Basketball enthusiasts are already getting antsy with the NBA season nearly half over. As always, there’s been a lot of fluctuation in the league standings, and it’s that time of year where we ask the important question: Who’s on top? With the help of the latest NBA power rankings, let’s break down which teams have come out on top thus far.
At the very top of the list, the Los Angeles Lakers have taken the reins. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, it’s no surprise that they’re in a comfortable lead – they have one of the most formidable duos in the league. The question is whether they can maintain that lead as the season progresses, particularly with the injuries they’ve already incurred this year.
Next up, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers are both hot on the Lakers’ heels. The Bucks, led by reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, are hoping to finally break through to the NBA Finals after falling short in the past two seasons. Meanwhile, the Clippers boast a deep roster featuring Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and a strong bench unit.
The fourth and fifth spots belong to the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets, respectively. The Celtics are off to a great start, with Jayson Tatum leading the team in scoring and Kemba Walker providing veteran guidance. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are consistently in the playoff race but are still searching for that extra push to take them to the Finals.
Beyond the top five, there are a few teams that have made significant jumps up the ranks in recent weeks. The Utah Jazz, with Donovan Mitchell leading the charge, have moved up to the sixth spot, while the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks round out the top eight. The Heat are powered by some of the league’s top young talent in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, while the Mavericks boast the reigning Rookie of the Year, Luka Doncic, who has been putting up impressive numbers night after night.
Of course, power rankings are only one way to measure a team’s success. Injuries, strength of schedule, and other factors can all play a role in how a team performs from game to game. But for now, these are the teams that have risen to the top of the latest power rankings. Only time will tell if they can maintain their momentum and go all the way to the top of the league.