We are another week into the NBA season, which means we are starting to get a better idea of how good teams really are. As always, some teams have improved and others have fallen. Let’s see where every team stands in this week’s power rankings.
1. Indiana Pacers
Simply put, the Pacers are the best team in basketball. They are playing at a very high level and should continue to play at such a level.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Besides an early loss to a competitive Trail Blazers team, the Spurs have played excellently. They are on a six game win streak and could easily continue to win.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are playing at a very high level and the return of Russell Westbrook greatly helps this team.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have one of the best offenses in the NBA. This team is extremely talented and can be dangerous down the road if they can stay healthy.
5. Miami Heat
The Heat are really starting to heat up as they have won four of their last five games. This team is just a few points away from being seven and one.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan are all playing some great basketball and the Clippers have won three straight against some tough competition.
7. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. After a slow 2-2 start, the Blazers have now won four in a row.
8. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors three losses came from some of the top teams in the West. With a healthy Stephen Curry and Harrison Barnes, this is a very talented Warriors team.
9. Phoenix Suns
Much like the Warriors, the Suns three losses come from some of the top teams in the West. No one expected this team to be good, but they certainly are.
10. Houston Rockets
Even though they are off to a bit of a slow start, the Rockets are getting healthy and have a favorable schedule coming up.
11. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs are a team that I severely underrated. They are off to a 5-3 start but are still looking for a win against a top team.
12. Philadelphia 76ers
You know the East must be struggling when the third best team is the 76ers. Against all expectations the 76ers are winning games and looking very impressive at times.
13. Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose has been struggling tremendously this season and that is largely the reason the Bulls are 3-3.
14. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have managed to beat the bad teams and lose to the good teams. The jury is still out on the Hawks, but they certainly have a shot in the East.
15. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets started off the season by losing three straight. They’ve managed to start to turn it around by winning three of their last four.
16. Charlotte Bobcats
With a healthy Al Jefferson, the Bobcats are a much better team. They have not yet beaten a good team, but they will get their chance in the coming games.
17. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are very similar to the Bobcats in the fact that they have yet to beat a great team. They have the talent to win games, but will have to play hard to get the win.
18. Boston Celtics
After starting an abysmal 0-4, the Celtics have managed to turn things around by winning four of their last five.
19. Orlando Magic
The Magic have been up and down all season. After starting the season with two losses, they managed to win three in a row, only to lose three more. Only time will tell to see if this team can get on track.
20. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have struggled mightily this season. Their lack of offense has continually lost them games.
21. New York Knicks
Despite their record, the Knicks are a very talented team, especially with J.R. Smith returning from suspension.
22. Detroit Pistons
The Piston have lost four straight against some very tough competition. They do have a favorable schedule coming up and should right the ship in time.
23. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have played well at times this season but are struggling without Kobe Bryant. If the Lakers can stay right around .500 until Kobe returns, they could make a late push.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs had high expectations coming into the season but have failed to live up to them. With some weaker competition in the coming games, the Cavs should have a chance to turn things around.
25. Brooklyn Nets
If it weren’t for an early win against the Heat the Nets would be in a full panic mode. The Nets are simply too talented to have a 2-5 record. Jason Kidd’s seat has got to be heating up.
26. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans were a team that improved a lot on paper this offseason. They have yet to improve on the court, even with Anthony Davis playing at a ridiculously high level.
27. Sacramento Kings
The Kings have plenty of talent on this team but it has yet to show up on the court. Despite DeMarcus Cousins best efforts the Kings have failed to win many games.
28. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are limping along right now. Ersan Ilyasova has been struggling with injuries, Brandon Knight has yet to play, and Larry Sanders is out for three to four weeks. When this team can get healthy they could easily make a push for the playoffs.
29. Washington Wizards
Despite John Wall’s best efforts, this team is struggling. The Wizards have had one of the more difficult schedules so far and should be able to get some wins in the coming weeks.
30. Utah Jazz
After getting their first win of the season, the Jazz are facing a ridiculously hard schedule in the coming weeks. On the brightside, the Jazz are making a great push for the number of pick in the 2014 draft.