NBA power rankings: LeBron has Lakers in the top 10 with Thunder, Celtics, Warriors, Kings

The first week of the season produced some surprising results with the Golden State Warriors going 4-1 despite the absence of Stephen Curry while the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers have struggled to win games.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers are unbeaten and LeBron James has the Los Angeles Lakers off to a strong start after missing the playoffs last season.

In Sacramento, the Kings are encouraged by the early returns after adding DeMar DeRozan to a lineup that already features De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray.

Things will change in the weeks to come, but here’s a look at our first set of NBA power rankings.

* Through games played 10/30

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (4-0)

The Thunder rolled through its first four games with a plus-17.5 point differential, including a 15-point win over the Nuggets in the season opener.

2. Boston Celtics (4-1)

The Celtics look like they’re ready to contend for another title after winning their 18^th NBA championship last season.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (5-0)

The Cavaliers have impressed early with a plus-18.2 point differential and quality wins over the Knicks and Lakers.

4. Phoenix Suns (3-1)

The Suns have looked good with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant leading the way, beating the Clippers and Mavericks while splitting two games against the Lakers.

5. Dallas Mavericks (3-1)

The Mavs suffered an early loss to the Suns despite a 40-point game from Luka Doncic, but they just posted an impressive road win over the Timberwolves.

6. Golden State Warriors (4-1)

The Warriors have a league-best plus-20.4 point differential despite the absence of Stephen Curry, who is out with a left peroneal strain.

7. Los Angeles Lakers (3-2)

LeBron James fueled a 21-0 fourth-quarter run to beat the Kings before the Lakers suffered back-to-back losses to the Suns and Cavaliers.

8. Orlando Magic (3-2)

Paolo Banchero scored 33 points in the season opener and poured in a career-high 50 in Monday’s win over the Pacers.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2)

The Timberwolves pulled out a 117-115 win over the Kings, but they are still trying to find their way after trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle.

10. Sacramento Kings (2-2)

The Kings lost close games to the Timberwolves and Lakers before beating the Blazers and Jazz while incorporating DeMar DeRozan into a lineup with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

11. Houston Rockets (2-2)

The Rockets are expected to make the leap into playoff contention this season, but early losses to the Hornets and Spurs are a little troubling.

12. New York Knicks (2-2)

Karl-Anthony Towns had his first big game for the Knicks in Wednesday’s win over the Heat, putting up 44 points and 13 rebounds.

13. Los Angeles Clippers (2-2)

Prior to Wednesday’s home loss to the Blazers, James Harden and Norman Powell had the Clippers looking good despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard.

14. Denver Nuggets (2-2)

Nikola Jokic already has two 40-point games for the Nuggets, who are coming off back-to-back overtime wins over the Raptors and Nets after losing to the Thunder and Clippers.

15. Chicago Bulls (3-2)

Zach LaVine, Coby White and Nikola Vucevic have led the Bulls to impressive wins over the Bucks, Grizzlies and Magic.

16. Miami Heat (2-2)

The Heat beat the Hornets and Pistons but lost to the Magic and Knicks.

17. Charlotte Hornets (2-2)

LaMelo Ball has been sensational, averaging 31.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists while shooting 41.7% from 3-point range.

18. Indiana Pacers (2-3)

Bennedict Mathurin scored 30 in an overtime win over the Celtics on Wednesday to help Indiana snap a three-game losing streak.

19. Memphis Grizzlies (2-3)

The Grizzlies haven’t looked great despite the return of Ja Morant, who is averaging 20.7 points while shooting just 16.7% from 3-point range.

20. Portland Trail Blazers (2-3)

The Blazers pulled off a couple of quality wins over the Pelicans and Clippers despite the absences of Shaedon Sharpe and Robert Williams III.

21. Washington Wizards (2-2)

The Wizards posted back-to-back wins over the Hawks after opening with blowout losses to the Celtics and Cavaliers.

22. Atlanta Hawks (2-3)

Trae Young is averaging 26.5 points and 10.8 rebounds, but the Hawks have lost three in a row after opening with wins over the Nets and Hornets.

23. New Orleans Pelicans (2-3)

The Pelicans have lost three in a row — one to the Blazers and two to the Warriors — by an average of 18.3 points per game.

24. Brooklyn Nets (2-3)

Dennis Schroder scored 28 in an overtime loss to the Nuggets and 33 in a win over the Grizzlies.

25. Milwaukee Bucks (1-3)

The Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, but they are struggling without Khris Middleton, who had surgery on both ankles during the offseason.

26. Philadelphia 76ers (1-3)

The 76ers are struggling without Joel Embiid and Paul George, who have yet to appear in a game due to knee injuries.

27. Detroit Pistons (1-4)

Cade Cunningham is averaging 26.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists while shooting 37% from 3-point range.

28. San Antonio Spurs (1-3)

Victor Wembanyama is putting up 20.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.7 blocks.

29. Toronto Raptors (1-4)

The Raptors have lost three in a row and four of five while facing a difficult schedule with games against the Cavaliers, 76ers, Timberwolves, Nuggets and Hornets.

30. Utah Jazz (0-4)

The Jazz lost four in a row to start the season with a minus-17.0 point differential.

This story was originally published October 31, 2024, 5:00 AM.