With Thanksgiving coming to an end, we are only a month away from Christmas. In previous seasons, this would be a slow part of the NBA season building up towards Christmas. However, the NBA In-Season Tournament will be in its peak stages and a winner should be decided in the next couple of weeks.
With the first full month of the NBA complete, parity in the NBA has been in full effect with the majority of the Eastern Conference teams being below .500 and Western Conference teams over .500. It will be intriguing to find out if the standings stay the same or if team will bounce back from a slow start or if a team that got off to a fast start will come back down to Earth. Can the 76ers salvage their season? Are the Rockets a legit contender? Why can’t the Lakers beat the Nuggets? Let’s not forget about the talks of a new format for the All-Star game to make it more entertaining. Also, let’s all remember how great Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry are in their mid to late 30s.
With many storylines for each team, let’s dive right into it!
Risers: Magic +6, Grizzlies +5, Nets, Nuggets +4
Fallers: Timberwolves -7, Lakers -6, Warriors, Kings -4
Next Week: December 7
(Statistics as of November 28th)
Week 6 NBA Power Rankings
1. Boston Celtics 15-3 (2) +1
OFF: 118.4(3rd) DEF: 107.5(7th) NET:+10.6 (3rd)
Thankful For: The Return of Kristaps Porzingis
Even without Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics have not missed a beat and are still among the elite contenders in the East. The Celtics are ranked 12th in total blocks and seventh in defensive efficiency this year. Last year, they ranked first and third. Expect those numbers to jump with Porzingis returning.
Week Schedule: @ Bulls (Nov.29) @ Cavaliers (Dec 1) vs. Heat (Dec 2) vs. Pistons (Dec.4)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers 17-2(1) -1
OFF: 121.2(1st) DEF: 108.2(9th) NET:+11.2 (1st)
Thankful For: Kenny Atkinson
The hiring of Kenny Atkinson has been phenomenal for this Cavaliers squad. Cleveland was ranked number 14 in offensive efficiency last year and now boasts the best offense in the NBA today. Cleveland also leads the league in total points and is the only team in the NBA that shoots over 40% from three. Did I mention a great hire?
Week Schedule: @ Hawks (Nov.29) vs. Celtics (Dec.1) vs. Wizards (Dec.3 ) vs.Nuggets (Dec.5)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder 14-4 (5) +2
OFF: 111.2(14th) DEF: 100.9(1st) NET: +10.6(8th)
Thankful For: The Elite Defense
This defense is absolutely stingy. Not only stingy, but the Thunder are a force to be reckoned on that end. OKC causes the most turnovers for their opponents, holds their opponents to the lowest field goal percentage, and is top two in both blocks and steals. Oh yeah, and Isaiah Harnenstein is back. Yes, the NBA is a faster pace which emphasizes offense but this is a historically great defensive team.
Week Schedule: @ Lakers (Nov.29) @ Rockets (Dec.1) vs. Jazz (Dec.3) @ Raptors (Dec.5)
4. Houston Rockets 14-6 (4) –
OFF: 108.8(20th*) DEF:101.3(2nd) NET: +8.5 (4th)
Thankful For: Ime Udoka and the Front Office
Before Ime Udoka arrived, the Rockets had some young talent with unknown potential but couldn’t win. Now, the Rockets are a top 2 team in the West and have a top two defense in the NBA. What is scary about Houston is they have yet to figure out who their main cornerstone is. They have at least 7-8 players who can carry the offense on any given night and the front office has consistently nailed the draft year after year.
Week Schedule: vs. Thunder (Dec.1) @ Kings (Dec.3) @ Warriors (Dec.5)
5. Memphis Grizzlies 12-7 (10) +5
OFF: 112.8(8th) DEF:106.0(5th) NET: +8.3 (5th)
Thankful For: Resurgence of the Role Players
Perhaps having a gap year was a silver lining for the Grizzlies as the role players that got valuable playing time last year showed significant improvement. This resulted in the Grizzlies being 2nd in total bench points. The biggest takeaway from this past week was Scottie Pippen Jr had a career-high 30 points in the stadium where his father played winning multiple rings.
Week Schedule: vs. Pelicans (Nov.29) vs. Pacers (Dec.1) @ Mavericks (Dec.3) vs. Kings (Dec.5)
6. Orlando Magic 13-7 (12) +6
OFF: 107.3 (24th) DEF:103.1(3rd) NET: +4.8 (9th)
Thankful For: Franz Wagner Breakout into a #1 Option
Franz Wagner had a great month showing how he could be the number one option. The fourth year star is averaging 25 points six assists and five boards on 46% shooting. Most importantly, Orlando has been winning and they look like the clear favorites to win their division and perhaps get home court in the 1st round of the East playoffs.
Week Schedule: @ Nets (Nov. 29) @ Nets (Dec.1) @ Knicks (Dec.3) @ 76ers (Dec.4)
7. Golden State Warriors 12-6 (3) -4
OFF: 112.7(9th) DEF:105.1(4th) NET: +7.2 (6th)
Thankful For: Buddy Hield & Andrew Wiggins
Klay who? On a more serious note, we all know Steph Curry is amazing and still is playing elite basketball at a near 37 years old. However, Buddy Hield and Andrew Wiggins have been a difference maker for a Warriors team looking to regain their championship from just a few seasons ago. Buddy Hield, earlier in the year looked like the signing of the offseason and Andrew Wiggins has regained his All-Star from last season.
Week Schedule: @ Suns (Nov 30) @ Nuggets (Dec 3) vs. Rockets (Dec.5)
8. Dallas Mavericks 11-8 (7) -1
OFF: 115.0 (4th) DEF: 108.6(10th) NET: +6.2(7th)
Thankful For: Naji Marshall’s Breakout Month
Naji Marshall in the last four games has averaged over 23 points a game on 63% shooting. When given the minutes, Marshall has proven to be another scoring option for the Mavs and a sixth man scorer. This will be needed especially since Dallas will need to keep Luka, Kyrie, and Klay Thompson on a minute restriction to prepare Dallas for another deep playoff run.
Week Schedule: @ Jazz (Nov.30) @ Blazers (Dec.1) vs. Grizzlies (Dec.3) @ Wizards (Dec.5)
9. Los Angeles Clippers 12-8 (9) –
OFF: 108.5(21st) DEF: 107.3(6th) NET: +2.4 (10th)
Thankful For: Tyronn Lue
How do the Clippers keep doing this? With Kawhi Leonard out and losing Paul George for nothing, most people thought the Clippers would be headed for a rebuild in a brand-new arena. Yet, the Clippers find themselves deep in playoff contention in the tough Western Conference. Tyronn Lue and his coaching staff deserve much praise, especially on the defensive end.
Week Schedule: @ Timberwolves (Nov.29) vs. Nuggets (Dec.1) vs. Blazers (Dec.3) vs. Timberwolves (Dec.4)
10. Denver Nuggets 10-7 (14) +4
OFF:114.4(5th) DEF: 111.0(17th) NET: +2.0(11th)
Thankful For: The Best Player in the World.
Is it a real question to debate who is the best NBA player in the world currently? If you need proof, look at how Denver plays when Nikola Jokic plays vs. when doesn’t play. It is almost nearly a day and night difference. Denver’s title chances all lie on the Joker and whether or not he stays healthy.
Week Schedule: @ Clippers (Dec 1) vs. Warriors (Dec.3) @ Cavaliers (Dec.5)
11. New York Knicks 10-8 (8) -3
OFF: 119.6 (2nd) DEF:114.0 (23rd*) NET: +5.0 (8th)
Thankful For: Their Dangerous Starting Lineup.
This team now arguably has the best starting lineup in the NBA. For further proof, the Knicks lead the league in total points by only starters at 98.9 points. Despite the defense regressing, the Knicks are ranked number two in offensive efficiency. Adding Karl Anthony Towns appears to have helped.
Week Schedule: vs. Pelicans (Dec.1) vs. Magic (Dec.3) vs. Hornets (Dec.5)
12. Los Angeles Lakers 11-7 (6) -6
OFF:114.1(6th) DEF:115.0 (27th) NET: -1.0 (17th)
Thankful For: Their Dynamic Duo.
We could be thankful for JJ Reddick for creating an offense that is helping Anthony Davis put together an MVP season or the front office for selecting Dalton Knecht, who looks like a Rookie of the Year candidate and fit for the Lakers. However, their dynamic duo is as dominant as ever. Anthony Davis is having a career year by averaging a career-high in points and the best year since his New Orleans days. And LeBron. Well, the man is nearly 40 years old and is still a top 15 player in the NBA. What else?
Week Schedule: vs. Thunder (Nov.29) @ Jazz (Dec.1) @ Timberwolves (Dec.2) @ Heat (Dec.4)
13. San Antonio Spurs 10-9 (15) +2
OFF: 110.1 (17th) ` DEF:108.0(8th) NET:+0.3 (16th)
Thankful For: The Lottery Lords.
This one was easy. Victor Wembyama is someone who the Spurs are thankful for every day for winning in the draft lottery and knowing they have a once-in-a-generation talent. So far, Wemby has looked like a superstar and is not even 21 years old. Another thing for San Antonio to be thankful for is the veteran players they have acquired who are on pace to pass their win total well before the All-Star Break.
Week Schedule: @ Kings (Dec.1) @ Suns (Dec.3) vs. Bulls (Dec.5)
14. Phoenix Suns 10-8 (17) +3
OFF: 112.4 (10th) DEF:113.0(23rd) NET:-1.2 (18th)
Thankful For: Their Big 3.
Initially, I was going to say Tyus Jones as he looked to be the most underrated signing of the offseason as he brings stability to the point guard position and sets others up. However, with how the team looks without its stars, the team is day and night, especially with Kevin Durant. When KD plays, the Suns are 9-2. Without him, Phoenix is 1-6.
Week Schedule: @ Blazers (Nov.29) vs. Spurs (Dec.1) vs. Rockets (Dec. 3) @ Grizzlies (Dec.5)
15. Milwaukee Bucks 9-9 (16) +1
OFF: 111.6(11th) DEF:110.9(16th) NET: +0.4 (15th)
Thankful For: Turning It Around.
2 weeks ago, Milwaukee looked like a team that was imploding and there was a good chance that they could trade Damian Lillard and even Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now the Bucks are 7-3 in their last 10 games and could even still be a top 4 team in the East with how weak the Eastern Conference is.
Week Schedule: vs. Wizards (Nov.30) @ Pistons (Dec.3) vs. Hawks (Dec.4)
16. Miami Heat 8-8 (18) +2
OFF: 109.3(18th) DEF:110.0(13th) NET: +1.1 (12th)
Thankful For: Heat Culture.
No matter who is on the roster, the Miami Heat always find a way to stay relevant. Year after year, the Heat always find a way to be a scary team down the stretch and this is a team that always has their players overachieving. Even with both Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler underperforming, Miami has Tyler Herro having a breakout season which is helping them stay relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Week Schedule: vs. Raptors (Nov.29) @ Raptors (Dec 1) @ Celtics (Dec.2) vs. Lakers (Dec.4)
17. Sacramento Kings 9-10 (13) -4
OFF:111.4(12th*) DEF:110.5(15th) NET: +0.8 (13th)
Thankful For: Mike Brown
This one was a challenge to decide but I am going with Mike Brown for the simple fact that the Sacramento Kings were able to get into the playoffs for the first time in 17 years during his first season. Despite the slight regression last season, the Kings were able to improve defensively and have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 20 years. Sacramento was the joke of the league for the last 15 years but now the Kings are relevant. Oh yeah., they have a superstar in D’Aaron Fox and two other stars in Domantis Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.
Week Schedule: @ Blazers (Nov.29) vs. Spurs (Dec.1) vs. Rockets (Dec.3) @ Grizzlies (Dec.5)
18. Minnesota Timberwolves 8-10 (11) -7
OFF: 110.6(16th) DEF: 109.8(12th) NET:+0.9(12th)
Thankful For: Anthony Edwards
Like the Sacramento Kings, the Minnesota Timberwolves were one of the jokes of the NBA for the past 15 years. Now, the Timberwolves are a respectable organization and now have a superstar who is drawing comparisons to a young Michael Jordan. This year, the Wolves are not only thankful to have their biggest superstar since Kevin Garnett but are thankful for his improved three-point shooting which is at a blistering 43%. Let’s hope this is sustainable!
Week Schedule: vs. Clippers (Nov.29) vs. Lakers (Dec.2) @ Clippers (Dec.4)
19. Brooklyn Nets 9-10 (23) +4
OFF: 112.9(7th) DEF: 114.0(23rd*) NET: -2.0(19th)
Thankful For: Their Scrappy Team
Every year in the NBA, I have noticed that one team that was expected to be a bottom five team always outperforms their expectations. Could the Nets be that team? This team doesn’t have the most talent in the league. But they have a decent collective unit that can be a top scorer on a given night and they play hard. This week, the Nets beat 3 contenders on their home floor. It is hard to say that this will be sustained but there is no denying that Brooklyn has been impressive so far compared to their expectations.
Week Schedule: vs. Magic (Nov.29) vs. Magic (Dec.1) @ Bulls (Dec.2) vs. Pacers (Dec.4)
20. Atlanta Hawks 8-11 (21) +1
OFF: 109.2(19th) DEF:113.1(21st) NET:-4.6(23rd)
Thankful For: Capability of Beating the Top Teams
This team is probably the most erratic and eccentric so far. Atlanta loses to the Wizards twice but somehow beats both Boston and Cleveland on their home floors. This is something for Hawks’ fans to be thankful for as it displays Atlanta’s overall potential as a team that could be a top 6 team in the Eastern Conference.
Week Schedule: vs. Cavaliers (Nov.29) @ Hornets (Nov.30) vs. Pelicans (Dec.2) @ Bucks (Dec.4)
21. Indiana Pacers 9-10 (20) – 1
OFF: 111.4 (12th*) DEF:113.7 (22nd) NET:-2.7(21st)
Thankful For: Tyrese Halliburton Finding His Form
It might be early to state but let’s be honest. Tyrese Halliburton has been off to a rough start this season to put it lightly. It may be because the Pacers have more scoring options in Benedict Murthidin and Pascal Siakim which means Halliburton shouldn’t need to have a big scoring role on offense. However, Tyrese Halliburton has improved his numbers from 14 points and 6.6 assists on 35% shooting to 18 points and 9.6 assists on 42% shooting. Let’s see if he can get back to where he was before his injury.
Week Schedule: vs. Pistons (Nov.29) @ Grizzlies (Dec.1) @ Raptors (Dec.3) @ Nets (Dec.4)
22. Detroit Pistons 8-12 (19) -3
OFF:107.4(23rd) DEF:110.1(14th) NET: -2.5 (20th)
Thankful For: They are no longer the Joke of the League.
The Pistons are making progress! For the first time in five seasons, Detroit looks like they are finally turning the corner. This has to do with a few factors. Detroit picked up a couple of good veterans that are paying off, Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham are a backcourt looking to be built around for the future, a solid coach in JB Bickerstaff, and their 11th-ranked defense. The Pistons should at least get 20 wins maybe even 25 or 30. That is progress compared to their 31 wins in the past two seasons.
Week Schedule: @ Pacers (Nov.29) vs. 76ers(Nov 30) vs. Bucks (Dec.3) @ Celtics (Dec.4)
23. Portland Trail Blazers 7-12 (26) +3
OFF: 101.9(29th) DEF:110.6 (17th) NET: -8.4 (27th)
Thankful For: Their Interior Defense.
This might not sound like a big thing for the Blazers to be thankful for. But here’s the thing. Portland is already a decent team at defending. One of their top strengths is interior defense. The Blazers currently are 3rd in total blocks compared to 25th last season. With Robert Williams III returning and taking Donovon Clingin in the draft, Portland can become one of the best interior defensive teams.
Week Schedule: vs. Kings (Nov.29) vs. Mavericks (Dec.1) @ Clippers (Dec.3) vs. Jazz (Dec.6)
24. Chicago Bulls 8-12 (25) +1
OFF: 111.0(15th) DEF: 114.6(26th) NET:-5.7 (25th)
Thankful For: The trade value of Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic has increased.
This is something for the Bulls to be thankful for. Both players currently are the top 2 scorers for Chicago this season and the Bulls are once again in the playoff picture early in the season. Zach Lavine has looked healthy so far playing in 85% of the games this season. If the season starts to slip away, then the Bulls can get a good haul for each player which can result in draft picks and young players.
Week Schedule: vs. Celtics (Nov.29) vs. Nets (Dec.2) @ Spurs (Dec.5)
25. Charlotte Hornets 6-12 (22) -3
OFF: 106.0(26th) DEF: 112.4(19th) NET:-4.7 (24th)
Thankful For: LaMelo Ball.
This one is an obvious one. When healthy, the 23-year-old superstar has had a breakout year so far and looks to be one of the faces of the league. Yet, it is also a reminder of how bad Charlotte looks without him. With LaMelo Ball healthy, the Hornets are 26th in offensive efficiency and are an unimpressive 6-12 with him. Imagine how bad, the Hornets would be without him.
Week Schedule: vs. Knicks (Nov.29) vs. Hawks (Nov.30) vs. 76ers (Dec.3) @ Knicks (Dec.5)
26. Toronto Raptors 5-14 (24) -2
OFF: 108.0(22nd) DEF:114.1 (25th) NET: -4.1 (22nd)
Thankful For: Intriguing Young Core.
Masai Ujiri built the last Raptors contender that resulted in a championship and 8 appearances in 10 years. I am confident he’ll build another good team in Toronto. Yet, despite it being a rebuilding year, there have been some interesting pieces and things to like in We the North. Outside their big three, Gradey Dick has taken a step forward and looks to be a keeper. Ochai Agbaji has also improved and showed promise so far this season. Perhaps the Raptors might not be thinking playoffs or even play-in but this should be a fun rebuild.
Week Schedule: @ Heat (Nov.29) vs. Heat (Dec.1) vs. Pacers (Dec.3) vs. Thunder (Dec.5)
27. Utah Jazz 4-14 (28) +1
OFF: 106.4(25th) DEF:116.5 (29th) NET: -9.8(28th)
Thankful For: For bottoming out early.
This is a good thing for the Jazz. In the prior two seasons, Utah was relatively competitive in the first half of the year and then the losses would pile up later on which resulted in the Jazz not being good enough to compete or bad enough to obtain a high draft pick. Now, if Utah can sustain the losses, then they actually have a chance of obtaining a top four pick. Capture the Flagg!
Week Schedule:
28. Philadelphia 76ers 3-14 (27) -1
OFF: 104.1 (27th) DEF: 112.1(28th) NET:-8.3(26th)
Thankful For: Jared McCain.
Despite the nightmarish start to the season, the one thing that the 76ers can be thankful for is their draft pick, Jared McCain. The young rookie is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year so far and has averaged 20 points on 45% shooting in November. Another thing for Philly to be thankful for is that the 76ers are in a weak Eastern Conference and there is still time to get back on track. It’s now or never for Philly.
Week Schedule: vs. Mavericks (Nov.30) vs. Lakers (Dec.1) @ Thunder (Nov.3)
29. New Orleans Pelicans 4-15 (28) -1
OFF: 103.8(28th) DEF:115.2 (28th) NET:-11.8(29th)
Thankful For: To get ahead and start on their gap year.
The difference between New Orleans’ situation and Philadelphia’s situation is they play in a different conference. In the Western Conference, 10 teams are already over .500 and the conference is much much deeper. At least now, the Pelicans are getting healthy and if they believe they are already out of the playoff picture, New Orleans can at least focus on developing their players for next year and maybe get a high lottery pick. Look at how that has helped the Memphis Grizzlies.
Week Schedule: @ Grizzlies (Nov.29) @ New York (Dec.1) @ Hawks (Dec.2) vs. Suns (Dec.5)
30. Washington Wizards 2-14 (30) –
OFF:101.5 (30th) DEF: 117.6 (30th) NET: -15.3(30th)
Thankful for: The Commanders.
It is very hard to be positive on the Wizards this season. However, at least they finally have a good football team in DC. Jokes aside, Washington appears to be the worst team in the NBA by a mile and this might be a historically bad team. At least Jordan Poole has looked better this season and Kyle Kuzma is back. Maybe, this could help the Wizards net in some more draft capital for a team that appears to be in a for a long rebuild.
Week Schedule: @ Bucks (Nov.30) @ Cavaliers (Dec.3) vs. Mavericks (Dec.5)
Main Image: David Butler II-Imagn Images
