After a winless week, the Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves on the outside looking in. The Western Conference once again dominates the rankings, but the Cavs and Celtics have a stranglehold on the top two spots.
Another week, another set of NBA Power Rankings. And this time, there’s a notable absence: the Minnesota Timberwolves. Yep, the same team that had us daring to dream just a few weeks ago finds itself on the outside looking in. Last week, the Wolves clung to their spot after Julius Randle’s cold-blooded dagger sunk the Suns, but since then? A disheartening loss in Toronto followed by a missed game-winning three against the Celtics. That leaves the Wolves sitting at a completely uninspiring 8-8.
Look, it’s not hard to envision a world where the Wolves could have flipped a few of those close games. A bounce here, a bit of effort there, and maybe we’re talking about a 12-4 team sitting comfortably in the West’s upper echelon. Instead, we’re left lamenting what could’ve been, while they sit outside the play-in picture and this week’s rankings. For now, let’s focus on the teams that have taken care of business. Here are the top 12:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (17-1)
Last Week: 1
The Cavs finally tasted defeat, falling to the Celtics in Boston, but let’s be real—17-1 is absurd. Sure, they’ve feasted on some bottom-tier Eastern Conference teams, but you don’t rack up that record without being legit. With a rematch against Boston looming, we’ll see if Cleveland can hold on to the top spot. For now, though, they remain kings of the rankings.
2. Boston Celtics (14-3)
Last Week: 2
The defending champs are finding their groove with a five-game win streak, including a statement win over Cleveland. While they’ve been beating up on the likes of the Nets and Wizards, Boston’s firepower and defensive cohesion make it clear they’re not going anywhere. They’ll probably win their NBA Cup group, too. Business as usual in Beantown.
3. Golden State Warriors (12-4)
Last Week: 3
Steph Curry and Co. are doing their thing, sitting atop the West despite dropping two of their last four. Steve Kerr’s squad still looks like a well-oiled machine, and they’ve got some winnable games coming up before a big showdown with OKC this week that will likely determine which team holds the West’s top seed.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (12-4)
Last Week: 5
The Thunder are keeping pace with Golden State, but recent losses to the Mavericks and Spurs have shown some cracks in their armor. Chet Holmgren’s absence looms large, and while they’re still a top-tier team, the West’s grind is starting to take its toll. Still, they can make a strong statement by taking care of business against the Warriors on Wednesday.
5. Houston Rockets (12-6)
Last Week: 4
Houston’s five-game win streak came to a screeching halt with losses to the Bucks and the Blazers. We’ll see if the Wolves can keep the Rockets from launching when they face off on Tuesday in NBA Cup action.
6. Orlando Magic (11-7)
Last Week: Not Ranked
Welcome to the rankings, Orlando! The Magic are surging, winning eight of their last nine, including a gutsy one-point victory over the Lakers. They were likely overlooked last week, but their streak earns them a spot in the top half of the rankings this time around.
7. Los Angeles Clippers (11-7)
Last Week: Not Ranked
The Clippers have finally found their mojo with a five-game win streak, highlighted by wins over Golden State and Orlando. Of course, this comes after a three-game losing streak, which was preceded by—you guessed it—a four-game win streak. Let’s see if this hot streak has staying power. Hopefully the Wolves can send them back on a losing spiral on Black Friday in their final NBA Cup game.
8. Los Angeles Lakers (10-6)
Last Week: 6
LeBron’s squad dropped two games to the Magic and Nuggets, further proof they’re not ready to hang with the league’s best. But they’re cleaning up against weaker teams, which is more than we can say for the Wolves.
9. Denver Nuggets (9-6)
Last Week: 7
The Nuggets followed up their five-game win streak by dropping three of their last five, but a dominant win over the Lakers reminds us why they’re still in the mix. Nikola Jokic is doing Jokic things, but the supporting cast needs to step up.
10. New York Knicks (9-7)
Last Week: Not Ranked
The Knicks are here, and they’re not just scraping by. They’ve won four straight, including a pair of wins over the Nets and a solid showing against Phoenix. After a rocky start, they’re improving, leaving Wolves fans feeling like a hapless teenage boy pining over his ex-girlfriend.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (10-7)
Last Week: 9
The Grizz are handling the league’s bottom-feeders but struggling mightily against contenders. Losses to the Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets keep them from climbing higher.
12. Dallas Mavericks (9-8)
Last Week: 11
The Mavs have been streaky at best, with Dallas bouncing between impressive wins (Thunder, Nuggets) and head-scratching losses (Jazz). They’re talented, but the consistency just isn’t there.
Dropped Out
- Phoenix Suns (9-7) (Last Week: 12)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8) (Last Week: 8)
- Sacramento Kings (8-9) (Last Week: 10)
Final Thoughts
It physically pains me to leave the Wolves off this list, but their up-and-down play has left me no choice. This team has all the talent to be a contender, yet they keep tripping over themselves against inferior competition. If Minnesota had taken care of business against Miami, Portland, and Toronto, we’d be talking about a team with a 12-4 record and a possible top-5 ranking. Instead, we’re watching them squander opportunities while teams like Orlando and the Clippers rise.
The week ahead is daunting: NBA Cup games against Houston and the Clippers, with Sacramento sandwiched in between. Then it’s on to December, with thee games against the Warriors, and holiday clashes with the Mavericks and Thunder. If the Wolves want back in these rankings—and back in serious contention—they’ll need to bring their A-game every night. No more coasting, no more excuses.
The gauntlet starts now. Let’s see if they’re ready.