Victor Wembanyama’s soaring start has helped the Spurs take flight in Week 2’s Power Rankings.
The season is only six days old, but if you’re a fan in San Antonio or Boston, you may be wondering…
Does a 3-0 start mean anything?
Or… Does an 0-3 start mean anything?
Before this season, 257 teams in NBA history started the season 3-0, and 206 (80%) of those teams went on to reach the playoffs. The last two teams to miss the playoffs after winning their first three games were the 2022-23 Blazers and Jazz.
To date, 252 teams have started the season 0-3, and only 68 (27%) of those 252 have gone on to make the playoffs. That list does include last season’s Pistons, who started 0-4 and finished as the 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
It’s early, but every game counts, and it’s a nice thing to have won every game thus far.
Plus-Minus Players of the Week
Teams of the Week
Make It Last Forever: San Antonio (3-0) — Uh oh.
Something Just Ain’t Right: Boston (0-3) — The Celtics not being one of the best teams in the league will be hard to get used to.
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East vs. West
The West went 6-3 (.667) against the East in interconference games in Week 1.
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Movement in the Rankings
High jumps of the week: Miami (+7), San Antonio (+7)
Free falls of the week: Indiana (-8), Dallas (-6)
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Week 2 Team to Watch
Detroit — The Pistons will play a pair of big games within the Eastern Conference, hosting the Cavs on Monday and the Magic on Wednesday. Then they’ll travel to face the Mavs in Mexico City on Saturday night.
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Previously…
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
The league has averaged 113.6 points scored per 100 possessions and 102.7 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes this season.
* Emirates NBA Cup game
NBA.com’s Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man’s opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, contact him via Bluesky.
#1
Oklahoma City ThunderLast Week:1
Record: 3-0
OffRtg: 116.4 (10) DefRtg: 106.8 (5) NetRtg: +9.6 (4) Pace: 97.3 (27)
The Thunder are without Jalen Williams and made history by going to double-overtime in both of their first two games. But they’re 3-0 for the second straight year.
Three takeaways
The MVP has scored 30-plus in all three games, with a career-high 55 in Indiana on Thursday. But it’s not like, even with multiple rotation guys out, he hasn’t had help. Chet Holmgren has had two of the eight highest-scoring games of his career (28 vs. Houston, 31 in Atlanta), and Ajay Mitchell also had a career high (26) in Indy. Mitchell had shown some flashes (shooting 43% from deep) before getting hurt last season and he makes the Thunder even deeper than most thought.
Speaking to their depth … Since the start of last season, the Thunder are 16-0 in games that Williams has missed.
Coming up: The Thunder won their first seven games last season, and certainly have a chance at a similar start this year. Their win in Atlanta on Saturday was the first of two straight rest-advantage games on the road, but they’ll be at a disadvantage when they return home to face the Kings on Tuesday. They went 9-1 in rest-disadvantage games last season, with the only loss coming in Dallas.
Week 2: @ DAL, vs. SAC, vs. WAS, vs. NOP
#2
Golden State WarriorsLast Week:8↑
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 117.9 (8) DefRtg: 119.2 (28) NetRtg: -1.3 (18) Pace: 102.4 (13)
The Warriors won their two games (against good teams) with rest, but lost a rest-disadvantage game in Portland on Friday, committing more turnovers (25) than they did in any game last season.
Three takeaways
The Warriors scored 22 points on 14 clutch possessions in their overtime win over the Nuggets on Thursday, shooting 5-for-6 on clutch 3-pointers. Stephen Curry had three of those five (it was his 12th career game with at least three clutch 3s), but Al Horford and Jimmy Butler also hit huge shots from beyond the arc in the extra period. Golden State is now 13-4 (including the Play-In and playoffs) in clutch games where Butler was on the floor down the stretch.
Though Horford started his two games and closed the OT win over Denver, and though Quinten Post started in Horford’s place on Friday, Green has played more than half (57%) of his minutes at the five.
Coming up: The Warriors will be at a rest disadvantage again on Tuesday against the Clippers, to whom they’ve lost seven straight games, scoring just 102.5 points per 100 possessions (their worst mark against any Western Conference opponent) in the season series last season. After that, they’ll play 10 of their next 12 games on the road.
Week 2: vs. MEM, vs. LAC, @ MIL, @ IND
#3
Denver NuggetsLast Week:2↓
Record: 1-1
OffRtg: 124.5 (1) DefRtg: 117.0 (25) NetRtg: +7.5 (6) Pace: 100.8 (22)
The Nuggets’ offense is off to a strong start, but they couldn’t get stops as they blew a fourth-quarter lead and lost at Golden State on Thursday.
Three takeaways
Aaron Gordon opened the season on fire, shooting 10-for-11 from 3-point range (including 7-for-7 in the first half) as he scored a career-high 50 points against the Warriors. (He should have shrugged after the fifth or sixth one.) Nikola Jokić has taken more than half of his shots (16/31) from 3-point range, but has made just two of his 16 attempts from beyond the arc, also missing a critical free throw and some big shots in the paint on Thursday.
It was nice to have Gordon’s ridiculous shooting on Thursday, but the difference between the Nuggets’ two games was inside. In the loss to Golden State, they were outscored by 24 points (61-37) in the restricted area or on free throws. In their win over the Suns, they were plus-46 (90-44) in the restricted area or at the line.
The Nuggets won the minutes (plus-4 in 12:10) with Jokić off the floor at Golden State. Over 23 total minutes with their four main reserves – Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Peyton Watson and Jonas Valančiūnas – on the floor together (playing mostly with Jamal Murray), they’ve scored 63 points on 45 possessions (140 per 100) and allowed 71 on 49 (145 per 100).
Coming up: The Nuggets have the league’s biggest differential between the number of rest-disadvantage games (12) and rest-advantage games (8) they have on their schedule this season. But their visit to Minnesota on Monday will be their second straight advantage game. They’ve lost six straight games to the Wolves, dating back to Game 6 of the 2024 conference semifinals.
Week 2: @ MIN, vs. NOP, @ POR*
#4
New York KnicksLast Week:4
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 109.6 (22) DefRtg: 105.6 (4) NetRtg: +4.0 (11) Pace: 101.0 (21)
The Knicks opened the season with wins over the Cavs and Celtics, two teams against whom they went 0-8 last season (before things turned in the playoffs). But Jalen Brunson (37 points and seven assists) didn’t get enough help in Miami on Sunday.
Three takeaways
Mitchell Robinson hasn’t played (a somewhat concerning development), but the Knicks are still one of three teams that rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage. Guerschon Yabusele (6-7) and Josh Hart (6-5) are tied for fourth in individual offensive rebounding percentage (17.3%) among 279 players who’ve averaged at least 10 minutes per game.
They’re getting the ball into the frontcourt a little quicker and Brunson’s time of possession is down a little from a league-high 8.6 minutes per game last season. The offense was balanced (five guys with between 15 and 24 points) in the win over Cleveland, which began with Brunson getting a wide-open catch-and-shoot 3 from the right corner. There were also some good possessions with Karl-Anthony Towns operating at the high post against Boston.
Coming up: The Knicks are one of two teams – the Bucks are the other – to reach the Emirates Cup quarterfinals in each of its first two years of the event. They’ll tip off Cup play in Chicago on Friday, the end of their three-game trip. Two nights later, they’ll begin their longest homestand of the season (seven games over 13 days) with a second straight matchup with the Bulls.
Week 2: @ MIL, @ CHI*, vs. CHI
#5
Cleveland CavaliersLast Week:3↓
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 115.0 (13) DefRtg: 114.1 (14) NetRtg: +0.9 (15) Pace: 104.2 (11)
A year after starting the season with 15 straight wins, the Cavs looked rather pedestrian (missing three of their top six players) in their opening-night loss in New York. But they recovered to win their next two games, handing the Bucks their first loss on Sunday.
Three takeaways
The Cavs’ offense (which led the league in efficiency last season) didn’t generate many good shots at Madison Square Garden, and they needed some ridiculous shot-making from Donovan Mitchell to keep the game somewhat close. Their shot-quality score on Wednesday would have been their fifth-worst mark in any game last season.
With Darius Garland out, Evan Mobley is handling the ball a lot more. He’s averaged 3.8 minutes of possession, up from 2.3 minutes (fourth on the team) last season. Mobley has shot just 18-for-43 (42%), but was 12-for-12 from the line in the five-point win over the Bucks on Sunday. The 12 attempts were his second-highest total in his career, and it was the first time he’s ever scored in double-digits from the line.
Lonzo Ball has shot worse than Mobley, but was on the floor instead of Jarrett Allen down the stretch on Sunday. When they’re healthy, the Cavs should have more options for their one-big lineups than they’ve had in the past.
Coming up: The Cavs were tied for the best record (12-4) in the second games of back-to-backs last season. Their first no-rest game this year is in Detroit on Monday, with the Pistons playing the second game of a back-to-back. The Cavs had a 12-game winning streak against the Pistons until losing at Little Caesars Arena in late March.
Week 2: @ DET, @ BOS, vs. TOR*, vs. ATL
#6
Los Angeles LakersLast Week:10↑
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 120.5 (3) DefRtg: 115.6 (18) NetRtg: +5.0 (8) Pace: 100.7 (23)
The Lakers lost on opening night and have lost Luka Dončić to finger and leg injuries. But they’re 2-1, thanks to Austin Reaves’ career-high 51 points in Sacramento on Sunday.
Three takeaways
The Lakers’ 128 points on 93 possessions (138 per 100) against the Wolves on Friday were the most efficient performance for any team last week. Dončić led the way with 49 points (his most in 35 games as a Laker), but three of L.A.’s other four starters – Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton – also combined to shoot 26-for-39 (67%).
Dončić was 16-for-19 from the free throw line on Friday, Reaves was 21-for-22 from the line on Sunday, and the Lakers (who have led the league in free throw differential in each of the last three seasons) have outscored their opponents by 10.3 points per game at the line. That actually puts them second behind the Rockets (plus-14.5 per game).
The opening-night loss got away from the Lakers when Golden State scored 23 points on its first 12 possessions of the third quarter. In total, the Lakers’ starting lineup for the first two games allowed an amazing 101 points on 66 defensive possessions (153 per 100). But L.A. has allowed less than a point per possession in Marcus Smart’s 74 minutes on the floor.
Coming up: Last season, the Lakers had the league’s biggest differential between their home (31-10) and road records (19-22). After hosting the Blazers on Monday, they’ll play eight of their next 10 games on the road, a stretch that begins Wednesday night with their second meeting with the Wolves. Counting Games 3 and 4 of their first-round series in April, they’ve lost six straight in Minnesota.
Week 2: vs. POR, @ MIN, @ MEM*, vs. MIA
#7
Minnesota TimberwolvesLast Week:5↓
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 113.6 (17) DefRtg: 118.5 (27) NetRtg: -4.9 (23) Pace: 99.7 (24)
The overall numbers aren’t great, but it’s nice that the Wolves got a pair of clutch wins in Week 1. What’s not so nice is that Anthony Edwards had to leave the second one in the first quarter.
Three takeaways
Edwards left the Wolves’ win over the Pacers on Sunday (the first game of a back-to-back) with tightness in his right hamstring. The 24-year-old has missed exactly three games in each of the last three seasons, with the Wolves going 5-4 in those games. They had scored just 37 points on 45 offensive possessions (82 per 100) with him off the floor in their first two games, but survived his absence on Sunday.
The Wolves were 20-26 in clutch games last season, but are 2-0 this year, having shot 9-for-13 (including 3-for-4 from 3-point range) with their wins over the Blazers and Pacers within five points in the last five minutes. Eleven different Wolves (including designated inbounder Joe Ingles) played in clutch time over the two wins.
The Lakers had the fourth-worst offense in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, when they lost to Minnesota in five games. But their 128 points on 93 possessions on Friday were the most efficient offensive performance for any team in Week 1. The Wolves had no answer for Luka Dončić, who scored 49 points on 14-for-23 shooting.
Coming up: The Wolves will be at a rest disadvantage when they host the Nuggets on Monday. Edwards averaged 31.5 points on an effective field goal percentage of 61.3% as the Wolves scored 124.3 points per possession (the best mark against Denver among West opponents) and swept the season series last season.
Week 2: vs. DEN, vs. LAL, @ CHA
#8
San Antonio SpursLast Week:15↑
Record: 3-0
OffRtg: 120.2 (4) DefRtg: 104.7 (2) NetRtg: +15.5 (1) Pace: 97.1 (28)
The Spurs were one of just two 3-0 teams in Week 1, thrashing the Mavs before holding on for clutch wins against New Orleans and Brooklyn. Victor Wembanyama is a new man, and he averaged 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and six blocks over the three wins.
Three takeaways
Wembanyama’s offensive aggression has carried over from the preseason, with 40 (62%) of his 65 shots having come in the paint, up from a rate of just 37% last season. Through his first two seasons, Wembanyama had one game with at least seven dunks. He had seven in both of the Spurs’ first two games this year, adding three more on Sunday.
Dylan Harper scored at least 13 points off the bench in all three games and came up huge in the win over the Nets on Sunday afternoon, registering 20 points, six rebounds, eight assists (with zero turnovers) and two steals. All eight of his buckets came in the paint, with three big drives down the stretch after the Spurs blew a 26-point, third-quarter lead. They closed with Harper and Keldon Johnson on the floor instead of starters Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes.
Over the three games, the score in the restricted area was Spurs 154, opponents 72. Those opponents shot 12-for-26 (46%) at the rim when Wembanyama was there to protect it.
Coming up: Amazingly, the Spurs have never started a season with five straight wins. They’re 60% of the way there as their win over Brooklyn on Sunday afternoon began a stretch where they’re playing 10 of 13 games at home. Wembanyama’s recognition of double-teams could be critical against the Raptors’ aggressive defense on Monday night.
Week 2: vs. TOR, vs. MIA, @ PHX
#9
LA ClippersLast Week:6↓
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 118.6 (7) DefRtg: 115.0 (17) NetRtg: +3.6 (12) Pace: 98.3 (25)
The Clippers’ season couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start. But they recovered from their 21-point loss in Utah to beat the Suns and Blazers at home.
Three takeaways
The defense was the more disappointing aspect of the Clippers’ opening-night loss to the Jazz, who scored more efficiently (129 points on 95 possessions) than they did in any game last season. Utah’s 29-for-36 (81%) shooting in the paint was the best mark for any team in any game last week. Phoenix and Portland were a combined 39-for-78 (50%) in the paint over the Clippers’ weekend wins.
The Clippers rank last in turnover rate, committing 19.7 per 100 possessions. James Harden’s turnover rate (14.8 per 100 possessions used) would be the highest of his career.
When they’ve been able to take care of the ball, the Clippers lead the league in effective field goal percentage (61.1%) — even though Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul are a combined 2-for-12 from mid-range. Harden has shot well, John Collins and Ivica Zubac have been strong in the paint, and Derrick Jones Jr. is 6-for-9 from beyond the arc.
Coming up: The Clippers have just a two-game week, and they’ll have a rest advantage at Golden State on Tuesday. They swept the Warriors last season, even though they scored just 104.3 points per 100 possessions over the first three meetings.
Week 2: @ GSW, vs. NOP*
#10
Detroit PistonsLast Week:11↑
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 113.5 (18) DefRtg: 111.1 (9) NetRtg: +2.3 (13) Pace: 101.5 (19)
After a disappointing opening-night loss in Chicago, the Pistons got an impressive win in Houston and beat the Celtics (rallying from 17 down) in their home opener.
Three takeaways
The Pistons are one of three teams to have played three clutch games in Week 1. They shot just 1-for-10 on clutch 3-pointers, but still scored 35 points on 28 clutch possessions (125 per 100) , because they retained the ball on half of available offensive rebounds. They had five offensive boards and eight of their 32 second-chance points in the final three minutes of their six-point win over the Celtics on Sunday.
Their 32 second-chance points against Boston were tied for the most in a game in Week 1. Paul Reed didn’t play on Sunday, but leads the league in offensive rebounding percentage (Jalen Duren ranks third) and had the game-saving block (after Duren was ejected and Isaiah Stewart fouled out) in the closing seconds in Houston.
The loss in Chicago was one of just two games in which a team took less than 25% of its shots from 3-point range, with the Pistons going just 7-for-24 (and getting outscored by 12 points) from beyond the arc. After three games, they’re in position to rank in the bottom 10 in 3-point rate for the third straight season.
Coming up: The Pistons’ big three-game homestand continues with two more visits from East playoff teams, having gone 2-5 against the Cavs and Magic (both wins were at home) last season. They’ll then travel to Mexico City to play the Mavs.
Week 2: vs. CLE, vs. ORL, vs. DAL (Mexico City)
#11
Houston RocketsLast Week:7↓
Record: 0-2
OffRtg: 109.3 (24) DefRtg: 113.7 (12) NetRtg: -4.4 (22) Pace: 96.5 (30)
The Rockets played the champs even for 58 minutes on opening night, but they’re 0-2, having lost another nail-biter to the Pistons on Friday.
Three takeaways
The Rockets scored just 34 points on 39 clutch offensive possessions (87 per 100) over the two losses. Kevin Durant shot 3-for-4 with the score within five points in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or OT, but missed a critical free throw with less than 10 seconds left in the fourth on Tuesday and ranks just fourth on the team in clutch usage rate.
It didn’t take long for viewers to realize why Reed Sheppard didn’t play last season. And the second-year guard hasn’t provided enough on offense – 6-for-22 shooting, with as many turnovers (5) as assists – to make up for his defensive deficiencies. Having lost their two games by a total of five points, the Rockets are minus-13 (minus-20.6 per 100) in Sheppard’s 48 minutes.
Coming up: The Rockets are one of three teams with a league-low seven rest-advantage games this season, but the first two of the seven (vs. Brooklyn, at Boston) are this week. Ime Udoka got his first win against his previous team on Amen Thompson’s game-winning runner in January.
Week 2: vs. BKN, @ TOR, @ BOS
#12
Milwaukee BucksLast Week:14↑
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 117.2 (9) DefRtg: 112.4 (11) NetRtg: +4.8 (9) Pace: 104.8 (10)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up monster numbers and the Bucks won their first two games before losing a close one in Cleveland on Sunday.
Three takeaways
Antetokounmpo is averaging 36 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists, with an effective field goal percentage of 71.7%. He’s averaged more points in the restricted area (24) than the Jazz, Kings and Celtics.
The Bucks have been a little shorthanded, missing Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) for the last two games and also Cole Anthony (illness) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle) for the loss in Cleveland on Sunday. Ryan Rollins has started the last two in Porter’s place, and the Bucks’ three games have been just the eighth, ninth and tenth times in his career that he’s played at least 29 minutes. Rollins has been a disruptor defensively, averaging 5.8 deflections per 36, fourth most among 204 players who’ve played at least 50 total minutes.
With Rollins and Gary Trent Jr. on the perimeter, along with Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner inside, the Bucks seemingly have the makings of a good defensive lineup. But they’ve thus far allowed almost 119 points per 100 possessions in 74 total minutes with Antetokounmpo and Turner on the floor together.
Coming up: The Bucks have another big test when they host the Knicks on Tuesday, the start of a three-game homestand. They lost their three games against New York last season by a total of 65 points, getting outscored by 22.7 per 100 possessions in Antetokounmpo’s 98 minutes on the floor.
Week 2: vs. NYK, vs. GSW, vs. SAC
#13
Orlando MagicLast Week:9↓
Record: 1-2
OffRtg: 102.5 (30) DefRtg: 106.9 (6) NetRtg: -4.4 (21) Pace: 107.0 (5)
The Magic were projected to be the most improved team in the league. They’re not there yet, going 1-2 on their season-opening homestand, with some familiar issues plaguing them in their weekend back-to-back.
Three takeaways
The Magic have yet to put their offensive issues behind them. They scored just 97.2 points per 100 possessions over the weekend, with their 98 on 108 against the Bulls on Saturday (a rest-disadvantage game) being the worst offensive performance for any team in Week 1. They shot a brutal 3-for-24 from 3-point range, including 0-for-8 from the corners.
They had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final seconds against the Hawks on Friday, but Paolo Banchero grabbed a loose ball and launched the worst shot of the season, an off-balance 27-footer with 10 seconds still left on the clock. The Magic have seen an increase in ball movement, but Banchero has just three assists (with eight turnovers) in 107 minutes (it doesn’t help that Desmond Bane has shot 2-for-16 off his passes).
The defense and rebounding are still there. The Magic’s when-healthy starting lineup (Jalen Suggs sat out the second game of the back-to-back) has allowed just 54 points on 61 defensive possessions and the team has outscored its opponents by 30 points (66-36) on second-chance points.
Coming up: The Magic are two games into their first stretch of five games in seven days, and their longest road trip of the season (five games over nine days) begins Monday in Philadelphia. After winning in Miami on opening night last season, they lost their next six road games.
Week 2: @ PHI, @ DET, @ CHA, @ WAS
#14
Miami HeatLast Week:21↑
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 115.8 (12) DefRtg: 105.5 (3) NetRtg: +10.3 (3) Pace: 109.7 (1)
The Heat are off to a somewhat surprising 2-1 start, having clobbered the Grizzlies and edged the Knicks. Those were two of the eight teams that swept Miami last season.
Three takeaways
The Heat have ranked no higher than 22nd in pace in any of the last 13 seasons (27th last season). But after Week 1, they lead the league in possessions per 48 minutes, having played two of the three fastest-paced games of the first six days. Pace takes both offense and defense into account, but the difference is much more about the offense, where the Heat are averaging just 12.6 seconds per possession (fewest in the league), down from 15.2 (seventh most) last season.
Coming up: After hosting the Hornets on Tuesday, the Heat will begin a four-game trip out West. Their visit to the Lakers on Sunday is the start of a stretch of five games in seven days.
Week 2: vs. CHA, @ SAS, @ LAL
#15
Atlanta HawksLast Week:12↓
Record: 1-2
OffRtg: 106.1 (27) DefRtg: 116.4 (21) NetRtg: -10.3 (27) Pace: 103.5 (12)
An impressive, fourth-quarter comeback got the Hawks a win in Orlando on Friday. That win was sandwiched between home losses by 20 and 17 points, and Atlanta was without three starters against Oklahoma City over the weekend.
Three takeaways
The Hawks’ depth has been tested early, with Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson both suffering ankle injuries last week. Additionally, Kristaps Porziņģis missed the last two games with an illness. Onyeka Okongwu had two huge buckets down the stretch in Orlando, but the Hawks have been outscored by almost 25 points per 100 possessions (with bad numbers on both ends of the floor) in his 98 minutes.
Rookie Asa Newell didn’t play in the opener, but he had an intriguing weekend. He contributed to the comeback in Orlando, grabbing seven offensive boards in less than 25 minutes against the Thunder, shooting 4-for-6 from beyond the arc over the two games. We don’t know how long Porziņģis will be in Atlanta, but Newell might be a good, long-term complement for Johnson as a big man who can space the floor (while Johnson acts as the roll man), rebound and protect the rim.
It’s only three games, but the Hawks’ numbers with Trae Young on and off the floor look familiar. They’ve allowed 120.5 points per 100 possessions in his 98 minutes on the floor and have scored an anemic 88.2 per 100 (82 on 93) in his 46 minutes on the bench.
Coming up: The Hawks head out on a four-game trip, with the first three games being very winnable and rather important, given their slow start. They were one of two Eastern Conference teams – the Pacers were the other – with a winning record (2-1) against the Cavs last season, when they handed Cleveland its first home loss on the day before Thanksgiving. They’ll be back at Rocket Arena on Sunday.
Week 2: @ CHI, @ BKN, @ IND*, @ CLE
#16
Memphis GrizzliesLast Week:16
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 114.6 (14) DefRtg: 114.9 (16) NetRtg: -0.3 (17) Pace: 107.7 (4)
The Grizzlies somehow allowed the Heat to score 146 points on Friday, trailing by 45 at one point. But they went 2-1 on their three-game homestand and should be pretty encouraged by what they’ve seen from their prized rookie.
Three takeaways
Cedric Coward led the way as the Grizzlies won a rest-disadvantage game against the shorthanded Pacers on Saturday. The rookie scored 26 points in less than 24 minutes off the bench, draining all six of his 3-point attempts. Over the three games total, Coward shot 19-for-27 (70%), dished out seven assists with no turnovers, and had five steals. His 5.3 deflections per 36 minutes rank 15th among 204 players who’ve played at least 50 total minutes.
Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. are out, but Ja Morant was available for all three games after missing the entire preseason. He’s shot just 3-for-17 from outside the paint and the Grizzlies have scored just 105 points per 100 possessions in his 78 minutes. However, rookie Javon Small (on a two-way contract) has kept the offense more than afloat, scoring 16 points in the Indiana win and averaging 5.7 assists in less than 21 minutes.
The Grizzlies remain Team Floater, but were outscored by 26 points in the restricted area (46-20) in their 32-point loss to Miami on Friday.
Coming up: The Grizzlies’ first road game is Monday at the Chase Center, where they’ve lost 10 straight, dating back to 2021 (and including three games in the 2022 conference semis). They did beat the Warriors (at home) by 51 points last December.
Week 2: @ GSW, @ PHX, vs. LAL*, @ TOR
#17
Chicago BullsLast Week:23↑
Record: 2-0
OffRtg: 105.6 (29) DefRtg: 98.1 (1) NetRtg: +7.5 (7) Pace: 106.5 (6)
The Bulls are the most improbably undefeated team as we enter Week 2, having beaten the Pistons and Magic, two teams expected to finish in the top six in the East.
Three takeaways
The two games were not pretty, with the Bulls and their opponents combining to score just 101.9 points per 100 possessions, easily the league’s lowest combined mark. Nikola Vučević has shot 16-for-25 and the Bulls rank third in ball movement for the second straight season. They had six players in double figures against Detroit and seven in double figures in Orlando on Saturday, when bench scoring was critical.
The Bulls had the league’s fourth-worst shooting-opportunity discrepancy last season and have had 13 fewer shooting opportunities than their opponents over their first two games. They committed eight more turnovers than the Pistons and got beat on the glass by the Magic.
They’ve been fortunate that their opponents have shot 10-for-48 (21%) from 3-point range. But they’ve also limited 3-point attempts, while also holding the Pistons and Magic to just 50.4% shooting in the paint, the league’s third-best opponent mark.
Coming up: The Bulls will play three more games against presumed East playoff teams – the Hawks and Knicks – this week. They won two out of three against New York last season, though the two wins came with Zach LaVine (who now plays for the Kings) totaling 64 points on 66% shooting.
Week 2: vs. ATL, vs. SAC, vs. NYK*, @ NYK
#18
Philadelphia 76ersLast Week:18
Record: 2-0
OffRtg: 118.6 (6) DefRtg: 116.7 (22) NetRtg: +1.9 (14) Pace: 101.8 (18)
The Sixers have played just two games, but they account for two of the three times a team won after trailing by double-digits in the fourth quarter. They came back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit in Boston and from 10 points down in the fourth against Charlotte.
Three takeaways
VJ Edgecombe’s 34 points in Boston were the most for a player in his NBA debut in the last 66 years. Over the two games, Edgecombe shot 12-for-19 (63%) in the paint, a strong mark for a 6-foot-4 guard. It will be huge if he can keep his paint shooting over 60%, because he’s got some burst (in the halfcourt and in transition) and moves well without the ball.
Joel Embiid is on a minutes limit, so he wasn’t a factor in either fourth-quarter comeback, and the Sixers have allowed 118 points on 85 defensive possessions (139 per 100) with him on the floor. But he recovered from a rough offensive performance in Boston to score 20 points in 20 minutes against the Hornets, also hitting Edgecombe with a pretty transition feed for a layup.
Coming up: Andre Drummond played well in relief of Embiid against Charlotte and should get more burn as the Sixers play their first back-to-back of the season on Monday and Tuesday. Perhaps we’ll also see Paul George make his season debut this week.
Week 2: vs. ORL, @ WAS, vs. BOS*, @ BKN
#19
Dallas MavericksLast Week:13↓
Record: 1-2
OffRtg: 106.3 (26) DefRtg: 115.9 (19) NetRtg: -9.6 (26) Pace: 106.3 (7)
The Mavs’ first two games were ugly, but they had some fun in their 139-129 win against the Raptors on Sunday.
Three takeaways
The Mavs account for two of the three instances in Week 1 where a team scored less than a point per possession. They had 92 on 101 in their opening-night loss to the Spurs and 107 on 108 two nights later against the Wizards. What’s amazing is that they shot just 42% in the paint over the two losses, getting outscored by 38 total points in the restricted area by San Antonio and Washington.
They got their first win by turning defense into offense. After totaling 40 transition points over the first two games, the Mavs had 41 against Toronto on Sunday, according to Synergy tracking. Their 16 dunks (including four each for Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg) were four more than any other team had in a game last week.
D’Angelo Russell played less than 24 minutes off the bench over the first two games, but he was a big part of the Mavs’ second-half rally on Sunday. Dallas’ offense has been at its best (117.6 points scored per 100 possessions) with him on the floor. That may not last (small sample size theater), but coach Jason Kidd’s insistence on starting Klay Thompson (4-for-15 from 3-point range) and four bigs could be tested.
Coming up: The Mavs have two games left on their season-opening, five-game homestand, and they’ll then travel to Mexico City to face the Pistons. They were the only team to beat the Thunder three times in the 2024-25 regular season, but Dallas will be at a rest disadvantage when it hosts the champs on Monday.
Week 2: vs. OKC, vs. IND, vs. DET (Mexico City)
#20
Toronto RaptorsLast Week:20
Record: 1-2
OffRtg: 116.4 (10) DefRtg: 116.3 (20) NetRtg: +0.2 (16) Pace: 109.2 (2)
After an impressive, opening-night win in Atlanta, the Raptors went 0-2 over the weekend, allowing the Bucks and Mavs to score 145 points on 106 possessions (137 per 100) over the two second halves.
Three takeaways
Brandon Ingram (29 points on Friday) and Scottie Barnes (33 on Sunday) have combined to shoot 13-for-23 (57%) from mid-range, but that’s more mid-range attempts than 3-point attempts (10-for-21) for the two of them. As a team, the Raptors rank 29th in 3-point rate, having taken just 30.4% of their shots from beyond the arc. Immanuel Quickley is their one audacious 3-point shooter, but he’s 2-for-18 from deep, the worst mark among 138 players with at least 10 attempts.
The 3-pointers weren’t needed in Atlanta on Wednesday, when the Raptors scored 86 points in the paint, their second most in franchise history (paint points date back to 1996-97) and 14 more than any other team scored in a game last week. All five starters had at least 10 points in the paint.
Coming up: The Raptors’ schedule gets tougher this week, starting with a trip to Cleveland on Friday. They allowed 129 points per 100 possessions as they were swept by the Cavs last season.
Week 2: @ SAS, vs. HOU, @ CLE*, vs. MEM
#21
Boston CelticsLast Week:19↓
Record: 0-3
OffRtg: 110.6 (21) DefRtg: 116.8 (23) NetRtg: -6.2 (24) Pace: 97.5 (26)
The Celtics are off to a 0-3 start for the first time in 12 seasons and are the only team to have lost two games that it led by double-digits.
Three takeaways
Over the last two regular seasons, the Celtics were 114-16 (only the Thunder were better) in games they led by double-digits. This season, they’re 0-2, having blown a 13-point, fourth-quarter lead to the Sixers on opening night and a 17-point, first-quarter lead in Detroit on Sunday afternoon. Over their three games, they’ve somehow been outscored by 47 points (60 per 100 possessions) in the second quarter.
Related to that second quarter number … The Celtics have outscored their opponents by 28 points (21.1 per 100 possessions) in 64 minutes with Payton Pritchard, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown on the floor together, but have been outscored by 50 (44.7 per 100) in 52 total minutes with only two of the three on the floor.
Last season, the Celtics were outscored from 3-point range in only two of their first 26 games. This season, they were outscored from beyond the arc in each of their first two. They still rank fourth in 3-point rate (49.4% of their shots), but that’s down from a record 53.6% last season and they’ve shot just 31.1% (28th) from deep. Brown and Sam Hauser are a combined 20-for-41 (49%), while everybody else is 21-for-91 (23%).
Coming up: The Celtics are one of four teams with three stretches of five games in seven days this season. Their first began with their loss in Detroit on Sunday afternoon and they’ll have two rest-disadvantage games – at New Orleans, vs. Houston – this week.
Week 2: @ NOP, vs. CLE, @ PHI*, vs. HOU
#22
Portland Trail BlazersLast Week:22
Record: 1-2
OffRtg: 114.3 (15) DefRtg: 109.7 (7) NetRtg: +4.6 (10) Pace: 105.8 (9)
Just a few hours after losing their opener against Minnesota, the Blazers lost their (recently-extended) coach, with Chauncey Billups indicted in a federal gambling probe early on Thursday. The team got interim coach Tiago Splitter a win in his first game, handling the Warriors pretty easily on Friday night.
Three takeaways
The Blazers have averaged 12 more shooting opportunities per game than their opponents. That margin starts with forcing 21.3 turnovers per 100 possessions, the league’s highest rate by a wide margin. That rate has been 33.3 per 100 in Matisse Thybulle’s 44 minutes on the floor, and he’s averaging a ridiculous 12.3 deflections per 36.
The turnovers have been extra critical because the Blazers’ opponents have shot well (43.4% from 3-point range) when they’ve managed to take care of the ball.
Jerami Grant has been coming off the bench, but is still the Blazers’ second-leading scorer (22.7 points per game), shooting 59 percent and totaling just three assists in his 84 minutes. He was on the floor instead of Shaedon Sharpe (who’s shot just 29%) down the stretch of their opening-night loss to Minnesota, when the Blazers shot 0-for-7 in the clutch. Grant airballed a wide-open corner 3 for the lead with less than a minute left.
Coming up: The Blazers are playing seven of their first eight games against teams that finished in the top seven in the West last season, with the only exception being their visit to Utah on Wednesday. They split their four games with the Jazz last season (a 42-point loss and three others that went down to the wire).
Week 2: @ LAL, @ UTA, vs. DEN*
#23
Charlotte HornetsLast Week:27↑
Record: 2-1
OffRtg: 124.5 (1) DefRtg: 111.6 (10) NetRtg: +12.9 (2) Pace: 106.0 (8)
The Hornets might be moving up at least one tier in the Eastern Conference, having beat the Nets and Wizards by a total of 45 points in Week 1. The win on Sunday ended a five-game losing streak to Washington.
Three takeaways
The Hornets (and Nuggets) have averaged 132 points per game, what would be the highest mark in NBA history. Their two wins would have been their two fastest-paced games and their third and fourth most efficient offensive performances last season. A fast pace can produce some big numbers, and on Sunday, LaMelo Ball became the first player in NBA history with 38 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists and three steals in a game. His true shooting percentage (63.6%) and assist/turnover ratio (2.64) would be the best marks of his career.
The Hornets didn’t get through their second game before losing Brandon Miller (who played just 27 games last season) to another injury. Kon Knueppel started in Miller’s place on Sunday and has shot 11-for-19 from 3-point range over his first three NBA games. Fellow rookie Sion James has also shot well (5-for-7 from deep) and provided some strong minutes off the bench.
Another rookie – Ryan Kalkbrenner – has been starting at center. The defense has been better with Kalkbrenner on the bench and it’s been strong inside. The Hornets rank fourth in opponent field goal percentage in the paint (51.6%) and sixth in defensive rebounding percentage (73.9%).
Coming up: The Hornets are one of three teams with a league-low seven rest-advantage games this season. Their first is Thursday, when they begin a three-game homestand with a visit from the Magic, having lost nine of their last 10 meetings.
Week 2: @ MIA, vs. ORL, vs. MIN, vs. UTA
#24
New Orleans PelicansLast Week:24
Record: 0-2
OffRtg: 111.7 (20) DefRtg: 114.8 (15) NetRtg: -3.1 (20) Pace: 101.9 (15)
The Pelicans began the season with two losses that were within two points in the final minute of regulation, blowing a 15-point lead in Memphis and an eight-point, fourth-quarter lead against the Spurs.
Three takeaways
The Pelicans have played fast with their starting lineup, but have scored just 66 points on 71 possessions (93 per 100) in 31 total minutes with Jordan Poole, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson on the floor together. Jones has shot just 6-for-22, including just 3-for-11 in the paint.
The Pelicans rank last in 3-point rate, with only 30.3% of their shots having come from beyond the arc. That rate has been just 12% (3/25) in the clutch.
Coming up: The Pelicans had a league-low three rest-advantage games last season, and they lost all three. Their first of eight this season is against the Celtics (to whom they’ve lost eight straight) on Monday. After that, they’ll play six of their next seven games on the road, with a tough three-game trip taking them through Denver, L.A. and Oklahoma City.
Week 2: vs. BOS, @ DEN, @ LAC*, @ OKC
#25
Indiana PacersLast Week:17↓
Record: 0-3
OffRtg: 106.1 (28) DefRtg: 117.5 (26) NetRtg: -11.4 (28) Pace: 101.9 (16)
The injuries have piled up for the Pacers, the only team that ranked in the bottom five on both ends of the floor in Week 1.
Three takeaways
Tyrese Haliburton is out for the year, T.J. McConnell suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason, and Week 1 brought injuries to Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin and two-way rookie Taelon Peter. So Ben Sheppard has been running the point and Pascal Siakam leads the team with 18 assists. Amazingly, the Pacers still rank in the top five in turnover rate, having committed just 13.4 per 100 possessions.
The Pacers managed to take the Thunder to double-overtime and also go down to the wire in a rest-disadvantage game in Minnesota on Sunday. But they scored just 30 points on 32 clutch possessions, shooting just 1-for-10 from 3-point range and just 7-for-13 from the free throw line.
They should get some clarity on Mathurin’s toe injury on Monday. He remains a foul magnet, totaling 26 free throw attempts (and shooting 23-for-26 from the line) in his 73 minutes last week. Among the 126 players with at least 25 field goal attempts, only Jimmy Butler (92 attempts per 100 shots from the field) has a higher free-throw rate than Mathurin (84 per 100).
Coming up: The Pacers are one of six teams with no homestands longer than four games. Their first of five four-game stands begins this week with a Friday-Saturday back-to-back against Atlanta and Golden State. All three of their meetings with the Hawks last season were within three points in the last three minutes.
Week 2: @ DAL, vs. ATL*, vs. GSW
#26
Phoenix SunsLast Week:25↓
Record: 1-2
OffRtg: 109.5 (23) DefRtg: 124.8 (29) NetRtg: -15.2 (30) Pace: 101.2 (20)
The Suns won their season opener for the fourth straight year and were the only team to win a game that it trailed by at least 20 points last week. But they then went on the road and lost to the Clippers and Nuggets by a total of 49 points.
Three takeaways
Over the two losses, the Suns were outscored by 46 points (90-44) in the restricted area and by 31 (61-30) at the free throw line. Devin Booker has 31 free throw attempts to go with his 45 shots from the field (more than double his free throw rate from last season), but the rest of the roster has a pretty anemic rate of 15 free throw attempts per 100 shots from the field.
Booker ranks second in the league with 12 total assists on 3-pointers. The Suns took more than half of their shots from beyond the arc in both of the losses, with their 3-point rate in Denver on Saturday (50/88, 57%) being the second highest in franchise history.
Coming up: The Suns’ three-game trip concludes in Utah on Monday, with Phoenix having won 10 straight meetings against the Jazz. The Suns will then play 10 of their next 14 games at home.
Week 2: @ UTA, vs. MEM, vs. UTA*, vs. SAS
#27
Sacramento KingsLast Week:26↓
Record: 1-2
OffRtg: 111.8 (19) DefRtg: 114.0 (13) NetRtg: -2.2 (19) Pace: 102.2 (14)
Given that the Lakers were without Luka Dončić over the weekend, the Kings had three very winnable games last week. They won just one of the three, blowing a 20-point lead in Phoenix and getting burned by Austin Reaves on Sunday.
Three takeaways
Eight different Kings have started at least one of their three games, and, with all three having been within five points in the last five minutes, 10 different Kings have been used in clutch time. Bench minutes have been solid, but (as was the case last season) they’ve been outscored with their best players on the floor.
Russell Westbrook hasn’t started, but he played more than 27 minutes off the bench on Sunday, scoring 18 points (shooting 4-for-6 from 3-point range), grabbing six rebounds and dishing out six assists. The highlight was a wicked transition crossover on Jake LaRavia, with a look back at his victim as he rose for an uncontested layup.
The Kings got clobbered on the glass by both Phoenix and Utah, and they’re the only team that ranks in the bottom five in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage. Domantas Sabonis had the game-winning put-back against the Jazz, but they’ve grabbed just 40.9% of available boards in his 67 minutes on the floor.
Coming up: The Kings are one of three teams with a league-high 14 rest-advantage games this season. The first of their 14 is Tuesday in Oklahoma City, the start of a four-game trip. They’ve lost five straight to the champs, with the three losses last season coming by an average of 23.7 points.
Week 2: @ OKC, @ CHI, @ MIL
#28
Utah JazzLast Week:30↑
Record: 1-1
OffRtg: 120.1 (5) DefRtg: 110.9 (8) NetRtg: +9.2 (5) Pace: 96.5 (29)
The Jazz had the league’s most surprising opening-night victory, clobbering the Clippers behind a big game (22 points, nine rebounds, two steals and four blocks) from Walker Kessler. They lost a nail-biter in Sacramento, but they enter Week 2 as one of four teams that rank in the top 10 on both ends of the floor.
Three takeaways
The Jazz scored 129 points on 95 possessions in their opening-night win over the Clippers, who ranked third defensively last season. That (136 per 100) was a more efficient offensive performance than Utah had in any game last season. They didn’t exactly light it up from 3-point range (17-for-44, 38%), but had 27 second-chance points (fifth most for any team in Week 1) and turned the ball over just 13 times.
It was also the first time since Jan. 27, 2024, that the Jazz took the initial lead and never trailed. That marked 117 straight games they trailed at some point.
Their loss in Sacramento was relatively ugly, but the Jazz have scored 75 points on 50 offensive possessions (150 per 100) in 27 total minutes with their starting frontline of Kessler, Kyle Filipowski and Lauri Markkanen on the floor together, and they’ve shot just 6-for-23 (26%) from 3-point range in those minutes. Svi Mykhailiuk has started at the two, though they closed the Sacramento game with rookie Walter Clayton Jr. on the floor instead.
Coming up: The Jazz have lost 10 straight games to the Suns, but all four of last season’s meetings were determined by exactly eight points. They’ll face Phoenix twice this week, with the second meeting being Utah’s first Cup game and the start of their first of three five-game trips.
Week 2: vs. PHX, vs. POR, @ PHX*, @ CHA
#29
Washington WizardsLast Week:28↓
Record: 1-2
OffRtg: 108.0 (25) DefRtg: 117.0 (24) NetRtg: -9.0 (25) Pace: 108.0 (3)
The Wizards are off to a 1-2 start for the third straight season, and it was a little surprising that the win came in Dallas.
Three takeaways
In their first two games, the Wizards faced first-quarter deficits of 19 and 14 points, allowing 75 points on 53 defensive possessions over those two first quarters total. There was no coming back in Milwaukee on Wednesday, but they turned things around in Dallas two nights later. They were 1-53 when they trailed by at least 14 points last season and 1-48 the season prior. This season: 1-2.
With Dallas scoring just 107 on 108 on Friday, the Wizards have also held their opponent under a point per possession more times than they did all of last season (zero) . They’re second in defensive rebounding percentage, having ranked 27th last season.
Most of the young guys in the Wizards’ rotation have had their moments. They’re led by Kyshawn George, who’s averaged 20.3 points (on 57% shooting), 9.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, absolutely stuffing a P.J. Washington post-up at one point on Friday At 6-8, he’s also been running the offense some, and his 13 assists include a couple of nice dimes out of the pick-and-roll.
Coming up: The Wizards had a rest advantage when they lost to the Hornets over the weekend, and they’ll have another when they host the Sixers on Tuesday. That’s followed by their one trip to Oklahoma City, with the Wizards playing 10 of their first 16 games on the road.
Week 2: vs. PHI, @ OKC, vs. ORL
#30
Brooklyn NetsLast Week:29↓
Record: 0-3
OffRtg: 114.1 (16) DefRtg: 125.8 (30) NetRtg: -11.7 (29) Pace: 101.8 (17)
The Nets came back from huge deficits against both the Cavs and Spurs, but they’re 0-3 with the league’s 30th-ranked defense, having trailed all three games by at least 22 points.
Three takeaways
The Nets’ opener in Charlotte appeared to be their most winnable game in the first three weeks of the season. But they allowed the Hornets to score 136 points on 106 possessions, what would have been their third most efficient performance last season, when they ranked 29th offensively. There have been 15 games in which a team has scored at least 124 per 100, and the Nets have been the opponent in three of the 15.
Cam Thomas has averaged 29.3 points, ranking third in the league in usage rate (35.7%), behind only Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s 30-for-32 at the line, accounting for almost half of the Nets’ 65 total free throw attempts and ranking 18th in free throw rate (55 attempts per 100 shots from the field) among 126 players with at least 25 field goal attempts.
The Nets’ starting lineup has been outscored by 17 points and allowed 133 per 100 in its 30 minutes. At least one of their three rookie point guards has been on the floor for 125 (87%) of a possible 144 minutes thus far, but they closed their loss in San Antonio on Sunday with Noah Clowney instead of starter Ben Saraf, having Terrence Mann run the point.
Coming up: The Nets will visit Kevin Durant and the Rockets on Monday, having swept the season series last season with a crazy finish (3-pointer, steal, 3-pointer) in Brooklyn in February. With the Hawks banged up, their game on Wednesday might be their best chance to get off the schneid.
Week 2: @ HOU, vs. ATL, vs. PHI