NBA Power Rankings: Defending Champion Warriors Top The List

The Golden State Warriors remain the top team in the NBA, but this season they may face tough competition from multiple teams.

Since 2015, the Warriors have secured four championships, the highest number of any team during that period. However, their dominance was almost disrupted by a Klay Thompson injury in 2019 and a LeBron James comeback in 2016. Despite being a strong contender, the Warriors face numerous formidable opponents vying for the title of the league’s best team.

As the regular season prepares to start on Tuesday evening, here are my preliminary Power Rankings (NBA championship odds as of Monday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. ET):

1. Golden State Warriors 

The main focus now is on the Draymond Green/Jordan Poole conflict and how it will impact the Warriors moving forward. With Green making a strong statement in the preseason, the team will need to address this potential distraction throughout the season. Despite the losses of Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II, the Warriors still have key players like Stephen Curry, Jonathan Wiseman, and Moses Moody. It’s important not to underestimate their ability to overcome challenges.

2. Milwaukee Bucks 

If Khris Middleton had not been injured last year, the Bucks may have faced the Warriors in the Finals. Losing their second-best player in the playoffs would have been a challenge for most teams to overcome. With Middleton back this year, alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are considered the favorite in the Eastern Conference. The addition of forward Joe Ingles also provides them with another strong wing player. This upcoming season could potentially bring the much-anticipated Bucks-Warriors Finals matchup to fruition.

3. Boston Celtics 

The Celtics had a standout offseason, with their best move being the trade for point guard Malcolm Brogdon from Indiana. Brogdon brings scoring and much-needed defense to the team. The late addition of Blake Griffin will further bolster the lineup. Expect the Celtics to play with determination as they aim to capitalize on the closing window of opportunity for stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to win a championship together.

4. Philadelphia 76ers 

The Sixers boast possibly the strongest duo in the league with Joel Embiid and James Harden, and they have bolstered their roster by adding P.J. Tucker to address their previous playoff defeat to the Miami Heat. While the team already has ample talent, Tucker brings the crucial intangibles necessary for championship contenders.

5. Los Angeles Clippers 

The return of Kawhi Leonard to the lineup after a season-long absence has the Clippers poised for another playoff run. Paul George has embraced his role as a secondary option behind Leonard, similar to Dwyane Wade with LeBron James in Miami. If John Wall can perform at an All-Star level, the Clippers will be a formidable force in the Western Conference.

6. Brooklyn Nets 

The Nets were on the brink of rebuilding their roster this summer, with Kevin Durant requesting a trade and the ongoing Kyrie Irving saga. Despite the challenges, all parties worked together to make a push for a championship title. This is exciting for fans as they have yet to witness the full potential of the sensational duo throughout an entire season.

7. Memphis Grizzlies 

Although the Grizzlies came in second in the West, they may not have enough experience to be seen as serious contenders just yet. However, they do have a wealth of talent, with Ja Morant being one of the most dynamic players in the league. With time, this team will only improve. The key will be how they use the regular season to ready themselves for the challenges of the playoffs.

8. Phoenix Suns 

The Suns are now considered part of the teams whose championship window is closing, especially after coming into last season with high expectations. Despite earning the No. 1 seed, they were ultimately defeated by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round. The shadow of disgraced owner Robert Sarver, who was suspended for the season due to inappropriate behavior in the workplace, will bring unwanted scrutiny. However, the Suns still have a solid core with players like Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, giving them a chance to remain competitive in the Western Conference.

9. Miami Heat 

The Miami Heat were close to reaching the Finals but have since dropped out of championship discussions. This was partly due to other teams strengthening their rosters while the Heat stayed the same, not by choice but because they lacked assets to make any deals. However, the Heat’s advantage lies in their continuity, as most of the team has remained together since their 2020 Finals appearance.

10. Denver Nuggets

As long as two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is on the roster, the Nuggets will always be contenders. However, Jokic will need more support this season. It is crucial for Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to step up and stay healthy in order for the team to succeed.

11. Dallas Mavericks 

The Mavericks and the Nuggets are on similar levels, both relying heavily on their star player Luka Doncic. However, Doncic can’t carry the team alone. Despite having him, the Mavericks didn’t make significant offseason moves to elevate themselves beyond being a middle-tier team.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves 

The Timberwolves were active during the offseason, acquiring All-Star center Rudy Gobert. The pairing of Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt is expected to cause matchup challenges for opponents. Additionally, Anthony Edwards is predicted to have a breakout season. While the Timberwolves may surprise some in the Western Conference, they are not yet considered contenders.

13. Cleveland Cavaliers 

The Cavs had a strong starting lineup before adding Donovan Mitchell in free agency, making it even better. With Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, they now have a formidable foursome and could potentially become the Eastern Conference’s version of the Timberwolves.

14. New Orleans Pelicans

If Zion Williamson is in good health, it could greatly impact the Pelicans, as they put up a strong fight against the Suns in the playoffs last year. This season may see Williamson leading the team to new heights.

15. Toronto Raptors 

Scottie Barnes, last season’s Rookie of the Year, is poised to take a big step forward. However, doubts remain about whether the Raptors can contend in the competitive Eastern Conference, even if Barnes excels.

16. Atlanta Hawks 

The Hawks have declined since reaching the conference finals two seasons ago. It appears that they have hit their peak potential and may need to make additional moves, beyond acquiring Dejounte Murray, in order to contend again.

17. Los Angeles Lakers 

A team featuring LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis has the potential to achieve anything. However, the team’s success hinges on Westbrook improving from last season and Davis maintaining his health. James is a consistent performer, but questions linger about how much longer he can maintain his level of play.

18. Sacramento Kings

Although the Kings have All-Star Domantas Sabonis and promising rookie Keegan Murray, they are likely still a year away from making a significant impact.

19. Chicago Bulls 

The Bulls have the potential with players like DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Zach LaVine to be contenders, but their credibility is in question due to their poor performance against top teams last season. They only managed a 1-14 record against the Bucks, Celtics, Heat, and Sixers.

20. Portland Trail Blazers 

Jerami Grant was the Blazers’ most significant acquisition. Will he be sufficient to make them competitive? It seems unlikely. However, it will be exciting to watch him team up with Damian Lillard on the court.

21. New York Knicks 

This upcoming season presents another opportunity for the Knicks to improve and potentially reach the playoffs. Although Jalen Brunson was a good addition, he may not be the game-changer the team needs.

22. Charlotte Hornets 

The biggest Hornets news will likely revolve around Miles Bridges and his domestic violence situation. With a roster that remains largely unchanged from last year, fans can expect to see continued growth from rising star LaMelo Ball this season.

23. Detroit Pistons 

The Pistons are in another rebuilding year, but the focus is on Cade Cunningham’s development. The No. 1 pick from last year is determined to become an All-Star, and it is a realistic goal.

24. Orlando Magic 

The Magic have the potential to become the new Cavaliers. With top pick Paolo Banchero poised to make an immediate impact, and solid young talents like Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, the future looks bright for Orlando.

25. Washington Wizards 

Bradley Beal secured his contract extension in the summer, but will he receive the necessary support to lead the Wizards to the playoffs? Kristaps Porzingis is coming off a stellar season, indicating progress in the right direction.

26. Utah Jazz 

The Jazz have entered full rebuilding mode after parting ways with Gobert and Mitchell. It’s surprising to think they were the No. 1 seed just two seasons ago.

27. Indiana Pacers 

Similar to the Jazz, the Pacers have kicked off their rebuilding efforts by sending Brogdon to the Celtics. With the addition of Bennedict Mathurin in the previous year’s draft lottery, they are poised to secure another top pick this year.

28. Houston Rockets 

The Rockets plan to utilize this season as a developmental opportunity for Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., their most recent lottery selections. It presents a valuable chance for both players to enhance their skills and gain valuable experience.

29. San Antonio Spurs 

Keldon Johnson shows promise, but the Spurs are far removed from their Tim Duncan era. It will likely take at least two years before they are ready to compete for a playoff spot.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder’s season took a hit when they lost No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren to a foot injury. However, the silver lining is that this setback puts them in a great position to potentially secure the No. 1 pick next year, which they could use to draft 7-foot-4 standout Victor Wembanyama.