Already in its first week, there were a few changes to the 2022-23 NBA hierarchy.
The Portland Trail Blazers With a start of 4-0, have taken the lead in the race for the title of biggest surprise of this season. Damian Lillard & Co. have not only won but have notched meaningful victories over Western Conference rivals at the top of this week’s rankings, including the Phoenix Suns Denver Nuggets.
The Utah Jazz Portland was joined by the surprising undefeated club. Its three wins came against Denver and other contenders. Minnesota TimberwolvesBefore you come back to earth against those who are low, Houston Rockets.
Yet, at least one team has confirmed that there is some pessimism in the midst of recent events: The Los Angeles Lakers They started the season at 0-3, and seem to have lost their way beyond the 3-point line. The Brooklyn Nets They look like stars themselves. Ben Simmons Lowlighting one the NBA’s most pathetic defenses in the beginning.
Note: The NBA Power Rankings now have a new home on Wednesdays. Our panel, consisting of Tim Bontemps (Kendra Andrews), Jamal Collier and Nick Friedell, as well as Tim MacMahon/Dave McMenamin and Ohm Jungmisuk, ranks all 30 teams, ranking them from top-to-bottom. It takes stock of which teams have the best basketball and which look most like potential title contenders.
Previous rankings: Week 1
1. Milwaukee Bucks
2022-23 record: 2-0
Preseason ranking: 2
Their opening-night win against Philadelphia shows that the Bucks offense can be a slow one. Khris Middleton Pat Connaughton However, we must not remain indifferent to the issue. Giannis Antetokounmpo Looks ready to pick up the pace. Antetokounmpo scored 44 points on 81% shooting and had 12 rebounds in just 28 minutes against the Rockets. This was the first time in his professional career that he has scored 40 in less then 30 minutes. Collier
2. Boston Celtics
2022-23 record: 3-1
Preseason ranking of 4
It’s not all bad, despite Monday’s loss to the Bulls. But it’s been an impressive start for Boston. The Celtics seem like they haven’t missed a beat in last season’s NBA Finals run. Even as they adjust under interim coach Joe Mazzulla. Malcolm BrogdonParticularly, he’s been a seamless addition to the bench, which has given Boston the off-the dribble juice that it simply did not have during the playoffs. Bontemps
3. Phoenix Suns
2022-23 record: 3-1
Preseason ranking 8
It was a wild week for the Suns as they beat three Western Conference rivals, the Clippers and Warriors, to shake off any sense of offseason slippage. The 29-point win over Golden State was a statement about how Phoenix’s season will turn out. McMenamin
4. Memphis Grizzlies
2022-23 record: 3-1
Preseason ranking: 6
Ja Morant Desmond Bane In Monday’s win against the Nets, 76 points were evenly divided. This broke Memphis’ franchise record for highest-scoring performance by a pair. Morant is the league’s top scorer, scoring 35.3 points per game. This has been nothing new for him. The Grizzlies believe that Bane can move to All-Star status. Bane broke out of his season-opening shooting slump against Brooklyn and registered more field goals (14-of-21), and 3s (8-of-11), than he did in all three previous games. — MacMahon
5. Golden State Warriors
2022-23 record: 2-2
Preseason ranking of 1
Following the Suns’ loss to Golden State, which saw Klay Thompson The Warriors gave a blunt assessment to their 2-2 start, which saw him get his first career ejection. “A good offensive team, but a poor defensive team,” Draymond Green Tuesday night. He is correct. In three of their four games, the Warriors allowed opponents to score at most 70 points in halftime. — Andrews
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
2022-23 record: 2-1
Preseason ranking: 13
Cleveland, we are glad you’re here Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell has been a great start to the Cavs’ season, scoring at least 30 points in each of their first three games and distributing seven assists per night. Next is integration Evan MobleyThe second-year star’s shot per game dropped from 12 to 8.3 in the previous season. McMenamin
7. LA Clippers
2022-23 record: 2-2
Preseason ranking 3
The Clippers won’t be fully at their best for a while. Early concerns about Kawhi LeonardAfter stiffness in his knee after surgery, Leonard will return to L.A. to miss the Oklahoma City match. Leonard was already on the bench having played three stints with totals of 21 minutes twice and 28 minutes. John Wall In a few minutes, it looked great. Reggie Jackson A groin problem has required him to take action. Paul George With non-COVID sickness, I missed Tuesday’s match. The Clippers have 18 games in 32 days starting Sunday. — Youngmisuk
8. Portland Trail Blazers
2022-23 record: 4-0
Preseason ranking: 21
Portland is seeing something. The Blazers are now 4-0 with an overtime victory against Phoenix, a thrilling win over the Lakers, and a crushing defeat of the Nuggets. Damian Lillard It’s heating up with two 41 point games Anfernee Simons He drilled seven 3s against Denver Jusuf Nurkic Is a healthy, off-season addition Jerami Grant It’s starting to fit in. — Youngmisuk
9. New Orleans Pelicans
2022-23 record: 3-1
Preseason ranking: 14
Zion Williamson Williamson is back. Williamson impressed in his first three contests, even though he missed Tuesday’s matchup due to a right anterior hip/lower back contusion. He’s back to his usual bruising self on the court, scoring at least 25 point with 50% shooting twice in his first three games. He had done this 48 times in his career contests. Only Walt Bellamy (57), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (54) had more of these games than their 100 first career games. Williamson still has 12 to go. — Lopez
10. Denver Nuggets
2022-23 record: 2-2
Preseason ranking 7
The Nuggets lost to Jazz but Denver bounced back nicely and scored 70 points in the first period. Nikola Jokic Has already recorded two triple-doubles. Wilt Chamberlain The NBA’s most triple-doubles by a centre in NBA history. — Andrews
11. Dallas Mavericks
2022-23 record: 1-2
Preseason ranking 10
The Mavericks were defeated by the Pelicans, a team that had three starters. They fell to 1-2. Zion Williamson. Luka DoncicTo begin his fifth NBA Season, however, he is still putting up huge numbers: 33.5 points (second) Ja MorantThis is a 35.3% increase in points, with 8.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game. Dallas also has some good news: Dallas will host five of its next six home games. — MacMahon
12. Atlanta Hawks
2022-23 record: 2-1
Preseason ranking: 16
The Trae Young–Dejounte Murray Partnership is a work in process. Early returns are encouraging. Young is averaging 25.3 ppg and 11.7 assists despite having low shooting numbers. His 32.4% shooting percentage and 25% clip at 3-point range will continue to improve. In his three first games as a Hawk, Murray averaged 19.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds, with 3.3 steals. Young and Murray are both in the top 10 in total assists in the league and, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, could become just the fourth set of teammates since 2000 to each finish in the top 10. — Lopez
13. Utah Jazz
2022-23 record: 3-1
Preseason ranking: 28
The Jazz became the second team over the past three decades to start 3-0 despite being at least seven-point underdogs in each game, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Other: The 2013-14 76ers finished 19-63. Lauri Markkanen He is off to a great start in Utah (21.5 points per contest, 8.8 rebounds/game) following his incredible EuroBasket performance for Finland. — MacMahon
14. New York Knicks
2022-23 record: 2-1
Preseason ranking 18
Three games. Jalen Brunson The Knicks have had everything they could hope for this season. 17 points, seven assists, one turnover per game, and most importantly, a steady hand at the wheel. It’s been a positive start for the Knicks. Brunson is an important reason. Bontemps
15. Toronto Raptors
2022-23 record: 2-2
Preseason ranking 15
Toronto’s start to the Eastern Conference has been more difficult than any other team. Toronto had a home game against Cleveland and then went on to play road matches against Brooklyn (twice) and Miami (twice). What reward do the Raptors receive for finishing 2-2 in that stretch of play? The Raptors get a baseball series at home against Philadelphia followed by a visit to Trae Young and the Hawks for Halloween. This is the perfect way to sum up the challenges that conference life will bring. Bontemps
16. Washington Wizards
2022-23 record: 3-1
Preseason ranking 22
Washington got off to an impressive 10-3 start last year. It’s best not to make quick judgements about Washington’s start this season. Bradley Beal So far, hasn’t been required to lift a lot. He has helped his teammates set up and received an average of six assists. Kristaps Porzingis He has maintained his health and is doing well. Kyle Kuzma This is a fantastic start. He scored at least 22 in three of his four games. — Youngmisuk
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
2022-23 record: 2-2
Preseason ranking: 12
The Timberwolves fell to the Jazz, while the Thunder won two close games. These should have been straightforward tasks. The Wolves will have to spend some time figuring out their new defensive anchor. Rudy GobertMinnesota is a state that has much to do in this world of instant gratification. — Andrews
18. San Antonio Spurs
2022-23 record: 3-1
Preseason ranking: 27
Gregg Popovich joked that nobody should go to Las Vegas for bets on Spurs winning the NBA championship. But that hasn’t stopped San Antonio’s 3-1 start. San Antonio won road victories against Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Indiana after a disappointing loss to the Hornets at home in the first game. Devin Vassell The win streak saw him average 22.7 PPG, which is the first time he has ever scored at least 20 goals in three consecutive games. — Lopez
19. Philadelphia 76ers
2022-23 record: 1-3
Preseason ranking: 5
Philadelphia’s basketball team should thank its lucky stars for its participation in the World Series, and that its football team is the NFL’s only undefeated team. Although Monday’s victory over the Pacers temporarily calmed the situation, the quiet, drama-free preseason for the 76ers now feels distant. Bontemps
20. Charlotte Hornets
2022-23 record: 2-1
Preseason ranking 24
Kelly Oubre Jr. This has been a great boost for Steve Clifford’s first week on the job as a coach. Oubre averages 17.3 points per game and six rebounds, while shooting 40% from beyond. Meanwhile, Gordon Hayward He averages 19.3 points and has been a solid presence for the Hornets while they wait. LaMelo Ball You can return to your normal activities after an injury to the ankle. — Friedell
21. Miami Heat
2022-23 record: 1-3
Preseason ranking: 9
This has not been the start that Erik Spoelstra & Co. were hoping for. Jimmy Butler Although he started strong with averages of 23 points, 6.8 rebound and 4.3 assists in his first four games, he hasn’t received the consistent help he requires. Kyle Lowry During Miami’s three losses, he was 6-for-28. — Friedell
22. Brooklyn Nets
2022-23 record: 1-2
Preseason ranking: 11
The Nets are having trouble finding any defensive rhythm. According to NBA.com/stats they have a 124.7 defensive rating that is the worst in the league. Although coach Steve Nash is confident that his team will find its rhythm, the bigger issue for Brooklyn is Ben Simmons. He had a poor first week, and was kicked out of two of three regular-season matches. — Friedell
23. Chicago Bulls
2022-23 record: 2-2
Preseason ranking: 17
The Bulls defeated the Celtics last season after finishing 1-14 against the East semifinalists (Milwaukee Boston Miami, Miami and Philadelphia). The season’s first week was heat. While the Bulls are still struggling with offensive efficiency (25th and 28th respectively in 3-pointers per match), they have performed about league average in defense to fuel a.500 season. — Collier
24. Detroit Pistons
2022-23 record: 1-3
Preseason ranking 23
The roster in Detroit includes 10 players aged 24 and under. This means that there will be ups as well as downs throughout the season. But the Pistons must be encouraged by the two rookies. Jalen Duren18-year-old Corey has an average of nine points and seven rebounds, while shooting 58% from the bench. And Jaden Ivey Averages 17 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and shoots 45% from 3. Collier
25. Los Angeles Lakers
2022-23 record: 0-3
Preseason ranking: 19.
L.A. is not the only place where things are bad. They are also historically bad. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, a team has attempted at least 100 3-pointers in a three-game span more than 6,100 times in NBA history. The Lakers’ 21% showing from deep in the 0-3 season opener is second-worst among all of those instances. They were better than the Hawks’ 21% in 2018. McMenamin
26. Indiana Pacers
2022-23 record: 1-3
26
It was a great start for the Pacers rookie guard Bennedict Mathurin. The No. 6 pick had a strong preseason and was able to put up 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in his first week. After a strong preseason, the No. Mathurin will be a player to watch next to guard Tyrese Haliburton. Collier
27. Houston Rockets
2022-23 record: 1-3
Preseason ranking: 30
Rookie Jabari Smith Jr. He responded to being given a spot at center and put in a remarkable performance Monday against Utah. He finished with 21 points, 9 boards, and 3 blocks. The Rockets won their first season victory by scoring a pair of clutch free shots. — MacMahon
28. Sacramento Kings
2022-23 record: 0-3
Preseason ranking: 20
Sacramento has been within five point of its opponent in the last five minute of each of its three games. In all, losses, the Kings nearly overcame the Warriors’ 50-point second quarter and recovered from a 26-point deficit. The Kings are having trouble with the margins. Keegan Murray The star guard De’Aaron Fox. — Andrews
29. Oklahoma City Thunder
2022-23 record: 1-3
Preseason ranking: 29
To win the No. 1 spot, the Thunder took advantage of a Clippers team without Kawhi Leonard or Paul George. As of Tuesday night’s season finale, the Thunder had won No. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander He continued his strong start. Gilgeous Alexander had 33 points and 8 assists. He also had 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals, and 5 rebounds. He had three blocks and three steals for the third time in his professional career. And the Thunder were victorious in all three contests. — Lopez
30. Orlando Magic
2022-23 record: 0-4
Preseason ranking: 25
Good news! 1. Paolo Banchero It appears to be That good. The rookie scored 22.8 points, 7.5 boards, and had 3 assists in his first four games. The bad news for the Magic is that they still haven’t won. Big man, he resigned in the summer. Mo Bamba He has not had much impact from the bench. Averaging just 3 points and 2.8 rebound per contest, he took less than 13 minutes to complete. — Friedell