As we head into the last week of November and Thanksgiving, the NBA season is nearly 25% complete. This means that all NBA teams have played at least 15 games and these games matter with the In-Season Tournament taking place. It will be interesting to see who takes home the NBA Cup. Can the Los Angeles Lakers repeat or will a new team take the throne?
With many storylines for each team, let’s dive right into it!
Risers: Mavericks, Knicks +6, Magic +5, Raptors +5
Fallers: Suns -10, Nuggets -9, Pacers -5
Next Week: November 29.
Week 5 NBA Power Rankings
1. Cleveland Cavaliers 16-1(1) –
OFF: 121.8(1st) DEF: 106.9(6th) NET:+12.3 (1st)
Unfortunately, the win streak had to come to an end. However, all good things end eventually and their streak ended in a close nail bitter to the defending champs. A bright side from this week is that the Cleveland Cavaliers are the biggest threat to Boston Celtics and Ty Jerome is having a breakout season as the backup point guard for the Cavs.
Week Schedule: vs. Raptors (Nov 24) vs. Hawks (Nov.27)
2. Boston Celtics 13-3 (4) +2
OFF: 118.8(3rd) DEF: 109.3(11th) NET:+9.9 (4th)
For those who may have had early concerns about the Celtics, no need. The Celtics had an undefeated week but their biggest win was ending the winning streak of the Cavaliers. I can’t give them the number one spot back just yet, but Boston has proven that they are still the model team of the NBA. Al Horford, the 38-year-old veteran had his best game of the season against the Cavs with 20 points and 7 rebounds on 63% shooting. Take your time Kristaps Porzingis !
Week Schedule: vs. Timberwolves (Nov.24) vs. Clippers (Nov.25)
3. Golden State Warriors 12-3 (2) -1
OFF: 114.7(5th) DEF:105.1(4th) NET: +10.0 (3rd)
The Golden State Warriors seem to struggle against the Los Angeles Clippers as they are currently 0-2 against LA and two-thirds of their losses come against them. Once again, Draymond Green made another dirty play against Zach Edey and people questioned whether or not Green should be suspended again. A bright side from this was that Andrew Wiggins had a big week averaging 23 points on over 50% shooting. If he keeps it up, Golden State will be hard to beat in the playoffs.
Week Schedule: @ Spurs (Nov.23) vs. Nets (Nov.25) vs. Thunder (Nov.27)
4. Houston Rockets 12-5 (6) +2
OFF: 109.7(17th) DEF:102.6(2nd) NET: +9.6 (5th)
This Rockets team is hot right and they are dominating. What is scary about this team is how deep they are and how they have multiple guys who can carry the offense on any night. The Rockets’ offense boomed this week with an average of 122 points a game and a scary net rating of +20.2. Imagine how high this team would be if they beat Milwaukee. This team is a contender now.
Week Schedule: vs. Clippers (Nov.15) @ Bulls (Nov.17) @ Bucks (Nov.18) vs. Pacers (Nov.20)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder 12-4 (3) -2
OFF: 110.7(12th) DEF: 100.4(1st) NET: +10.7(3rd)
It was a tough week for the Thunder as they dealt with 2 losses that were decided by 6 points or less. In their 2-point loss against the Thunder weren’t only outrebounded by the Mavericks but Dallas had double the amount of rebounds the Thunder did in the game. The rebound difference was 53-29. Where are Chet Holmgren and Issiah Harnenstein when you need them?
Week Schedule: @ Kings (Nov.25) @ Warriors (Nov.27)
6. Los Angeles Lakers 10-5 (8) +2
OFF:115.5(4th) DEF:113.8 (21st) NET: +1.4 (14th)
Oh no! The Lakers lost their first home game of the year against a weak offensive Magic team. Jokes aside, the big story for Los Angeles is the performance of their rookie. Not Bronny James, but Dalton Knecht. In the last 4 games, Dalton Knecht has averaged 24 points a night on 68% shooting from deep. This included his 38-point game takeover vs. the Jazz. This kid is a solid role player for this contending team.
Week Schedule: vs. Nuggets (Nov.23) @ Suns (Nov.26) @ Spurs (Nov.27)
7. Dallas Mavericks 9-7 (13) +6
OFF: 114.5 (6th) DEF: 108.5(9th) NET: +6.2(8th)
After a down week, the Mavericks managed to have a perfect week which included a bounce-back victory against the Nuggets. This included a season-high from Naji Marshal who put up 26 points off the bench on 73% shooting. This has been a solid team so far where Dallas ranks top 10 in both offense and defensive efficiency.
Week Schedule: @ Heat (Nov.24) @ Hawks (Nov.25) vs. Knicks (Nov.27)
8. New York Knicks 9-6 (14) +6
OFF: 119.7 (2nd) DEF:113.9 (22nd*) NET: +6.4 (6th)
Karl Anthony Towns has had a monster November with averages of 28 points and 13 rebounds and the Knicks had a undefeated week. In fact, KAT has been shooting exactly 50% from deep this season. Not crazy to call himself the best shooting big man of all time. The Knicks offense has been firing as they are the number 2 ranked team in offensive efficiency.
Week Schedule: @ Jazz (Nov.23) @ Nuggets (Nov.25) @ Mavericks (Nov.27)
9. Los Angeles Clippers 10-7 (11) +2
OFF: 108.2(21st) DEF: 107.8(6th) NET: +1.7 (12th)
It was a good week despite the big loss to the Rockets. The Clippers were able to beat some of the top defensive teams, the Warriors and the Magic. Zubac has had a good, quiet double-double season, and James Harde proves he doesn’t need to be the scoring option for the Clippers to win. This team can be even greater if Kawhi Leonard returns. But when will that be?
Week Schedule: @ 76ers (Nov.24) @ Celtics (Nov.25) @ Wizards (Nov.26)
10. Memphis Grizzlies 9-7 (10) –
OFF: 110.5(13th) DEF:105.8(5th) NET: +6.3 (7th)
Taylor Jenkins has proven to be one of the best coaches in the NBA this season. Without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies still managed to go 2-2 and Memphis is currently a top 5 team in defensive efficiency. Memphis has been able to get plenty of production out of unknown role players like Santi Aldama, Scotty Pippen Jr, and Jaylen Wells. This team appears to be in good shape so far.
Week Schedule: @ Bulls (Nov.23) vs. Blazers (Nov.27)
11. Minnesota Timberwolves 8-7 (12) +1
OFF: 111.4(11th) DEF: 109.7(14th) NET:+2.3(10th)
It was a big week for Julius Randle by not only averaged 28 points on 46% shooting but also had an epic game-winner vs. the Suns. It appears that the pairing of Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards could work. However, with how Karl Anthony Towns is playing, the Wolves appeared to be the loser in the trade this past offseason.
Week Schedule: @ Celtics (Nov.24) vs. Rockets (Nov.26) vs. Kings (Nov.27)
12. Orlando Magic 10-7 (17) +5
OFF: 106.3 (25th) DEF:103.7(4th) NET: +3.6 (10th)
Is this breakout of Franz Wagner going to be something to expect in the future? The German forward has averaged 25 points for November and nearly 29 points a game on over 45% shooting. The beautiful thing is Orlando has figured out how to win without Paolo Banchero who is still sidelined with an oblique injury. The Magic have gone 7-1 since losing their first 4 games to start November.
Week Schedule: vs. Pistons (Nov.23) @ Hornets (Nov.25) vs. Bulls (Nov.27)
13. Sacramento Kings 8-8 (9) -4
OFF:113.5(7th) DEF:109.6(13th) NET: +2.0 (10th)
It was a big week for the young star D’Aaron Fox. Fox became the first player since Kobe Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain to put up more than 109 points in two consecutive games. That is some elite company right there. Sacramento has struggled in the clutch so far once again, as they are currently 1-4 when games are decided by 5 points or less.
Week Schedule: vs. Nets (Nov.24) vs. Thunder (Nov.25) @ Timberwolves (Nov.27)
14. Denver Nuggets 8-6 (5) -9
OFF:112.5(8th) DEF: 109.1(10th) NET: +1.2(13th)
This week is a clear example of who the Denver Nuggets are and how important Nikola Jokic is to this team. In the three games Jokic was out, Denver went 1-2 and ranked 29th in offensive efficiency. The Nuggets’ win against Memphis without Jokic was exactly how the Nuggets’ supporting cast needs to play if they want to have any chance of winning it all. At least Christian Braun has shown improvement since becoming a full-time starter.
Week Schedule: @ Lakers (Nov.23) vs. Knicks (Nov.25) @ Jazz (Nov.27)
15. San Antonio Spurs 8-8 (16) +1
OFF: 109.3 (18th) ` DEF:108.2(7th) NET:0.0(15th)
It was a good week for the Spurs as they got a key win against the Thunder and some of their role players were able to show flashes with Victor Wembyama missing some time. It was also nice to see some glimpses of Chris Paul looking like “The Point God”. Progress is moving along in San Antonio.
Week Schedule: vs. Warriors (Nov.23) @ Jazz (Nov.26) vs. Lakers (Nov.27)
16. Milwaukee Bucks 6-9 (18) +2
OFF: 109.9(16th) DEF:110.4(16th) NET: -0.1 (16th)
Here come the Bucks? The Bucks are currently on a 3 game winning streak and they are relying on Giannis Antetokounmpo to score at will to keep them in games. Their win against the Rockets was crucial because the perimeter defense was able to hold the Rockets to 28% shooting from deep. Brook Lopez had a “turn back the clock” week averaging 20 points, nearly 7 boards, and 2 blocks a game.
Week Schedule: vs. Hornets (Nov.23) @ Heat (Nov.26)
17. Phoenix Suns 9-7 (7) -10
OFF: 111.8 (9th) DEF:113.9(22nd) NET:-2.4 (20th)
This has been a rough week for the Suns. Without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, the Suns have dropped 5 straight games and a couple of those games have not been close. The defense has been abysmal to put it lightly ranking 28th in defensive efficiency over the last 7 games. Things should improve once both stars come back, but Phoenix role players need to step up, especially with how heavily reliant they are on their three stars.
Week Schedule: vs. Lakers (Nov.26) vs. Nets (Nov.28)
18. Miami Heat 6-7 (19) +1
OFF: 110.1(15th) DEF:110.0(15th) NET: +0.8 (15th)
This is why Jimmy Butler is my favorite player in the NBA. Sure, he hasn’t played well at all to start the season. However, the star put up 30 points on a 67% shooting night against his former team the 76ers. Expect him to pick up his game throughout the season and closer to playoff time.
Week Schedule: vs. Mavericks (Nov.24) vs. Bucks (Nov.26) @ Hornets (Nov.27)
19. Detroit Pistons 7-10 (20) +1
OFF:107.7(23rd) DEF:109.5(12th) NET: -1.2 (18th*)
Detroit is halfway to their win total of all of last season. Detroit has improved significantly in 2 areas. The first area was defense efficiency. Detroit is currently ranked #12 in that section. The other one is 3-point shooting. Detroit was notoriously known for being a dreadful shooting team last year. Now, they are a respectable 17th in 3-point percentage. Keep it up Pistons! There is hope after all!
Week Schedule: @ Magic (Nov.23) vs. Raptors (Nov.25) @ Grizzlies (Nov.27)
20. Indiana Pacers 6-10 (15) -5
OFF: 110.3 (14th) DEF:114.6 (25th*) NET:-4.7(22nd)
It has been a challenging start to the season overall for the Pacers. Tyrese Halliburton has continued to be inconsistent offensively and the injuries to their backcourt haven’t helped Indiana’s case. This is a team that appears to once again be awful defensively but their offense is nowhere near what it was last season. Simple as that. At least this week’s schedule should be a lot easier.
Week Schedule: vs. Wizards (Nov.24) vs. Pelicans (Nov.25) vs. Blazers (Nov.27)
21. Atlanta Hawks 7-10 (22) +1
OFF: 108.6(20th) DEF:112.2(19th) NET:-5.1(23rd)
It hasn’t been a good month for Trae Young. The star point guard has been bi-polar from the field and is currently averaging 22 points a night on 36% shooting. At least the good news is Atlanta has improved a bit defensively. But so far this is a mediocre team in the Eastern Conference. Next.
Week Schedule: vs. Mavericks (Nov.25) @ Cavaliers (Nov.27)
22. Charlotte Hornets 7-10 (25) +3
OFF: 106.3(24th) DEF: 112.8(20th) NET:-4.4 (21st)
I still don’t understand how coach Charles Lee benches LaMelo with 4 minutes to go in a close loss to the Nets. Unless they are tanking this early. It makes no sense to me. Overall, it appears that second-year Brandon Miller has picked up where he left off in his rookie season and has averaged over 33.5 points on 60% shooting in his last two games.
Week Schedule: @ Bucks (Nov.23) vs. Magic (Nov.25) vs. Heat (Nov.26)
23. Brooklyn Nets 6-10 (21) -2
OFF: 111.7(10th) DEF: 114.1(24th) NET: -3.8(20th)
Are we starting to see the Nets slip to what they were supposed to be all along this season? The Nets had a week of going 1-3 with all double-digit losses. Cameron Johnson had a big week of putting up 28 points on an incredible 55% shooting so there’s a silver lining there. But boy Ben Simmons has not recovered mentally and is posting the famous triple single. The upcoming week doesn’t get easier with all road games in the Pacific Division.
Week Schedule: @ Kings (Nov.24) @ Warriors (Nov.25) @ Suns (Nov.27)
24. Toronto Raptors 4-12 (29) +5
OFF: 108.0(22nd) DEF:114.4 (26th) NET: -5.4 (24th)
It was a good week for the Raptors as they not only went 2-2, but they are on a two-game winning streak! Also, better news, Scottie Barnes returned in a win vs. the Timberwolves, which will give Toronto their number 1 option and number 1 playmaker back in the mix. Let’s not forget the big week that RJ Barret has had by averaging over 29 points and having a career-high 15 assists versus the Celtics. Maybe this team could be a play-in team in a weak Eastern Conference.
Week Schedule: @ Cavaliers (Nov.24) @ Pistons (Nov.25) @ Pelicans (Nov.27)
25. Chicago Bulls 7-10 (23) -2
OFF: 108.7(19th) DEF: 115.1(27th) NET:-6.2 (26th)
Oh, man. The defense has been catastrophic. To start the week, Chicago gave up over 140 points and was blown out by over 20 points. The Bulls are currently 29th in total points given up and 27th in defensive efficiency. The biggest weakness has been total points in the paint as Chicago currently ranks 28th in that category. At least, they play fast!
Week Schedule: vs. Grizzlies (Nov.23) @ Wizards (Nov.26) @ Magic (Nov.27)
26. Portland Trail Blazers 6-10 (24) -2
OFF: 102.9(30th) DEF:110.6 (17th) NET: -8.4 (27th)
Shadon Sharpe has been the bright spot for the Blazers as he averaged 24.5 points on 47% shooting. However, this Portland team offensively is very limited. In fact, in every game they fail to score under 100 points, Portland is 0-5 and they have been outscored by 20 points. Ouch to the fullest.
Week Schedule: @ Rockets (Nov.23) @ Grizzlies (Nov.25) @ Pacers (Nov.27)
27. Philadelphia 76ers 3-12 (26) –
OFF: 103.6 (28th) DEF: 111.7(18th) NET:-7.2(26th)
The 76ers won a game! If it weren’t for that, perhaps Philly might have deserved to take the last-place spot. From everything to Paul George reinjuring his knee, to Tyrese Maxey calling out Joel Embid, to Embid scowling at the media, the 76ers have been a dysfunctional team in the NBA, At least, it’s still early because the 76ers need to turn it around sooner if they want to be classified as a title contender. At least Jarred McCain has looked like a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Week Schedule: vs. Clippers (Nov.24) vs. Rockets (Nov.27)
28. Utah Jazz 3-12 (27) –
OFF: 105.4(26th) DEF:116.7 (29th) NET: -10.6(28th)
After a big win against the Mavericks, Utah went out and lost 4 straight. Look at the bright side. The Jazz have been relatively competitive in all 4 games and Lauri Markkanen had a big week by averaging 23.8 points for the week. This might be the worst team in the West, but at least the losses are competitive.
Week Schedule: vs. Knicks (Nov.23) vs. Spurs (Nov.26) vs. Nuggets (Nov.27)
29. New Orleans Pelicans 4-13 (28) -1
OFF: 104.3(27th) DEF:116.1 (28th) NET:-11.0(29th)
The good news for the Pelicans is despite the start, there have been opportunities for guys to step up in the absence of their stars. For example, Antonio Reeves had a career-high with 34 points on 56% in a loss vs the Cavaliers. Also, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl had a double-double in a close loss to the Warriors. Positive thoughts. It’s still early. New Orleans could regain their stars and be back in the playoff hunt. It might be wishful thinking at this point.
Week Schedule: @ Pacers (Nov.25) vs. Raptors (Nov.27)
30. Washington Wizards 2-12 (30) –
OFF:103.5 (29th) DEF: 118.3 (30th) NET: -14.6(30th)
Another week. Another set of games where the Wizards lose by more than double digits. Is it early to say that this team will be historically bad? At least Kuzma is back! And Jordan Poole has been shooting efficiency at 45.8%.
Week Schedule: @ Pacers (Nov.24) vs. Bulls (Nov.26) vs. Celtics (Nov.27)
Main Image: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
