We have some movement up top this week. Who are the top 10 teams in the NBA right now?
1. Boston Celtics
Porzingis is back and averaging nearly 20 PPG and 7.5 rebounds. His return is exactly what Boston needs, and they are 1-1 against Cleveland this season. Their next contests against Cleveland come on February 4th and February 28th. These will be must-see games.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Back-to-back losses against Atlanta, but they tied their season series against Boston with a four-point victory Sunday. Their upcoming games feature three winnable games against Washington, Charlotte, and Miami.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Isaiah Hartenstein has been a godsend for this young Thunder team. Well on his way to a career year, a healthy Thunder team, and Hartenstein are positioned to give the league issues all season.
4. Houston Rockets
Houston continues to win close games, and that is a recipe for success. Jabari Smith played well through the team’s first 21 games. Should Houston continue to win close contests, they should continue to rise in the power rankings.
5. Dallas Mavericks
A perfect 4-0 last week, Dallas entered Sunday with Luka Doncic back on the court. When Klay Thompson returns healthy, Dallas should continue building off a fast start, but health will be the key to their season.
6. Golden State Warriors
A tough week for Golden State, but Steph Curry returned on Saturday. 0-3 last week and a four-game week against Denver, Houston, and Minnesota (two games) could see the Warriors drop outside the top ten.
7. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers split last week 2-2, and while their defense ranks as one of the NBA’s best, they give up the top five highest three-point FG% while shooting a top five highest three-point FG%. Their defense has been solid, but this team will live and die by the three.
8. Memphis Grizzlies
A perfect 4-0 last week, Memphis saw the returns of Ja Morant and Marcus Smart. A healthy squad will continue to lead Memphis to victories.
9. Orlando Magic
Orlando is the surprise team early into the 2024-2025 season. The Magic have gone 12-1 since Paolo Banchero’s injury. Wendell Carter Jr.’s return has been an upgrade for the Magic, and their starting to drain shots with ease. Orlando will be a team to pay attention to as the season progresses.
10. New York Knicks
Winning seven of their last nine, New York is starting to fire on all cylinders. Tom Thibodeau has New York posting the league’s top offense. Mikal Bridges has rebounded from early season shooting struggles, and this week’s schedule features winnable games against Charlotte and Detroit after a tough matchup versus the league’s surprise team – Orland Magic.
