Week 3 is officially in the books. With the NBA Cup beginning, it brings a lot of entertainment to the league along with intensity early in the season. With 30 teams, all teams are looking for the NBA Cup to win the prize of $500,000 for all 15 players on the team. So far, the Cavaliers and Warriors are the top 2 teams in the NBA, and the Lakers had an easy home stretch and are looking to defend their NBA cup.
It was a big week for NBA players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl Anthony Towns, and Victor Wembyama who showed out in the first set of NBA Cup games. In fact, on Wednesday, Wembyama was able to have his first 50-point game of his young career. Also, it was great to see Joel Embiid make his debut despite him being rusty. The 76ers are 2-10, however, with Embid and George back, they should rack up some wins and make up for their deficit.
With many storylines for each team, let’s dive right into it!
Risers: Lakers +7, Magic +4, Rockets +3, Bulls +3, Jazz +3
Fallers: Mavericks -6, Timberwolves -4, Pacers -4
Record and data are updated as of November 14, 2024
Next Edition: November 22, 2024
Week 4 NBA Power Rankings
1. Cleveland Cavaliers 13-0(1) –
OFF: 120.0(1st) DEF: 106.9(6th) NET:+11.7 (2nd)
It was another impressive week for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who after three weeks are still undefeated. With their 13-0 start, the Cavaliers became the 6th team in NBA history to start 13-0. The last team that started this well was the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors who went on to go 73-9. This team has a very strong chance to go 15-0. Their next biggest test. The Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
Week Schedule: vs. Bulls (Nov.15) vs.Hornets (Nov.17) @ Celtics (Nov.19) vs. Pelicans (Nov.20)
2. Golden State Warriors 9-2 (3) +1
OFF: 118.0(2nd*) DEF:105.1(4th) NET: +11.1 (1st)
This position ranking was simple. The Warrior’s only loss came against the only undefeated team in the NBA and then followed that loss with two big wins against the top defense in the NBA and Klay Thompson and the Mavericks. Steph Curry had two big games with 36.5 points on 54% shooting.
Week Schedule: vs. Grizzlies (Nov.15) @ Clippers (Nov.18)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder 10-2 (2) –1
OFF: 111.6(11th) DEF: 99.5(1st) NET: +12.6(1st)
The Thunder went down a spot mainly because their only loss came to the Warriors a team ranked second. The biggest performance was Shai-Gillgious-Alexander’s 45-point performance vs. the Clippers which was on 62% shooting. This was a statement game for him to prove he deserved the MVP.
Week Schedule: vs. Suns (Nov.15) vs. Mavericks (Nov.18) @ Spurs (Nov.19) vs. Blazers (Nov.20)
4. Boston Celtics 10-3 (4) –
OFF: 118.0(2nd*) DEF: 107.5(8th) NET:+10.8 (4th)
What else is new with the Celtics? Sure, the Celtics loss to the Hawks was a gut-puncher. But other than Jaylen Brown being back and the Celtics are top 10 in net rating, offense, and defense, Boston might just be cruising at this point. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad thing, but the Celtics are the cream crop of the NBA.
Week Schedule: vs. Raptors (Nov.18) vs. Cavaliers (Nov.20)
5. Denver Nuggets 7-3 (7) +2
OFF:116.5(4th) DEF: 111.4(18th) NET: +2.9(11th)
Is Nikola Jokic really that good? He makes the game so easy and it’s going to be hard to see his game decline as he relies more on IQ and less on athletic ability. Jokic is averaging a triple-double and close to a 30-point triple-double. If he keeps it up, he will be the 3rd person in NBA history to average a triple-double in a season. The others. Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. It was a low week but the Nuggets won both of their games. Their depth is still a concern but they are still great with Jokic.
Week Schedule: @ Pelicans (Nov.15) @ Grizzlies (Nov.17) @ Grizzlies (Nov.19)
6. Houston Rockets 8-4 (9) +3
OFF: 108.7(21st) DEF:104.9(3rd) NET: +5.1 (6th)
Here come the Rockets! Their only loss came against the Thunder, but Houston has managed to take care of business to get some quality wins and are currently the best team in their division. Alphren Segrun had a solid week in which it looks like he is shaking off a slow start. Tari Eason has been a pleasant surprise for the Rockets as he is averaging over 15 points for the month.
Week Schedule: vs. Clippers (Nov.15) @ Bulls (Nov.17) @ Bucks (Nov.18) vs. Pacers (Nov.20)
7. Phoenix Suns 9-3 (5) -2
OFF: 113.2 (8th*) DEF:111.4(19th) NET:+0.5 (15th)
This team had a minor setback this week due to the injury of Kevin Durant who will be out for 2 weeks with a calf strain. Still, the Suns had an okay week going 2-2 only losing to Sacramento twice. Bradley Beal has gone in and out of games but health will be the X-factor for this team. When healthy, they are a top team.
Week Schedule: @ Thunder (Nov.15), @ Timberwolves (Nov.17) vs. Magic (Nov.18) vs.Knicks (Nov.20)
8. Los Angeles Lakers 7-4 (15) +7
OFF:114.2(6th) DEF:113.6 (25th) NET: +0.1 (16th)
It is clear that Anthony Davis is having a resurgence year for the Lakers and should be the #1 option. It is looking more clear that Austin Reaves should be the #3 option currently, and the Lakers are still undefeated at home. Let’s appreciate LeBron James’ greatness, who in weeks will turn 40 and has yet to show signs of real decline. In the win against Memphis, LeBron showed a vintage performance by getting a 30-point triple-double.
Week Schedule: @ Spurs (Nov.15) @ Pelicans (Nov.16) vs. Jazz (Nov.18) vs. Magic (Nov.21)
9. Sacramento Kings 7-5 (10) +1
OFF:117.4(5th) DEF:108.0(8th) NET: +4.0 (7th)
Unfortunately, Malik Monk will be out for a couple of weeks with a sprained ankle. The King’s biggest weakness right now is bench production which is ranked 28th in total points. Other than their big win against the Suns, the bench has only put up 20-21 points a night. Sacramento is hoping he will return soon because the Kings can’t rely only on De’Aaron Fox, Domantis Sabonis or DeMar DeRozan to carry them nightly basis.
Week Schedule: vs. Timberwolves (Nov.15), vs. Jazz (Nov.16) vs. Hawks (Nov.18)
10. Memphis Grizzlies 7-5 (12) +2
OFF: 113.2(8th*) DEF:106.2(5th) NET: +8.2 (5th)
With Ja Morant out, the Grizzlies had some big wins against inferior teams and nearly beat the Lakers on the road. Jaren Jackson Jr. became the #1 option and so far has averaged 25 points in November. Scottie Pippen Jr. has also looked impressive in the starting role by getting his first career. triple-double
Week Schedule: @ Warriors (Nov.15) vs. Nuggets (Nov.17) vs. Warriors (Nov.19)
11. Los Angeles Clippers 6-6 (13) +2
OFF: 109.1(18th*) DEF: 108.8(11th) NET: +0.7 (13th)
The Clippers have to be thankful for their elite defense and Norman Powell. Who would have thought Normal Powell would be the #1 scoring option so far in the season? James Harden is still putting up his 20 points 8 rebounds and assists. However, he has struggled significantly with his shooting. We’ll see if the Clippers can hold the fort until Kawhi Leonard returns.
Week Schedule: @ Rockets (Nov.15) vs. Jazz (Nov.17) vs. Warriors (Nov.18) vs. Magic (Nov.20)
12. Minnesota Timberwolves 6-6 (8) -4
OFF: 110.4(12th) DEF: 108.1(9th) NET:+2.7(12th)
The biggest takeaway was losing to the Blazers not once but twice. The Wolves are still determining if Julius Randle could be a solid fit and #2 option to Anthony Edwards. It’s still early in the season and the Wolves defense has improved, but Wolves fans are hoping a late offseason trade won’t hurt their contending status.
Week Schedule: @ Kings (Nov.15) vs. Suns (Nov.17) @ Raptors (Nov.21)
13. Dallas Mavericks 5-7 (6) –
OFF: 113.4 (7th) DEF: 109.8(13th) NET: +3.0(10th)
A 4 game-losing streak is a bummer. However, all games have been relatively close all decided by 3 points or less. Dallas currently has the worst record in the league in clutch time which is ironic because the Mavericks currently have 3 closers Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. Next week’s schedule won’t get easier as they will face the teams that have playoff aspirations and the role players must step up. Dallas’ bench is ranked 26th in bench points.
Week Schedule: vs. Spurs (Nov.16) @ Thunder (Nov.17) vs. Pelicans (Nov.19)
14. New York Knicks 5-6 (14) –
OFF: 116.0 (6th) DEF:113.1 (23rd) NET: +3.6 (6th)
The Knicks had an okay week. Losing to the Bulls at home was not encouraging at all. However, seeing Karl Anthony Towns score a season-high 46 points on 50% shooting was an encouraging sign of why the Knicks acquired him days before training camp. The Knicks are still trying to gel and get back to where they were defensively last season.
Week Schedule: vs. Nets (Nov.15) vs. Nets (Nov.17) vs. Wizards (Nov.18) @ Suns (Nov.20)
15. Indiana Pacers 5-6 (11) -4
OFF: 110.3 (13th*) DEF:113.6 (24th*) NET:-2.7(20th)
In their big game of the week, the Pacers knocked off the Knicks led by a big 38-point game by Benedict Matthurdin. However, the Pacers offense is continuing to struggle with consistency compared to last season which included only putting up 90 points against the Magic and 83 against the Hornets.
Week Schedule: vs. Heat (Nov.15) vs. Heat (Nov.17) @ Raptors (Nov 18) @ Rockets (Nov.20)
16. San Antonio Spurs 6-6 (17) +1
OFF: 109.7 (16th) ` DEF:108.4(10th) NET:+0.6(14th)
This might be the turning point for Victor Wembyama’s season as the 20-year-old big man has struggled with his shot. Wemby had a big week averaging 36 points and 12 rebounds on 59% shooting. Let’s not forget about the first 50-point game of his career. The Spurs will have a big test next week 3 of their 4 teams coming from playoff contenders.
Week Schedule: vs. Lakers (Nov.15) @ Mavericks (Nov.16), vs. Thunder (Nov.19) vs. Jazz (Nov.21)
17. Orlando Magic 7-6 (21) +4
OFF: 105.5 (24th) DEF:102.8(2nd) NET: +3.7 (8th)
It was a bounce-back week for the Orlando Magic. Yet, 3 of the 4 games were against teams ranked in the bottom 6. However, the Magic won convincingly and they are doing it by sticking to their roots which is their #2 ranked defense. Also, Franz Wagner had a big week by averaging 27 points for the week.
Week Schedule: vs. 76ers (Nov.15) @ Suns (Nov.18) @ Clippers (Nov.20)
18. Milwaukee Bucks 4-8 (2o) +2
OFF: 109.1(18th*) DEF:111.3(16th) NET: -2.5 (18th)
It doesn’t matter about who they play. The Bucks were able to get 2 wins against the teams they were supposed to beat. Perhaps, this can get a streak going for Milwaukee. Yes, they needed Giannis Antetokounmpo to score 59 points to beat Detroit, nevertheless, whatever it takes.
Week Schedule: @ Hornets (Nov.16) vs. Rockets (Nov 18) vs. Bulls (Nov 20)
19. Miami Heat 4-6 (16) -3d
OFF: 109.2(17th) DEF:111.0(15th) NET: -1.0 (17th)
So far, the Heat have been ehh. The biggest takeaway from this season was Erik Spolstra’s timeout call at the end of the Pistons Tuesday which resulted in a 2-point loss and giving up an alley-oop at the end of the game. Other than that, the Heat fans might be in store for a breakout season from Tyler Herro.
Week Schedule: @ Pacers (Nov.15) @ Pacers (Nov.17) vs. 76ers (Nov. 18)
20. Detroit Pistons 5-8 () +2
OFF:106.8(22nd*) DEF:110.2(13th) NET: -2.5 (18th*)
We can say one thing. The Pistons might not be the joke of the NBA anymore. With a couple of hard-fought wins which included an eccentric ending to the Heat game, Detroit actually might get in the play-in if they keep this up. The Pistons are 13th in defensive efficiency and out of the bottom 10 in 3-point shooting.
Week Schedule: @ Raptors (Nov.15) @ Wizards (Nov.17) vs. Bulls (Nov.18) @ Hornets (Nov.21)
21. Brooklyn Nets 5-7 (18) -3
OFF: 110.2(15th) DEF: 112.9(21st) NET: -2.8(21st)
If it weren’t for the close against the Pelicans, the Nets would have a winless week. Nevertheless, they managed to still remain competitive in all games except for their game against the Celtics where Brooklyn managed to give up 139 points. Still, this team plays hard and the respect needs to be given for that.
Week Schedule: @ Knicks (Nov.15) @ Knicks (Nov.17) vs. Hornets (Nov.19)
22. Atlanta Hawks 5-7 (19) -3
OFF: 110.3(13th*) DEF:114.9(26th) NET:-5.0(23rd*)
This team feels like a roller coaster. One week you lose the Wizards twice. The next week they get a couple of big weeks, followed by a couple of losses to the Pistons and Bulls. Their big win in the NBA Cup against the Celtics in Boston was crucial and it was a big game for Dyson Daniel who was the starting point guard with 28 points and 7 assists.
Week Schedule: vs. Wizards (Nov.15) @ Blazers (Nov.17) @ Kings (Nov.18) @ Warriors (Nov.20)
23. Chicago Bulls 5-7 (26) +3
OFF: 109.0(20th) DEF: 112.5(20th) NET:-7.4 (23rd*)
With the return of Zach Lavine, the Bulls had a 2-1 which included a 1-point win against the Knicks and almost took down the undefeated Cavs. It was good for them to get wins like that once in a while for morale of the franchise. Stay the course Bulls! Your team won’t have a pick if it falls out of the top 10. Your team’s ceiling is a .500 team. Really worth it?
Week Schedule: @ Cavaliers (Nov.15) vs. Rockets (Nov.17) @ Pistons (Nov.18) @ Bucks (Nov.20)
24. Portland Trail Blazers 5-8 (23) -1
OFF: 102.7(30th) DEF:111.3 (17th) NET: -7.7 (25th)
The positive from this week was not only beating the Timberwolves once but twice. However, we can’t take away the fact the team lost by an average of 35 points in the previous two games. In their 45-point loss to the Grizzlies, the Blazers only managed to put up 89 points on an atrocious 9.5% from 3. It has been a rough month for Scoot Henderson but at least Donovon Clingan showed some promise with a double-double and 8 blocks as well.
Week Schedule: vs. Hawks (Nov.17) @ Thunder (Nov.20)
25. Charlotte Hornets 4-7 (24) -1
OFF: 104.7(25th) DEF: 110.4(14th) NET:-5.0 (23rd*)
A convincing win against the Pacers was nice. Yet, here is an example of how the Hornet’s season will be solely depending on how many games LaMelo plays. This week alone Ball has averaged 34 points a game on a whopping 29 shot attempts. And still, Charlotte ranks 25th in offensive efficiency.
Week Schedule: vs. Pacers (W20) @ 76ers (L2) @ Magic (L25)
26. Philadelphia 76ers 2-9 (27) +1
OFF: 105.2 (25th) DEF: 116.5(22nd) NET:-8.0(26th*)
Good news. Joel Embid is back. Despite his rusty start, it will be good to know that the 76ers got back their 2023 MVP who should help them rack up some wins to recover from this slow start. Maybe getting a top 4 seed might be a stretch now, but the 76ers just need to make the playoffs and get healthy. This is still a top 3 team in the East when healthy. Hope this
Week Schedule: @ Magic (Nov. 15) @ Heat (Nov.18) @ Grizzlies (Nov.20)
27. Utah Jazz 3-8 (30) +3
OFF: 103.2(29th) DEF:115.6 (28th) NET: -12.0(29th)
Could this be the Jazz we have seen in the past couple of years? The Jazz have not only won a game but 2 games and all their games have been decided by single digits. The Jazz are still one of the worst teams by the metrics but they ranked #12 offensively this past week. That’s an improvement! Let’s see if it continues after this long road trip in the next week.
Week Schedule: @ Kings (Nov.15) @ Clippers (Nov.16) @ Lakers (Nov.19) @ Spurs (Nov. 21)
28. New Orleans Pelicans 3-9 (25) -3
OFF: 105.0(26th) DEF:115.3 (27th) NET:-10.3(28th)
Is it already time to raise the white flag and punt the season in New Orleans? With injuries to CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have fallen to dead last in the West standings and have currently the 3rd worst net rating in the entire NBA. At least Brandon Ingram has played well, maybe he can dealt sooner rather than later.
Week Schedule: vs. Nuggets (Nov.15) vs. Lakers (Nov.16) @ Mavericks (Nov.18) @ Cavaliers (Nov.20)
29. Toronto Raptors 2-10 (28) -1
OFF: 106.8(22nd*) DEF:116.4 (29th) NET: -8.0 (26th*)
If it weren’t for the Wizards and the close loss to the Clippers, the Toronto Raptors would have taken the bottom spot in this week’s rankings. The good news is Grady Dick had a big week which included a career-high 32 points against the Bucks and their defense has improved a little bit. However, this is the only team that is winless on the road so far.
Week Schedule: vs. Pistons (Nov.15) @ Celtics (Nov.16) vs. Pacers(Nov.18) vs. Timberwolves(Nov.21)
30. Washington Wizards 2-7 (29) -1
OFF:103.7 (28th) DEF: 116.5 (30th) NET: -13.2(30th)
It is crazy that going into this week, if the Wizards hadn’t had their two-game series against the Hawks, they would not only have been winless, but every loss would have been in double digits. Talk about futility. At least Jordan Poole is having a better year so far, which included a 42-point game against the Spurs. Unfortunately, it won’t get talked about as much because it’s the Wizards, and Wemby had the bigger game.
Week Schedule: @ Hawks (Nov.15) vs. Pistons (Nov.17) @ Knicks (Nov.18)
Main Image: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
