With only a few days left until 2024, all NBA teams will begin 2025 with goals and New Year’s resolutions. Christmas Day was a huge success as all the games were decided by 10 points or less and saw the stars shine on the biggest stage. With the NBA season already near halfway, it will be interesting to see how teams perform in the New Year, which players will make the NBA All-Star game, and only six more weeks until the famous not-so-famous NBA trade deadline. Let’s see which teams will acquire players that will help elevate them into contention status while which teams decide to become sellers and focus on the future.
Let’s get right into it!
Next Week: January 4, 2025
Risers: 76ers +5, Pistons +4, Nuggets +3
Fallers: Suns -5, Mavericks, Kings -4, Warriors -3
NBA Power Rankings Week 10
1. Cleveland Cavaliers 27-4(1) –
OFF: 120.4 (1st) DEF: 107.8(9th) NET:+11.7 (1st*)
The Cavaliers had an easy schedule this week. But putting up 149 points on the 2023 NBA champs was impressive. This is the team with the best record and they won’t be moving down in the until someone deserves that spot.
Week Schedule: @ Warriors (Dec.30) @ Lakers (Dec. 31) @ Mavericks (Jan.3)
2. Oklahoma City Thunder 24-5 (2) –
OFF: 112.8(7th*) DEF: 101.1(1st) NET: +11.7(1st*)
Like the Cavs, the Thunder had an undefeated week. The big takeaway was how amazing Shai Gillgeous-Alexander is. The runner-up for NBA MVP had a dominating week averaging 43 points on over 60% shooting. And the Thunder are still the #1 team in defensive efficiency.
Week Schedule: @ Hornets (Dec.28) vs. Grizzlies (Dec.29) vs. Timberwolves (Dec.31) vs. Clippers (Jan 2) vs. Knicks (Jan. 3)
3. New York Knicks 21-10 (5) +2
OFF: 117.7 (2nd) DEF:110.3 (14th*) NET: +7.7 (5th)
The Knicks are rolling. The Knicks are 9-2 in December and are currently on a 5-game winning streak. With Karl Anthony Towns having a superstar season, now Mikal Bridges had his best game on Christmas with 41 points. Yep, the title contention buzz in the Big Apple is in full swing.
Week Schedule: @ Wizards (Dec.28) @ Wizards (Dec.30) vs. Jazz (Jan.1) @ Thunder (Jan.3)
4. Boston Celtics 23-8 (3) -1
OFF: 117.2 (3rd) DEF: 107.5(5th) NET: +9.9 (4th)
It was the worst night for the Celtics as far as shooting the 3, attempting 33 shots behind the 3-point line and only making 8. In the Christmas day game, Boston struggled with the free throw as they made only 62% at the line. Nothing to be too concerned with the Celtics, they are still the favorites just not by a long shot.
Week Schedule: vs. Pacers (Dec.29) vs. Raptors (Dec.31) @ Timberwolves (Jan.2) @ Rockets (Jan.3)
5. Memphis Grizzlies 21-10 (4) -2
OFF: 114.3(6th) DEF:105.0(4th) NET: +10.3 (3rd)
Could this team make the run at the NBA Finals? It’s for sure possible currently. These guys play fast and are a top 6 team in both offense and defense. The bad news is Ja Morant left the game with a shoulder injury and will be re-evaluated in a couple of days. The Grizzlies have the best bench in the NBA and should be able to hold the fort down worst-case scenario.
Week Schedule: @ Thunder (Dec. 29) @ Suns (Dec.31) @ Kings (Jan.3)
6. Houston Rockets 21-9 (7) +1
OFF: 109.5(17th*) DEF:103.3(2nd) NET: +6.7 (6th)
The young Rockets are on pace to win 57 games last year. Talk about improvement after 3 seasons of not winning more than 27% of their games. Despite their only loss, Alphren Segun looked dominant against the 4x NBA Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert by posting 38 points and 12 rebounds.
Week Schedule: vs. Heat (Dec.29) vs Mavericks(Jan.1) vs. Celtics (Jan 3)
7. Los Angeles Clippers 17-13 (8) +1
OFF: 108.4(21st) DEF: 106.3(5th) NET: +2.0 (12th)
Well, it’s official. Kawhi Leonard will be making his debut on January 4 against the Hawks. Once again, the Clippers were expected to miss the playoffs together and now nearly half through the season, they have the chance to run away with the Pacific Division title. It will be interesting how the dynamic works with James Harden and Norman Powell having to take smaller roles.
Week Schedule: @ Pelicans (Dec.30) @ Spurs (Dec.31) @ Thunder (Jan.2)
8. Dallas Mavericks 20-11 (6) -2
OFF: 115.2 (4th) DEF: 108.8(11th) NET: +6.4(7th)
The Mavericks are going to be for a tough challenge ahead of them as Luka Donic will now miss time with a calf strain. Luckily, the Mavericks have solid depth and a star in Kyrie Irving. However, a bad month could change the course of the season. We’ll see how Dallas does.
Week Schedule: @ Blazers (Dec.28) @ Kings (Dec.29) @ Rockets (Jan.1) vs. Cavaliers (Jan.3)
9. Milwaukee Bucks 16-13 (9) –
OFF: 111.2(11th) DEF:109.6(12th) NET: +1.3 (15th)
No Giannis no problem! With the Greek Freak out for the week, Milwaukee managed to go 2-1. Khris Middleton had his best week of the season averaging over 20 points and looking like the old all-star he once was. Let’s see how the Bucks do this upcoming week, especially with a revenge game against the Nets.
Week Schedule:@ Bulls (Dec.28) @ Pacers (Dec.30) vs. Nets (Jan.2)
10. Miami Heat 16-13 (12) +2
OFF: 110.4(13th*) DEF:109.4(10th) NET: +2.7 (8th)
New flash. Jimmy Butler will NOT be traded. For now, at least. Hopefully, this drama is put to bed at least until the end of the season. Good news, Jimmy Butler should be returning within the next week. Now it will be time for the Heat to start thinking postseason and a deep playoff run. Tyler Herro nearly halfway through the season is looking to make his first all-star appearance by averaging 24 points on 40% shooting from 3.
Week Schedule: @ Hawks (Dec.28) @ Rockets (Dec.29) vs. Pelicans (Jan 1) vs. Pacers(Jan.2)
11. Minnesota Timberwolves 16-14 (10) -1
OFF: 108.5(20th) DEF: 106.5(6th) NET:+2.1(11th)
So far the Wolves have looked good on the Texas road trip taking on wins against the Rockets and Mavericks. The Mavericks win was a statement win despite Luka Doncic leaving the game with an injury. However, Minnesota appears to be the clear loser in the Karl Anthony Towns trade so far.
Week Schedule: vs. Spurs (Dec.29) @ Thunder (Dec.31) vs. Celtics (Jan.2)
12. Denver Nuggets 16-13 (15) +3
OFF:115.2(5th) DEF: 111.6(18th) NET: +2.4(9th*)
The Nuggets are in dire need of another star because the they’re horrible and can’t create offense. There are some options the Nuggets will be able to explore but will need to find a deal because relying heavily on one player will result in an early playoff exit. Let’s also not forget about the losses to some of the bottom feeders. The Nuggets are a wild card-like team.
Week Schedule: vs. Pistons (Dec.28) @ Jazz (Dec.30) vs. Hawks (Jan.1) vs. Spurs (Jan.3)
13. Orlando Magic 19-14 (11) -2
OFF: 106.0 (26th) DEF:104.1(3rd) NET: +2.4 (9th*)
Beating the Celtics will be a highlight for this squad. Jalen Suggs has picked up the slack and embraced being the #1 scoring option and Tristin da Silva has had some big scoring games as a rookie. However, let’s not kid ourselves. Without Paolo or Franz, the Magic lack a consistent #1 option.
Week Schedule: vs. Nets (Dec.29) @ Pistons (Jan 1) @ Raptors (Jan.3)
14. Atlanta Hawks 16-15 (16) +2
OFF: 109.7(15th*) DEF:110.8(17th) NET:-2.3(18th)
Dyson Daniels has proven to be one valuable asset for the Hawks. The leader has helped Atlanta go from 17th in steals last season to #2 this season. And their offense still has a ton of potential which was shown against their win against the Bulls. The Hawks outscored them by 25 points and had a 50-point quarter. This team is deep and they have length.
Week Schedule: vs. Heat (Dec.28) @ Raptors (Dec.29) @ Nuggets(Jan.1) @ Lakers (Jan.3)
15. Los Angeles Lakers 17-13 (14) –
OFF:110.4(13th*) DEF:112.2 (19th*) NET: -2.5(20th)
The Christmas day was truly remarkable as Austin Reaves had the game-winner and a spectacular 26 points. Let’s not forget how remarkable LeBron James still able to put up 30 points and only being a few days from turning 40. It’s crazy it has been over 20 years of putting up similar stats.
Week Schedule: vs. Kings (Dec.28) vs. Cavaliers (Dec.31) vs. Blazers (Jan.2) vs. Hawks (Jan.3)
16. San Antonio Spurs 16-15 (18) +2
OFF: 109.7 (15th*) ` DEF:109.9(13th) NET:-0.8 (16th)
This is going to be another recap of how special Victor Wembyama will be. In his first NBA Christmas game, the French big man had a remarkable 42 points and 18 rebounds. San Antonio right now can easily make the playoffs depending on how they are playing come April.
Week Schedule: @ Wolves (Dec. 29) vs. Clippers (Dec.31) @ Nuggets (Jan.3)
17. Philadelphia 76ers 11-17 (22) +5
OFF: 107.8 (25th) DEF: 110.3(14th*) NET:-4.1(22nd)
I apologize if this placement is too high because of excitement. However, Christmas Day’s victory vs. the Celtics displayed what the 76ers’ potential was supposed to be during the offseason. With a relatively easy schedule this week, expect the 76ers to reach even closer to .500. It might be enough to spark a streak for Philly to get hot.
Week Schedule: @ Jazz (Dec.28) @ Blazers (Dec.30) @ Kings (Jan.1) @ Warriors (Jan.2)
18. Phoenix Suns 15-15 (13) -5
OFF: 112.8 (7th) DEF:113.8(24th) NET:-1.6 (17th)
Remember when it appeared the Suns’ biggest X-factor for success this season was Kevin Durant? Now it appears that Phoenix might need all 3 stars to win this season. This past week with Devin Booker out, the Suns went 1-3. This team is really deep in the play-in mix. At least, Bradley Beal has looked solid as the #2 option.
Week Schedule: @ Warriors (Dec.28) vs. Grizzlies (Dec.31)
19. Detroit Pistons 14-17 (23) +4
OFF:109.0(19th) DEF:112.2(19th) NET: -2.6 (21st)
Holy moly. Let’s talk about a crazy stat. Exactly 366 days ago, the Pistons nearly pulled off a shocking upset against the Celtics. But had 27 straight losses and only 2 wins. Today, Detroit has 14 wins which was their entire win total last season. Crazy what a year difference makes. The Pistons are solid and making the play-in is a legit goal this year.
Week Schedule: @ Nuggets (Dec.28) vs. Magic (Jan.1) vs. Hornets (Jan.3)
20. Golden State Warriors 15-14 (17) -3
OFF: 109.5(17th) DEF:107.5(7th) NET: +1.8 (13th)
The Warriors might need to trade for another star. After a fast start, Golden State is now expected to be what they were at the beginning of the season. A play-in team. At least Steph Curry still looks the dominant force at the near age of 37 and Jonathan Kuminga had a season-high of 34 points off the bench vs. the Clippers.
Week Schedule: vs. Suns (Dec.28) vs. Cavaliers (Dec.2) vs. 76ers (Dec.4)
21. Indiana Pacers 15-17 (19) -2
OFF: 111.7 (10th) DEF:113.6 (23rd) NET:-2.4(19th)
The Pacers got destroyed in an Eastern Conference finals rematch vs. the Celtics. A couple of tough losses which included a 37-point loss to Boston and blowing a 15-point lead to the Thunder will knock the Pacers back down to Earth after a couple of good weeks.
Week Schedule: @ Celtics (Dec.29) vs. Bucks (Dec.31) @ Heat (Jan.2)
22. Brooklyn Nets 12-19 (24) +1
OFF: 107.9(23rd) DEF: 112.4(22nd) NET: -5.0(24th)
The win against the Milwaukee Bucks proves that the Nets are still a team that can beat any team on any night. Cameron Johnson had a big week by averaging 22 points and 4 rebounds on over 50% shooting. Brooklyn will get plenty of value for him once he’s traded.
Week Schedule: @ Magic (Dec.29) @ Raptors (Jan.1) @ Bucks (Jan.3)
23. Chicago Bulls 13-18 (21) -1
OFF: 111.0(20th) DEF: 113.5(24th) NET:-4.1 (22nd()
Dear Bulls front office. Please tear down this roster. One week, they win multiple games and surprise us, and then follow up with 3 tough losses. This team lost by over 20 points twice and gave up 50 points to the Hawks in the 4th quarter to lose that game in one week. This shouldn’t be such a swing of events for a fanbase in the Windy City.
Week Schedule: vs. Bucks (Dec.28) @ Hornets (Dec.30) @ Wizards (Jan.1)
24. Sacramento Kings 13-18 (20) -4
OFF:112.1(9th) DEF:110.8(16th) NET: +1.1 (15th)
The decision to fire Mike Brown, in my opinion, will backfire for this organization. This is a guy who helped Sacramento end their playoff drought and was NBA Coach of the Year. At least give him until the end of the year to turn it around. But 5 straight losses all at home, there might be something wrong with this team.
Week Schedule: @ Lakers (Dec.28) vs. Mavericks (Dec.30) vs. 76ers (Jan.1) vs. Grizzlies (Jan.3)
25. Portland Trail Blazers 10-20 (25) –
OFF: 104.8(28th) DEF:114.9 (27th) NET: -9.3 (28th)
Thursday’s win vs. Utah was a positive sign. Scoot Henderson had an 18-point 10 assist game and hit the game-winner. Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija both had 27 points and there was some hope for this Blazers core. Still, they need to work on improving their lottery odds.
Week Schedule: vs. Mavericks (Dec.28) vs. 76ers (Dec.30) @ Lakers (Jan.2)
26. Utah Jazz 7-22 (26) –
OFF: 108.2(22nd) DEF:117.5 (30th) NET: -9.0(27th)
Losing to the Blazers in that fashion will sting. But hey the good news, the Jazz are 2.5 games below Portland for the worst record in the Northwest Division and are 2.5 games ahead of the Pelicans for the worst record in the West. Unlike in previous seasons, the Jazz are in a good spot for good lottery odds.
Week Schedule: vs. 76ers (Dec.28) vs. Nuggets (Dec.30) @ Knicks (Jan.1)
27. Washington Wizards 5-23 (30) +3
OFF:102.2 (30th) DEF: 115.9 (29th) NET: -14.2(30th)
Do you know what a crazy stat is? After beating the Hornets twice in the past week, the Wizards are currently 4-3 against their division. Crazy right? That means, Washington is currently 1-20 outside the Southeast. Getting not 1 but 2 wins against a bottom feeder should be enough to elevate them out of the cellar for a week.
Week Schedule: vs. Knicks (Dec.28) vs. Knicks (Dec.30) vs. Bulls (Jan.1) @ Pelicans (Jan.3)
28. Toronto Raptors 7-24 (27) -1
OFF: 107.9(24th) DEF:114.2 (25th) NET: -6.0 (25th)
In Thursday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, it was the most points ever given up in Raptors franchise history. It’s okay Raptors fans. It will be a long season and I am sure they will be contending sooner than later. Even Jakob Poeltl mentioned in training camp that Raptors fans will need to tamper the expectations.
Week Schedule: vs. Hawks (Dec.29) @ Celtics (Dec.31) vs. Nets (Jan.1) vs. Magic (Jan.3)
29. Charlotte Hornets 7-23 (28) -1
OFF: 105.3(27th) DEF: 112.4(21st) NET:-6.5 (26th)
Man, another 4 losses for the Hornets this week, and only winning 1 game in the past 10. Losing to the Wizards twice just proved how stuck they are in the rebuild. LaMelo Ball is currently top 5 in scoring but a guy like him who has struggled to stay cannot carry the weight alone. Charlotte’s offense with him is already a bottom-feeder and without him, it’s much worse.
Week Schedule: vs. Thunder (Dec.28) vs. Bulls (Dec.30) @ Pistons (Jan.3)
30. New Orleans Pelicans 5-27 (29) – 1
OFF: 104.2(29th) DEF:115.6 (28th) NET:-11.5(30th)
Now with 9 straight losses and currently owning the worst record in the NBA, it might be time for the Pelicans to throw in the white flag and focus on next year. A glimpse of hope would be the Pelicans get on a hot streak and somehow get into the play-in and go from there. But let’s not delude anyone here. But in 2019-20, New Orleans started 6-23 and was invited to the bubble to compete. Wishful thinking?
Week Schedule: vs. Clippers (Dec.30) @ Heat (Jan.1) vs. Wizards (Jan.3)
Main Image: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
