With the first week down, there have been a lot of interesting storylines with teams. Some teams have gotten off to fantastic starts while other teams have struggled to start. Going into November, there are currently two undefeated teams while there is only one winless team. It is interesting to see that the Golden State Warriors may have found their “Splash Brother” replacement as the Warriors are looking to revitalize their offense. Also, JJ Reddick has gotten off to a great start as the LA Lakers brand new coach and the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking like the contender to compete with the reigning champion Boston Celtics. How about contenders such as the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks or Philadelphia 76ers? Are these just slow starts or are these teams going to be worse than imagined? It will be interesting to see if these NBA teams will be more on the worried side or excited side throughout the year. Let’s dive into the rankings.
Risers: Warriors +11, Lakers +10, Cavaliers +8
Fallers: Bucks -14, 76ers -9, Jazz, Hawks -7
Next Week: November 8, 2024.
Statistics were finalized as of October 31
Week 2 NBA Power Rankings
1. Boston Celtics (1) 4-1 (-)
OFF: 121.1 (2nd) DEF:108.8 (10th)
After tying the NBA record in 3-pointers made and thrashing the Knicks on opening night, the Celtics remain one of the most dominant teams in the NBA. An interesting stat is Jayson Tatum’s hot starts, especially in the 1st quarter. Tatum is averaging 13.5 points on 62.% in the quarter 1 of the 5 games. If it weren’t for a narrow victory against the Detroit Pistons or a Pascal Siakim game-winning 3, the Celtics would be #1 this week.
Week Schedule: @ Hornets (Nov.1) @ Hornets (Nov.2) @ Hawks (Nov.4) vs. Warriors (Nov.6)
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (3) 4-0 (+1)
OFF: 105.5(24th) DEF:88.9(1st)
OKC has proved everyone correct so far as they remain the only undefeated team in the Western Conference and have had a dominating +17.5 net rating. Their biggest driver behind the start. One word. Defense. The Thunder are #1 in defensive efficiency, #1 in steals, #1 in points allowed, and #1 in causing turnovers. In other words, they have been an absolute defensive nightmare for teams holding their opponent under 96 points in 3 of the 4 games so far.
Week Schedule: @ Blazers(Nov 1) @ Clippers (Nov.2) vs. Magic (Nov.4) @ Nuggets(Nov.6)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (11) 5-0 (+8)
OFF: 121.6(1st) DEF: 102.9(3rd)
Yes, their competition has been weaker. But 5-0 is 5-0. It’s not only their undefeated but it’s about how they are winning. The Cavs have been on fire offensively and they are still a top 3 team defensively. Ty Jerome has gotten off to a great start where he’s averaging 11 points in 14 minutes a game. Their big 4 of Donovon Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jaret Allen, and Darius Garland have all been effective by averaging 17 points a night.
Week Schedule: vs. Magic (Nov.1) @ Bucks (Nov.2) vs. Bucks (Nov.4) @ Pelicans (Nov.6)
4. Phoenix Suns (9) 4-1 (+5)
OFF: 114.0 (6th) DEF:109.0(9th)
It is interesting to see how an under-the-radar move like Tyus Jones can make a difference for this Suns squad. The Suns finally have a point guard who is able to focus on organizing while Phoenix can boast their 3 superstar weapons of scoring at will. Their only loss came against the Lakers where the team shot 51% from 3 that entire game. If the Suns can stay healthy, they are legit.
Week Schedule: vs. Blazers (Nov.2) vs. 76ers (Nov.4) vs. Heat(Nov.6)
5. Golden State Warriors (16) 4-1 (+11)
OFF: 117.0(4th) DEF:95.4(2nd)
Golden State might have played weaker competition. However, the way they are winning is what truly makes their start to the season very special. With Curry out for a couple of games, the Warriors managed to get a couple of big wins against the Pelicans. Buddy Hield, though, has been a sniper from deep, averaging over 21 points on 50% shooting from 3. Because of him, Golden State leads the league in bench points.
Week Schedule: @ Rockets (Nov.2) @ Wizards (Nov.4) @ Celtics (Nov 6)
6. Dallas Mavericks (4) 3-2 (-2)
OFF: 111.0 (11th) DEF: 107.9(9th)
If there was any doubt that the Mavericks were real title contenders, then Tuesday’s win against the Minnesota Timberwolves can silence the doubt. Dallas managed to get a hard-fought victory against a team that was looking for revenge on a back-to-back. Kyrie Irving was sensational that game and Klay has had games where he looked like the old Klay. These types of games will be needed if Dallas wants to get back to finals. Luka Doncic has gotten off to a slow shooting start at 36% from the field and 27% from 3.
Week Schedule: vs. Magic(Nov.3) vs. Pacers (Nov.4) vs. Bulls (Nov 6)
7. Los Angeles Lakers (17) 3-2 (+10)
OFF:112.2(9th) DEF:114.4(23rd)
Despite the two road losses, the start to the Lakers season has been impressive. JJ Reddick has started his coaching 3-0, the first time the Lakers started 3-0 since 2010. For the Lakers to be the best versions of themselves, they will need to continue running the offense through Anthony Davis as the number 1 option. Davis has averaged close to 31 points and 12 rebounds to start the year, his best start since his days in New Orleans.
Week Schedule: @ Raptors (Nov 1) @ Pistons (Nov.4) @ Grizzlies (Nov.6)
8. New York Knicks (2) 2-2 (-6)
OFF: 117.2 (3rd) DEF:116.9 (29th)
It was a roller-coaster week for the Knicks. After getting dominated by the Celtics on opening night, New York managed to go .500 for the rest of the week and have a revenge win against the Indiana Pacers. This team will need time to gel as they are at the bottom of the league defensively and still play at one of the slowest paces. Karl Anthony Towns’ 44-point performance against the Heat was a glimpse of what Knicks fans are expecting more of. Miles McBridges has already made a case for sixth man of the year.
Week Schedule: @ Pistons (Nov 2) @ Rockets (Nov 4) @ Hawks (Nov.6)
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (5) 2-2 (-4)
OFF: 111.0(10th) DEF: 110.7(15th*)
This has been an adjustment period for the Wolves. Nevertheless, Julius Randle has some excellent after an underperforming debut. And Anthony Edwards is so far flirting with a 30-point average. The defense, which was their top strength last year, has dipped to 15th overall. Perhaps Minnesota will return to that level later on in the season. One exciting takeaway is the hot shooting from Anthony Edwards from 3 at 41.5%. Keep firing them Ant-Man!
Week Schedule: vs. Nuggets (Nov. 1) @ Spurs (Nov.4) vs. Hornets (Nov.4) @ Bulls (Nov 7)
10. Denver Nuggets (7) 2-2 (-3)
OFF:110.0(12th) DEF: 111.1(5th)
The Nuggets absolutely need to find a player who can contribute right away off the bench. The Nuggets needed OT wins against rebuilding teams to get their record back up to .500. Nikola Jokic is still a dominant force averaging nearly a 30-point triple-double and the starting 5 is still really good. In their first 2 games, the bench averaged 10.5 points a game. Russell Westbrook hasn’t gotten off to the best start average of 9.8 points on 27% shooting. Yes, Denver looks more like a team heavily reliant on Jokic. That is not a recipe for a title contender.
Week Schedule: @ Timberwolves (Nov.2), vs. Jazz (Nov.4), vs. Thunder (Nov.6)
11. Sacramento Kings (13) 2-2 (+2)
OFF:113.5(7th) DEF:105.9(7th)
Overall not a very impressive week for the Kings. This resulted in close losses to the Timberwolves and the Lakers especially allowing the Lakers to score 44 4th quarter points to get a win. At least they were able to take care of business against Portland and Utah and at least the big 3 of D’Aaron Fox, Domantis Sabonis, and Demar DeRozan have looked solid so far. The Kings will have a back-to-back and 3 game road schedule this week. Perhaps, they can rack up wins and continue to develop their chemistry.
Week Schedule: @ Hawks (Nov 1) @ Raptors (Nov. 2) @ Heat (Nov 4) vs. Raptors (Nov.6)
12. Indiana Pacers (10) 2-3 (-2)
OFF: 109.0 (16th) DEF:109.0 (21st)
What is going on with Tyrese Halliburton’s shot? The All-Star is off to a horrific shooting start of 34% from the field f and 25% from downtown. Let’s not even discuss his 0-point performance against the New York Knicks. Other than their win against Boston, the Pacers haven’t had a great start to their season. So far they are proving their run to the Eastern Conference Finals could have been a fluke.
Week Schedule: @ Pelicans (Nov.1) @ Mavericks (Nov.4) vs. Magic (Nov.6)
13. Memphis Grizzlies (14) 3-3 (+1)
OFF: 110.2(14th) DEF:1110 (17th)
It has been challenging to determine what kind of squad the Grizzlies are. They had some good wins against the Bucks and Magic but lost to the Bulls and Nets. This team has so far been well…average. Ja Morant has been productive in a decreased minutes so far. However, there have already been injuries in Memphis. Let’s hope the Grizzlies can be healthy after last year’s injury-prone season.
Week Schedule: @ 76ers (Nov.2 ) @ Nets (Nov.4) vs. Lakers (Nov.6)
14. Orlando Magic (12) 3-2 (-2)
OFF: 110.0 (15th) DEF:105.9(5th)
It was a magical start for the Orlando Magic as it appeared Paolo Banchero was scraping the surface of breaking out as a superstar. Banchero had a career-high of 50 points, including a 37-point first half against the Pacers. However, Orlando hit a roadblock as Banchero will be out with a torn oblique and reevaluated in the next 4-6 weeks. This will be a rough week for Orlando with the tough schedule.
Week Schedule: @ Cavaliers (Nov.1) @ Mavericks (Nov.3) @ Thunder (Nov.4) @ Pacers (Nov.6)
15. Philadelphia 76ers (6) 1-3 (-9)
OFF: 104.1 (26th) DEF: 111.8(19th)
It hasn’t been the best week for the 76ers. It is still unknown when Joel Embid or Paul George will be returning. To add insult to injury, the 76ers (who else but them?) have been fined 100K for misrepresenting statements related to Embid’s health. If it weren’t for Tyrese Maxey’s 45-point game, Philly would likely be 0-4. Nevertheless, Maxey has played well, averaging 31.5 points a game, and Andre Drummond has averaged a double-double. There’s positivity there, right?
Week Schedule: vs. Grizzlies (Nov.2) @ Suns (Nov.4) @ Clippers (Nov 6)
16. Houston Rockets (18) 3-2 (+2)
OFF: 107.7(21st) DEF:106.5(8th)
So far the Rockets are practically the same squad as last season. Houston still does a solid job defending and is currently ranked #9 in defensive efficiency. However, there is a problem for Houston offensively. The Rockets are 21st offensively and outside of Jalen Green, shooting has been an issue for the Rockets as they are 29th in field goal percentage. This is also a predictable team with little ball movement as Houston ranks 29th in total assists.
Week Schedule: vs. Warriors (Nov.2) vs. Knicks (Nov.4) vs. Spurs (Nov.6)
17. Los Angeles Clippers (22) 2-3 (+5)
OFF: 108.2(20th) DEF: 108.9(11th)
The Clippers are back to being an enigma. This team is currently winless in their new arena. Yet, the Clippers defeated the last Western Conference teams that won a championship on the road. The pleasant surprise is that it appears James Harden has fully embraced being the #1 option averaging 25 points and leading the league in assists. Also, Norman Powell is off to a fast start with a 26-point average.
Week Schedule: vs.Thunder (Nov.2) vs. Spurs (Nov.4), vs. 76ers (Nov.6)
18. Miami Heat (19) 2-2 (+1)
OFF: 108.9(17th) DEF:110.0(13th)
What is going on with Jimmy Buttler and Bam Adebayo? Both players are averaging less than 17 points and let’s not forget Jimmy’s 3-point opening debut this year. The Heat are getting more production from their role players such as Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier But Jimmy Butler’s case for a contract extension is off to a horrible start.
Week Schedule: @ Wizards (Nov.2) vs. Kings (Nov.4) @ Suns (Nov.6)
19. Chicago Bulls (24) 3-2 (+5)
OFF: 105.1(25th) DEF: 105.9(5th)
It so far has been a solid start for the Bulls. Josh Giddey looks like a rising star distributor in the league averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Zach Lavine has looked solid after coming back from a season injury. And they are fast. The Bulls after 10 days of the season are currently #1 in pace and 6th in transition points. Even if they win or lose, the Bulls are exciting in contrast to last season.
Week Schedule: @ Nets (Nov.1) vs. Jazz (Nov.4) @ Mavericks (Nov.6) vs. Timberwolves (Nov. 7)
20. New Orleans Pelicans (15) 2-3 (-5)
OFF: 103.2(28th) DEF:110.7(15th*)
The season started well, but once you lose to the Portland Trail Blazers embarrassingly, you deserve to fall pretty far down the poll. Also, the injury bug has hit this team early with DeJounte Murray, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III missing time. Also, let’s not forget the dire need for the Pelicans to address their need at center.
Week Schedule: vs. Pacers (Nov.1) vs. Hawks (Nov 3) vs. Blazers (Nov.4) vs. Cavaliers (Nov.6)
21. San Antonio Spurs (21) 2-3 (-)
OFF: 103.6 (27th) DEF:103.6(4th)
If it weren’t for Victor Wembyama’s legendary 5×5 game then everyone would be talking about the struggles of Wemby. Sure, he hasn’t shot the ball particularly well at 23.5% from 3 and 42% overall. However, there is still a long season and Wemby is still learning how to adjust to new players on the team and is still averaging 18 and 10. Don’t lose hope in San Antonio. This is only week one and still 75+ games to go.
Week Schedule: vs. Timberwolves (Nov.2) @ Clippers (Nov.4) @ Rockets(Nov.6) vs. Blazers(Nov.7)
22. Milwaukee Bucks (8) 1-4 (-14)
OFF: 106.9(22nd) DEF:114.5(24th)
What a dreadful start for the Milwaukee Bucks. Every loss has been by more than 10 points and 2 of them were against teams expected to be lottery teams. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still doing his thing averaging over 30 points. But, the rest of the team is old and meh. Milwaukee is 28th in net rating, 24th in defensive efficiency, and 28th in 3% point percentage. Damian Lillard has had some good games but overall has struggled to shoot. Let’s hope this is just a rough week and not expected to be a thing to go on all season. Is Doc Rivers already on the hot seat?
Week Schedule: vs. Cavaliers (Nov. 2) @ Cavaliers(Nov.4) vs. Jazz (Nov.7)
23. Charlotte Hornets (26) 2-2 (+3)
OFF: 114.6 (5th) DEF: 115.5(27th)
It is simple. When LaMelo Ball is on the floor, the Hornets are a competitive team. With LaMelo back looking to have his first fully healthy since his All-Star season, Ball has averaged 28.5 points and 7 assists. However, the Hornets are ranked at the bottom for defensive efficiency and are 25th in total points. Nevertheless, this team is currently 5th in offensive efficiency and deep. In fact, in their win against Toronto, the Hornets’ bench managed to drop 72 points on a crazy 52% shooting from 3. Oh and Brandon Miller hasn’t played in a single yet. That should be intriguing.
Week Schedule: vs. Celtics (Nov.1) vs. Celtics (Nov.2) @ Timberwolves (Nov.4) vs. Pistons (Nov.6)
24. Brooklyn Nets (28) 2-3 (+4)
OFF: 112.3(8th) DEF: 112.3(25th)
Kudos to the Nets. The majority of their games have been very competitive and Brooklyn even beat a couple of playoff contenders along with beating the Denver Nuggets in overtime. Dennis Schroder has gotten off to a great start which could be a resurgent season and Cam Thomas is in full scorer mode averaging 27 points. This start might not be sustainable but the Nets look good so far.
Week Schedule: vs. Bulls (Nov.1) vs. Pistons (Nov.3) vs. Grizzlies (Nov.4)
25. Portland Trail Blazers (29) 2-3 (+4)
OFF: 103.0(29th) DEF:110.5(15th)
The Trail Blazers since their blowout loss on opening night have been a respectable team so far. Portland is a team that is at least average-decent defensively. However, like last season, the Blazers are a team that struggles significantly and are at the bottom in almost every metric. Two of their 3 top scorers are shooting under 40%. But hey at least with their defense they should be a competitive team that plays. Just don’t expect anything big things from them this year.
Week Schedule: vs. Thunder (Nov.1) @ Suns (Nov.2) @ Pelicans (Nov.4) @ Spurs (Nov.7)
26. Washington Wizards (30) 2-2 +4
OFF: 108.8(18th*) DEF: 115.6(28th)
Is there some promising young talent on this roster? Jordan Poole has gotten off to a solid start averaging 22.5 points and 2nd year player Bilal Coulibaly is averaging 18 points on a ridiculous 59% shooting. There’s no reason to get too excited but at least gives DC fans something to root for and be excited about this rebuild. This team will be fun too as they are ranked #2 in pace.
Week Schedule: vs.Heat (Nov.2) vs. Warriors (Nov.4)
27. Atlanta Hawks (20) 2-3 (-7)
OFF: 110.6(13th) DEF:115.4(26th)
When you lose to the Washington Wizards not once but twice, you deserve to fall quite a bit in the rankings. A couple of good wins start the season. However, this defense has gone from bad to worse. In every game so far this season, Atlanta has given up at least 120+ points. At least Trae Young has started the season well and Jalen Johnson bounced back after a couple of bad games. But man, could Atlanta be bad enough to tank unintentionally? It’s only week 1 but it may be time to be concerned. NOT PANIC.
Week Schedule: vs. Kings (Nov 2) @ Pelicans (Nov.3) vs. Celtics (Nov.4) vs. Knicks (Nov.6)
28. Detroit Pistons (27) 1-4 (-1)
OFF:106.7(23rd) DEF:112.1(20th) PACE:
Don’t let the record deceive you. The Pistons are much better than they were last season and have been able to be competitive in all 5 games. The big issue has been closing out games. They had relatively good leagues against the Pacers, Celtics, and Heat but were outscored by more than 10 points in 2 of those 3 games going into the final quarters. Hopefully, the win against the 76ers should help them get more wins. They only need 14 more to surpass their entire total last season.
Week Schedule: vs. Knicks (Nov.1), @ Nets (Nov.3) vs. Lakers (Nov.4) @ Hornets (Nov.6)
29. Toronto Raptors (25) 1-4 (-4)
OFF: 108.8(18th*) DEF:118.2(30th)
The record isn’t pretty and the Raptors will be missing Scottie Barnes for at least a few weeks due to an orbital fracture and Immanuel Quickley went down went a pelvis injury after game 1. At least the good news is Toronto has somewhat competitive in those games and is getting production from younger players like Gradey Dick and Ochai Adbaji. The Raptors have a tough week schedule against Western Conference teams and 2 of the games on the road.
Week Schedule: vs. Lakers (Nov.1) vs. Kings (Nov. 2) @ Nuggets (Nov.4) @ Kings (Nov.6)
30. Utah Jazz (23) 0-5 (-7)
OFF: 94.4(30th) DEF:112.7 (22nd)
And the last place spot goes to the remaining winless team in the NBA. 4 losses that were by more than 15 points at home. The only game Utah remained competitive in was against the Mavericks. That game was highlighted by the horrific leg injury of Taylor Hendricks. And now Lauri Markkanen has missed time due to back spasms. Could we see a lost season for the Jazz already?
Week Schedule: @ Nuggets(Nov.2) @ Bulls (Nov.4) @ Bucks (Nov.7)
Main Image: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
