NBA Power Rankings: Week 2

Okay, NBA fans, it's time for the second installment of our weekly power rankings, where we separate the contenders from the contenders. Unlike last week where everything was based on preseason hype and roster talks, now we actually have some basketball to evaluate. Of course, it's still early in the season and the records don't tell the whole story. A bad night can skew the standings, and a hot streak of shooting can make a mediocre team look like a world-beater. So while we reflect on how the teams performed on the pitch, we also keep an eye on the bigger picture – comparing what we know about these teams with what we've actually seen so far.

With that in mind, let's get into the rankings and focus on the top 12 teams that have either met, exceeded expectations, or are still finding their feet.

1. Boston Celtics (3-0) – Last week’s ranking: 1

It's business as usual for the defending champions. The Celtics started the season by steamrolling the Knicks on the night they raised banner #18. Victories over the Wizards and a violent tremor in Detroit followed. Until someone knocks them off the pedestal, they will remain the league's gold standard.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0) – Last week’s ranking: 2

The Thunder hit the ground running and it's hard to find any flaws in their start. Their debut win against the Nuggets on the road was a statement game if there ever was one. They didn't stop there, dismantling the Bulls in Chicago and then getting a tough win against Atlanta. Right now, OKC looks like the frontrunner in the West in every way.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1) – Last week’s ranking: 4

Yes, we're taking the Wolves to No. 3, even if it feels a bit like a home run. Their season-opening loss to the Lakers was ugly – there's no denying that. The team seemed out of sync while adding new additions Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo and struggled to find a rhythm. But then the Wolves earned a tough road win in Sacramento, with Randle and Anthony Edwards each scoring over 30 points. The momentum continued in the home opener where they manhandled the Raptors. Tuesday's game against Dallas will be the true litmus test of whether the team can maintain its positive momentum.

4. Phoenix Suns (2-1) – Last week's ranking: 8

Phoenix got off to a good start with two impressive wins over the Clippers and Mavericks. Their only blemish was a road loss to the Lakers, which, let's be honest, seems to be a pattern here in the top five. Under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, the Suns appear more cohesive than the team that was swept out of the playoffs last season. It feels like this team is on the verge of a real breakthrough.

5. Dallas Mavericks (1-1) – Last week’s ranking: 3

The Mavs started with a solid win over the Spurs and the highly touted Victor Wembanyama. However, they couldn't maintain that momentum and lost to the Suns in Phoenix, securing them that spot in the rankings. But let's not forget that this is the same Dallas team that made its way to the NBA Finals last year. We'll find out a lot more when they visit Minneapolis for their rematch with the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

6. New York Knicks (1-1) – Last week’s ranking: 6

The Knicks were blown out of doors by the Celtics on opening night, but who wouldn't have seen that coming? I mean, facing Boston while they raise a banner is like playing a video game on the highest difficulty setting. They bounced back well with a blowout win over the Pacers, avenging their playoff loss in 2024. Next up are games against the Cavaliers and Heat, which should give us a better idea of ​​where they stand in the East.

7. Los Angeles Lakers (3-0) – Last week’s ranking: Not ranked

Raise your hand if the Lakers started the first week of the season undefeated. Exactly. The Lakers defeated the Wolves, Suns and Kings to start their campaign, all without leaving Los Angeles. It's easy to get carried away, but let's take a look at how they handle their first road game against the Suns before we start buying Lakers stock.

8. Denver Nuggets (0-2) – Last week’s ranking: 5

The Nuggets have stumbled out of the gates and things aren't looking good. They surprisingly lost their opening game at home against the Thunder and then followed that up with a loss against the Clippers, who were missing Kawhi Leonard. There are rumors of problems between coach Mike Malone and the front office, and the team just doesn't look like the same force that won it all in 2023. Nevertheless, every team with Nikola Jokić deserves the benefit of the doubt – at least for now.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-0) – Last week’s ranking: Not ranked

The Cavs are one of the first surprises of the season, starting 3-0 with wins over some of the East's lower-tier teams (Raptors, Pistons, Wizards). Nobody puts on a parade for beating up the little guys, but an unbeaten record is an unbeaten record. The schedule is about to get tougher, so we'll see if they can keep it up.

10. Memphis Grizzlies (2-1) – Last week’s ranking: 10

All Sleepers' Choice is off to a good start, but there are still questions. Wins over the Jazz and Magic are nice, but the Rockets' 20-point loss was a reminder that Memphis is still figuring things out. They are healthy and Ja Morant is back from suspension, but consistency will be key if they want to continue to rise.

11. Orlando Magic (2-1) – Last week's ranking: 12

The Magic won their first two games, including a sweeping victory over the Nets, before losing to Memphis. This young squad is full of optimism, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are continuing to develop. It will probably be another year before they make any real noise, but they will be a challenge for everyone.

12. Philadelphia 76ers (1-2) – Last week’s ranking: 7

The Sixers didn't exactly inspire confidence early on, losing games to the Bucks and Raptors before finally picking up a win against the Pacers. It will take some time to get used to the addition of Paul George, but the upcoming game against four Western Conference teams in a row could make the difference between winning and losing.

Teams that dropped out

Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) – Last week’s ranking: 9th

Indiana Pacers (1-2) – Last week’s ranking: 11

Summary

There you have it folks – completely subjective, completely debatable and open to all sorts of arguments. Do you think Wolves deserve third place? Are we exaggerating the Lakers' hot start? Should we have put the 2-1 Clippers or Warriors on the list? Let's hear it in the comments.