The NBA season is in full swing, and the dynamics across the league have shifted dramatically since our last NBA Power Rankings. With the holiday weekend upon us, teams are fighting to establish dominance, avoid the Play-In Tournament, and set the tone for the long season ahead.
As of late November, there are clear risers and fallers across the league. While the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder continue to solidify their positions at the top, surprises abound elsewhere. Here’s how all 30 teams rank after the first month of the 2024-25 season.
Top Tier: Championship Contenders
1. Boston Celtics
The Celtics remain the gold standard in the league. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown playing at MVP levels, Boston’s defense and offense are clicking seamlessly. Their depth makes them a nightmare matchup for anyone, reinforcing why they’re favorites to reach the NBA Finals.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder’s young core, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has exceeded expectations. Their mix of athleticism and high basketball IQ has positioned them as a legitimate title threat. The addition of Chet Holmgren has provided the rim protection and floor spacing they sorely missed last season.
Rising Teams to Watch
3. Golden State Fighters (Warriors)
The Golden State Warriors are surging past preseason expectations, thanks to their rejuvenated core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Klay Thompson’s improved shooting and the bench’s contributions have solidified the team as a contender in the West.
4. Houston Rockets
The Rockets have transformed from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender. Behind the leadership of new coach Ime Udoka and the emergence of players like Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, Houston’s defense has been a revelation. Their rise is a testament to patience and strategic roster building.
Mid-Tier: Playoff Hopefuls
5. Milwaukee Bucks
While the Bucks boast the superstar duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, their chemistry is still a work in progress. Defensive lapses have caused some concern, but their talent alone keeps them in the mix.
6. Denver Nuggets
The defending champions are still formidable, but injuries to key players have slowed their momentum. Nikola Jokić continues to play at an MVP level, but the supporting cast needs to step up for Denver to climb higher.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are fighting for consistency. LeBron James defies Father Time, but Anthony Davis’ health remains a question mark. Their supporting cast, led by Austin Reaves, needs to find stability to make a deep playoff run.
Falling Stars
20. Philadelphia 76ers
It’s been a rough start for the 76ers. With James Harden gone and Joel Embiid lacking support, the team appears disjointed. Philadelphia’s season risks spiraling if they can’t find answers soon.
21. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls’ lack of cohesion has plagued them once again. Despite the talent of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, they continue to struggle defensively, leaving them vulnerable in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Bottom Tier: Rebuilding and Struggling Teams
29. San Antonio Spurs
Despite flashes of brilliance from Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are clearly in a rebuilding phase. The team shows promise but lacks the experience needed to consistently win games.
30. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons remain at the bottom of the league. While Cade Cunningham is a bright spot, Detroit’s roster still needs significant upgrades to compete at a higher level.
The 2024-25 NBA season is already proving to be unpredictable and thrilling. As the weeks progress, expect more surprises, trades, and drama as teams fight to secure their spots in the postseason.
Stay tuned to Different HUB for the latest in NBA news, analysis, and rankings.
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