With the majority of NBA teams reaching 20 games, the first quarter of the NBA season has been completed. Entering December means the league is preparing for the games come Christmas and the NBA Cup will be wrapping up in the next two weeks.
This week has been an eventful weekend with the Minnesota Timberwolves bouncing back and dominating the week with defensive performances. The Atlanta Hawks are currently riding high on a 6 game-winning streak and beating some of the Eastern Conference contenders in the process. Currently, teams in the Pacific Division have struggled in the past couple of weeks with the Lakers, Warriors, and Suns dealing with rough patches. Last but not least could the 76ers finally be turning the corner? The team is still far out of the playoff picture but has won 3 out of the last 4 games.
With many basketball storylines for each team, let’s dive right into it here! (Please note, that each NBA team will not have games they play in the upcoming week posted due to the NBA Cup.)
Risers: Timberwolves +7, Hawks +6, 76ers +5, Mavericks, Knicks +4
Fallers: Lakers -7, Blazers- 6, Spurs, Rockets -5
Next Week: December 14
*Stats are as of December 6, 2024
Week 7 NBA Power Rankings
1. Boston Celtics 19-4 (1) –
OFF: 118.2 (3rd) DEF: 108.2(9th) NET: +10.1 (3rd)
The Celtics once again had another dominant week. The competition wasn’t strong this week, but Boston took care of business in games they were supposed to. Their only loss came to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who they lost to by four. Cleveland had a shot 47 percent that game, 13 percent better than the Celtics. There is no reason why they should lose their top spot.
1st Quarter Grade: A
2. Cleveland Cavaliers 20-3(2) –
OFF: 119.2 (1st) DEF: 107.7(7th) NET:+10.6 (2nd)
If it weren’t for the Atlanta Hawks, the Cavaliers would only have one loss all season. So far, Cleveland has looked like an absolute juggernaut and their main driver has been their offense. This year they are number one offensively which was a vast improvement compared to last year where they were ranked 17th.
1st Quarter Grade: A+
3. Oklahoma City Thunder 17-5 (3) –
OFF: 112.8(8th) DEF: 100.9(1st) NET: +12.0(1st)
This team was expected to be the best team in the Western Conference going into this season. Yet, the Thunder have been dominant and have improved their rebounding numbers since last season. That is also taking into consideration that Oklahoma City has missed time from both Isaiah Harnenstein and Chet Holmgren. Let’s not forget about that dominant defense.
1st Quarter Grade: A
4. Dallas Mavericks 15-8 (8) +4
OFF: 115.8 (4th) DEF: 108.3(10th) NET: +7.7(5th)
Here come the Mavericks. A six game winning streak. A top five offense and top 10 defense and the role players are stepping up. What more can you ask for? In Dallas’ six-game winning streak, they shot a league-best 52 percent from the field and 47 percent from three. This team is hitting their stride. Maybe Luka might not need to score a lot.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
5. Memphis Grizzlies 15-8 (5) –
OFF: 113.0(6th) DEF:105.8(6th) NET: +8.0 (4th)
Most people believe the Grizzlies would be back in the mix this season after missing a full season of Ja Morant. However, no one expected Memphis to be in the mix for the possibility of being a top three team in the West. A lot of the success so far has been due to how deep their bench is with a number two ranked team in bench points which includes several players who can step up and be the top scorer on a given night.
1st Quarter Grade: A
6. Orlando Magic 16-9 (6) –
OFF: 107.5 (24th) DEF:103.6(3rd) NET: +4.3 (9th)
I wouldn’t be too concerned with a 2-2 week because the Orlando Magic have been a very dominant team and this has been without Paolo Banchero. This has been due to the breakout season of Franz Wagner who at this point should be a first-ballot all-star and their defense which continues to be the team’s biggest strength.
1st Quarter Grade: A
7. New York Knicks 14-8 (11) +4
OFF: 118.8 (2nd) DEF:111.9 (19th*) NET: +7.5 (6th)
The Knicks might be finding their groove currently and proving that this team has real aspirations of being a top-weight title contender. The team that was expected to be Boston’s biggest threat has been exceptionally phenomenal offensively which ranks top three in offensive efficiency. Karl Anthony Towns has looked fanatic in his Knick debut season as he has averaged the second-highest amount of points per game in his career. The thing holding New York back this season has been their defense which has been the exact opposite story compared to last year. It’s a bottom-half defense now.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
8. Golden State Warriors 13-9 (7) -1
OFF: 110.5(14th*) DEF:105.3(4th) NET: +4.8 (8th)
This has been a tough week for the Warriors as they are starting to come back down to Earth and now are going to be without De’Anthony Melton who will now miss the rest of the season with season-ending surgery. Nevertheless, Golden State still has the top bench in the NBA and a top 5 defense currently. And this is without Steph Curry dominating.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
9. Houston Rockets 15-8 (4) -5
OFF: 108.6(20th) DEF:102.7(2nd) NET: +6.9 (7th)
This may be the season where the Rockets go from a team that was on the verge of competing for a playoff spot to possibly a playoff contender. This team has the potential of being last year’s Oklahoma City Thunder. This team is a nightmare for opposing offenses and they are one of the youngest rosters. Houston gets an A in my book.
1st Quarter Grade: A
10. Los Angeles Clippers 14-10 (9) -1
OFF: 108.3(21st) DEF: 107.0(7th) NET: +1.8 (12th)
How does Tyronn Lue and the Clippers do it? Whenever their star players are out or (in this year’s case) lose a star, the Clippers find a way to stay relevant. James Harden in recent games has looked like he has turned back the clock to his Rockets days and Norman Powell still leads the team in scoring.
1st Quarter Grade: A-
11. Minnesota Timberwolves 12-10 (18) +7
OFF: 109.6(19th) DEF: 105.6(12th) NET:+4.1(10th)
This team has been wildly inconsistent. Last week the Timberwolves were on the downturn and were called out by their superstar Anthony Edwards. Since then, Minnesota has won four straight by an average of 18.8 points. This week was a huge improvement as Minnesota is back to becoming a top five team in defensive efficiency once again.
1st Quarter Grade: B-
12. Denver Nuggets 11-9 (10) -2
OFF:113.8(5th) DEF: 111.4(17th*) NET: +1.4(14th)
If the Nuggets get a top four seed in the West, the main reason will have to do with Nikola Jokic’s play. The three-time MVP is the favorite to add another MVP and is having the best season yet. However, when Jokic is off the floor or if he misses time, Denver looks nowhere near a contender. The Joker will need more help from everyone else if he wants to win another ring.
1st Quarter Grade: C-
13. Phoenix Suns 12-9 (14) +1
OFF: 112.6 (9th*) DEF:112.2(21st) NET:-0.2 (16th)
This one is a bit hard to rank. With Kevin Durant, the Suns have been one of the best teams in the NBA. Without him, the Suns are 1-7. This shows that Phoenix could be fighting for the play-in spot if the stars can’t stay healthy. Very dangerous territory if Phoenix can’t figure it out.
1st Quarter Grade: B-
14. Atlanta Hawks 13-11 (20) +6
OFF: 109.7(18th) DEF:111.4(17th) NET:-1.6(17th)
This may be recency bias, but the Atlanta Hawks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA with a 6 game-winning streak. This team has knocked off the Cavaliers in back-to-back games and has beaten the Celtics on their home floor. Jalen Johnson has looked like a legit number two for the team and Dyson Daniels has improved significantly by establishing himself as a solid backup point guard.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
15. Miami Heat 10-1o (16) +1
OFF: 110.5(14th*) DEF:109.1(11th) NET: +2.3 (11th)
Did Pat Riley make the right call saying Miami was okay with standing pat and build on continuity? The Heat have just been average all year. On a positive note, the Heat do an excellent job taking care of the basketball as they ranked third in turnovers. That’s something to look for in South Beach! Does it only matter what happens in April?
1st Quarter Grade: C
16. Milwaukee Bucks 11-11 (15) -1
OFF: 111.6(11th) DEF:110.9(17th) NET: +0.8 (15th)
At least the Bucks appear to have salvaged their season after starting the season 2-8. The defense has shown a little improvement as the Bucks are a middle-of-the-pack team on that end. Their offense has been the x-factor as Milwaukee has been a top 6 team offensively in the past month. Both their stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have played exceptionally well which has helped the Bucks.
1st Quarter Grade: C
17. Sacramento Kings 11-13 (17) –
OFF:112.6(9th*) DEF:110.9(13th*) NET: +1.5 (13th)
This team has underachieved this season without question. The big issue has been their defense against the three-pointer which currently ranks 29th in opponent three-point percentage. Also, the Kings have struggled in clutch games with a 5-9 record. Hoping this is a gelling period because the Kings are unfortunately in the West and their current record will not cut it for the playoffs.
1st Quarter Grade: C
18. San Antonio Spurs 11-12 (13) -5
OFF: 109.9 (17th*) ` DEF:111.4(15th*) NET:-2.0 (18th)
The Spurs have had a relatively good season so far despite a 1-3 week. The Spurs have made significant strides both offensively and defensively as they are now in the top half in each. However, San Antonio’s defense is much worse without Victor Wembanyama. Still, the Spurs are in the mix for the playoffs which is significantly better compared to where they were a year ago.
1st Quarter Grade: B
19. Los Angeles Lakers 12-11 (12) -7
OFF:111.4(12th) DEF:115.1 (26th*) NET: -4.2 (22nd*)
Recency bias is a real thing. The Lakers’ grade could be much worse if you only include this week. The Lakers have lost four of their last eight games by 25+ points or more and currently have a bottom 4 net rating in the West. Thankfully, Anthony Davis has been playing like an MVP.
1st Quarter Grade: C
20. Chicago Bulls 10-14 (24) +4
OFF: 112.7(7th) DEF: 115.5(28th*) NET:-3.7 (21st)
This one is a bit difficult to grade. Plenty of people thought the Bulls were going to commit themselves to a full rebuild. Yet, Chicago has been relatively competitive with the play of Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic. Maybe there are a couple of trades in the works to spark the rebuild. However, Chicago continues to tread in NBA mediocrity which is the worst place to be for an NBA franchise.
1st Quarter Grade: C+
21. Brooklyn Nets 10-13 (19) -2
OFF: 110.1(16th) DEF: 113.5(24th) NET: -3.7(20th)
No one thought the Nets were going to be competitive but here we are. With a 10-13 record, Brooklyn has been relevant so far and would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. Cam Thomas has been solid as a number one option and Cameron Johnson has had a career high. It is uncertain if the Nets can sustain this play but one thing for sure is they have been a respectable team so far.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
22. Indiana Pacers 10-14 (21) -1
OFF: 110.7 (13th) DEF:114.4 (25th) NET:-4.2(22nd*)
Maybe the Pacers were due for a regression season after coming off an unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Tyrese Halliburton has struggled quite a bit this season and Indiana’s offense has shown significant regression from being a top 2 offense last season. Also, the defense is still at the bottom of the league currently at 25th. The Pacers might not be as good as last season but should be much better than how they have played.
1st Quarter Grade: D+
23. Philadelphia 76ers 6-15 (28) +5
OFF: 105.1 (27th) DEF: 110.3(12th) NET:-5.5(25th)
Are the 76ers making a comeback? Philadelphia has been able to win 3 games out of 4 in the past week without Joel Embid. Still, this has been the most disappointing team in the NBA by far. If Joel Embid hadn’t missed half of the year last season, the 76ers might have been the biggest threat to Boston. Now, with adding Paul George and strengthening their bench, this team has been a letdown. Maybe, this is a turning point and the 76ers can reenter the playoff mix in a weak East.
1st Quarter Grade: F
24. Detroit Pistons 9-15 (22) -2
OFF:107.8(22nd*) DEF:110.3(15th*) NET: -3.0 (19th)
Yes, Detroit has struggled lately by being on a three-game losing streak and being 3-7 in their last 10 games. However, this has been a noteworthy improvement compared to last season which they didn’t reach nine wins until February 27. With JB Bickerstaff as coach, Detroit has found an identity of being a solid defensive team and has their backcourt of the future.
1st Quarter Grade: B
25. Toronto Raptors 7-16 (26) +1
OFF: 107.8(22nd*) DEF:113.0 (22nd) NET: -4.8 (24th)
This is a team that I will give the benefit of the doubt. Toronto has missed two of their three stars for a significant time this year. Yet, the Raptors have been somewhat competitive and other young players have made significant strides. Forutenaltly, by being in a weaker Eastern Conference, Toronto can still make the play-in.
1st Quarter Grade: B-
26. Utah Jazz 5-17 (27) +1
OFF: 107.3(25th) DEF:115.9 (29th) NET: -8.0(27th)
The Jazz have been a little bit better in the past couple of weeks. However, when looking at their metrics, Utah is in for a much more rough season. The good news though this might be the season where the Jazz can be sellers at the deadline. John Collins is having a 50-40-90 season currently and Jordan Clarkson can bring a contender scoring off the bench. Utah won’t get an F because they are picking the right direction early but still Utah has been bad so far.
1st Quarter Grade: D-
27. Charlotte Hornets 6-16 (25) -2
OFF: 106.0(26th) DEF: 112.1(20th) NET:-5.5 (26th)
At least, the Hornets have young talent that has shown promise. Yet, this is likely going to be another dark season for Charlotte fans. At least, LaMelo Ball is a superstar when healthy and Brandon Miller appears to be another potential for Charlotte. Unfortunately, health has been an issue for the Hornets as they lost 7 straight and 9 of their last 10.
1st Quarter Grade: C
28. New Orleans Pelicans 5-18 (28) –
OFF: 103.5(28th) DEF:115.1 (26th*) NET:-12.1(29th)
This has been extremely unfortunate for the Pelicans as they have been completely destroyed by the injury bug all year. At least CJ McCollum, DeJounte Murray, and Brandon Ingram are now healthy and got a big win over the Suns a couple of nights ago. However, New Orleans is already in a deep hole and it’s tough to imagine them being able to salvage their year. Can they call Adam Silver and ask to transfer to the East?
1st Quarter Grade: F
29. Portland Trail Blazers 8-15 (23) -6
OFF: 103.4(29th) DEF:113.3 (23rd) NET: -9.6 (28th)
Portland has had a couple of nice wins early in the season and has displayed the potential of being a decent defensive team. However, don’t expect the Blazers to sustain that. A team that was middle-pack defensively has fallen to 23rd because of giving up 135 points in the past week. Oh yeah, Portland’s offense is still bottom of the league and is ranked 28th in net rating. It’s a reminder that Portland is a team that is in the midst of a full-scale rebuild and it’s important to be patient. But the downside Scoot Henderson has not shown improvement from his rookie year.
1st Quarter Grade: C-
30. Washington Wizards 2-18 (30) –
OFF:101.0 (30th) DEF: 118.3 (30th) NET: -16.9(30th)
Everyone knew the Wizards were rebuilding and it was going to be another tough year. But the way they are losing has been extremely tough to watch. Washington has only beaten one team twice and every loss except one has been by double digits. Oh yeah, and the Wizards are currently on a 16-game losing streak. This could very well be a historically bad team.
1st Quarter Grade: F
Main Image: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
