The Cavaliers continue their undefeated streak and remain at the top of the rankings. After a maddening and emotional week, how will the Wolves fare?
Another week, another ride on the NBA’s emotional tilt-a-whirl. Teams are either climbing the rankings like they’re auditioning for Mission: Impossible, or freefalling faster than Leonardo DiCaprio in Inception. And Timberwolves fans? Well, we’re living on that fine line between hope and heartbreak. It’s been a week of incredible highs, maddening lows, and everything in between, so let’s dive into the rankings.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (15-0, Last Week: 1)
The Cavs are undefeated, folks. Undefeated. Let that sink in. At 15-0, Cleveland has turned the NBA into their personal playground. Yes, their schedule hasn’t been the toughest, but you can’t argue with a clean slate. Tomorrow night’s showdown with Boston isn’t just an Eastern Conference clash; it’s an early-season Game of Thrones episode with NBA Cup implications.
2. Boston Celtics (11-3, Last Week: 2)
The Celtics are still doing Celtics things—winning, dominating, and casually asserting themselves as title contenders. A one-point loss to Atlanta in their first NBA Cup game stung, but this team is still terrifying. Tomorrow’s game against Cleveland is must-watch TV. If they win, the “Are the Celtics the Real No. 1?” debate will ignite.
3. Golden State Warriors (10-2, Last Week: 3)
The Warriors are hot. Eight wins in nine games hot. Their only recent loss? To Cleveland, because of course. Steph Curry continues to play like he’s in NBA Jam—he’s on fire. With a favorable schedule coming up, Golden State could cruise to a showdown with OKC that might decide early Western Conference supremacy.
4. Houston Rockets (10-4, Last Week: 12)
Houston, we have liftoff. (Sorry, had to.) The Rockets have won five straight, and while their schedule hasn’t exactly been a murderer’s row, they’ve handled business. Their ascent has them leapfrogging the Thunder, and while it feels a little bold, you have to respect the streak.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (11-3, Last Week: 5)
Chet Holmgren’s injury has cooled OKC’s blazing start. They’ve gone 4-3 over their last seven, which is decent but not great for a team with championship aspirations. Still, the Thunder have time to regain their footing this week before a marquee matchup with Golden State.
6. Los Angeles Lakers (9-4, Last Week: Not Ranked)
The Lakers are like that friend who shows up late to the party but still steals the spotlight. They weren’t even ranked last week, but a five-game win streak—albeit against subpar opponents—has them back in the mix. Can they sustain it? That’s the big question.
7. Denver Nuggets (7-5, Last Week: 6)
Nikola Jokic is still brilliant, but the Nuggets are wobbling. After a five-game win streak, they’ve dropped back-to-back games to New Orleans and Memphis. Depth remains a glaring issue, but as long as Joker is healthy, Denver will be in the mix.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-6, Last Week: 7)
Oh, the Wolves. Where do we even start? A disastrous back-to-back against Portland had fans ready to riot, but back-to-back clutch wins against Sacramento and Phoenix pulled them back from the brink. The defense needs work (De’Aaron Fox dropped 60, Devin Booker dropped 40), but at least they’re showing grit. This team is exhausting, but the talent is undeniable.
9. Memphis Grizzlies (8-6, Last Week: 9)
Memphis knocked off Denver, which was impressive. But losses to Golden State and the Lakers keep them in the lower tier of the top 10. They’ve been solid, but not spectacular. Consistency is the name of the game for the Grizz moving forward.
10. Sacramento Kings (8-6, Last Week: 10)
The Kings are basketball’s version of a seesaw. They follow up wins with losses, losses with wins. The good news? They’ve got some winnable games ahead before another tough stretch next week against OKC and Minnesota.
11. Dallas Mavericks (7-7, Last Week: 8)
The Mavericks are .500, and that feels about right. They’ve got wins against OKC and other top-tier teams but also endured a four-game skid. Consistency is the issue, but Luka and Kyrie remain a nightmare for opposing defenses.
12. Phoenix Suns (9-5, Last Week: 4)
The Suns are free-falling, dropping four of their last five. Injuries to Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have left them looking like a shell of the team that started the season hot. Once healthy, they’ll climb back up, but for now, they’re clinging to the last spot.
Falling Off the Rankings:
Los Angeles Clippers (7-7, Last Week: 11)
Final Thoughts:
This week’s rankings are a perfect encapsulation of the NBA season so far—wild swings, streaks that come out of nowhere, and a whole lot of unpredictability. The Wolves managed to stay in the top 10 despite being maddeningly inconsistent, and the Cavs? They’re turning heads in a way no one saw coming.
There’s still a long road ahead, but the race for dominance in both conferences is heating up. Stay tuned, because it feels like the chaos is just getting started.