NBA Power Rankings – The Tyreses top the ranks as the 76ers and Pacers continue their ascent

ESPNNov 22, 2023, 08:00 AM ET15 Minute ReadTyrese Maxey, Tyrese Haliburton, and Karl Anthony-TownsESPNAs the 2023-24 NBA season enters its second month, the race to the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June is still wide open. A lot has happened in the last couple of weeks, and it’s been dynamic thus far. The NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament has brought a new significance to the games as the group stage concludes on Nov. 28 and knock-out games start on Dec. 4. Up until now, the Boston Celtics have secured the top spot in the rankings, displacing the reigning Denver Nuggets, who had held the position since the preseason. The Philadelphia 76ers are also making significant strides, and the Sacramento Kings have muscled their way into the top ten after a recent six-game win streak.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have taken a significant dip following a series of tough road games that resulted in a three-game losing streak. The Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons continue to struggle, sitting at the bottom of the ranking.

Note: Throughout the regular season, our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, and Ohm Youngmisuk) will be ranking all 30 teams from top to bottom, assessing which teams are currently playing the best basketball and which ones are emerging as title contenders.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Boston Celtics
The Celtics have maintained a stellar record when their key players, such as Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis, are on the court. This has helped them reclaim their pole position in the Eastern Conference. They have an offense and defense that both rank in the top five and boast a commanding record of 11-3.

2. Denver Nuggets
Although the defending champions have experienced a slight dip in form, still standing strong at 10-4, the Nuggets are looking to rebound and solidify their position as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

3. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers continue to dominate the Eastern Conference with their potent offense led by Tyrese Maxey and MVP Joel Embiid. They are seeking to reignite their winning form as they open a two-game road trip against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

4. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have bounced back from a slow start, securing five consecutive wins and demonstrating a newfound offensive prowess. With Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way, the Bucks are set to face a tough test against Jrue Holiday and the Boston Celtics.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Currently leading the Western Conference with an impressive 10-3 record, the Timberwolves have showcased their defensive prowess and resilience, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder
With the exceptional performances of rookies Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace, the Thunder have surged to a 10-4 record. Their shooting prowess has been unparalleled, setting the stage for further success in the upcoming games.

7. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks find themselves struggling defensively after a series of contrasting performances. Coach Jason Kidd is looking to shore up their defense and regain stability as they face challenging opponents in the coming games.

8. Miami Heat
Despite the absence of Tyler Herro, the Heat have rallied and secured impressive wins. Duncan Robinson has been instrumental in their recent success, providing a significant scoring boost to the team.

9. Sacramento Kings
The Kings are steadily finding their rhythm after a tough period, with De’Aaron Fox leading the charge. They are aiming to improve their three-point shooting and maintain their resurgence in the Western Conference.

10. New York Knicks
Mitchell Robinson’s exceptional offensive rebounding has propelled the Knicks to prominence in the league. They are looking to leverage these opportunities to secure victories in their upcoming home games.

11. Phoenix Suns
Despite facing challenges with Bradley Beal’s injury, the Suns have persevered with strong performances from Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, showcasing their resilience as they navigate the season.

Whether it’s the change in dynamics, resilience in the face of challenges, or emerging stars, the 2023-24 NBA season has already proven to be a rollercoaster ride filled with unpredictable turns and compelling performances. As the season progresses, the battle for supremacy will only intensify, promising fans an exhilarating journey ahead.

Reference

Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.