead who was limiting opposing gamers to only a 29.2% area aim proportion on isolation performs, the third-best mark within the NBA amongst stoppers who had confronted 20 or extra isos to date. — Herring
25. Portland Path Blazers
2024-25 file: 7-11
Earlier rating: 23
Subsequent video games: @ IND (Nov. 27), vs. SAC (Nov. 29), vs. DAL (Dec. 1), @ LAC (Dec. 3)
Do not overreact to current outcomes. Blazers followers cannot be blamed for feeling whiplash in the course of the month of November. Portland has alternated highs and lows, seemingly at random. Blazers coach Chauncey Billups referred to as out his workforce’s effort after a 45-point house loss to Memphis and Portland responded with a season-high three-game profitable streak. These good vibes dissipated with a 28-point loss at Houston on Friday, which the Blazers adopted by beating the Rockets on the again finish of a back-to-back. They could not carry that over in a 25-point loss at Memphis on Monday. Portland’s 5 losses by 25 or extra at present lead the NBA. — Pelton
26. New Orleans Pelicans
2024-25 file: 4-14
Earlier rating: 27
Subsequent video games: vs. TOR (Nov. 27), @ MEM (Nov. 29), @ NYK (Dec. 1), @ ATL (Dec. 2)
The 2024-25 season would possibly already be over. Accidents inform the story and the newest information on star Zion Williamson is not promising with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting he is not near a return. The workforce acquired optimistic information not too long ago a couple of pending return for Dejounte Murray, whereas Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III have not too long ago come again. Nonetheless, Williamson, Jose Alvarado (hamstring) and Herb Jones (shoulder) stay out as a result of accidents. As soon as all people is wholesome once more, New Orleans may have a tricky time combating its approach again into rivalry in a stacked West given how a lot floor it has misplaced already. Possibly it is time to rethink the long-term plan for Williamson. — Wright
27. Philadelphia 76ers
Age and harm considerations had been legitimate. The 76ers entered the season with questions surrounding their capability to make it by means of the season wholesome. Then, they proceeded to not even get to the common season wholesome. Now, greater than a month in, Philadelphia has performed a grand complete of six minutes with its large three of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid on the courtroom collectively — and, not surprisingly, sit on the backside of the NBA standings, with no signal of issues enhancing anytime quickly. — Bontemps
28. Toronto Raptors
2024-25 file: 4-14
Earlier rating: 29
Subsequent video games: @ NO (Nov. 27), @ MIA (Nov. 29), vs. MIA (Dec. 1), vs. IND (Dec. 3)
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The youth motion is totally underway. The Raptors at present have 5 gamers averaging greater than half-hour per recreation, with solely considered one of them — Jakob Poeltl — north of 25 years outdated. The roster has totally been flipped from the 2019 title-winning squad and has as a substitute been turned over to Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick and RJ Barrett. Consequently, Toronto just isn’t competing for a playoff spot, however for ping-pong balls within the lottery — and the possibility so as to add one other younger difference-maker. — Bontemps
29. Utah Jazz
2024-25 file: 4-13
Earlier rating: 28
Subsequent video games: vs. DEN (Nov. 27), vs. DAL (Nov. 30), vs. LAL (Dec. 1), @ OKC (Dec. 3)
The early phases of a full rebuild are right here. Not like the previous two seasons, after they had been aggressive till unloading veterans on the commerce deadline, coach Will Hardy must ship numerous classes this season. One is that minutes should be earned, even for a franchise probably (and hopefully) headed for a excessive lottery decide. Rookie Cody Williams, the No. 10 decide, has struggled with this — he returned to the bench after seven video games as a starter and has performed single-digit minutes in two of the previous three video games. — MacMahon
30. Washington Wizards
It will be one other lengthy season. Everybody knew this may be a rebuilding season in D.C. However when the Wizards beat the Hawks in consecutive video games and had been 2-2 to begin the season, Washington seemed prefer it may at the least be aggressive. Washington has misplaced 12 straight following these Atlanta wins, 11 of the losses coming by 10 or extra factors. A minimum of constructing blocks like Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr present flashes of enchancment and proceed to get loads of minutes and expertise. — Youngmisuk
