Could this be the most equal NBA season in recent history?
Only three teams really stand out as legitimate contenders through the end of November, and all of them are in the same conference. One good performance makes us nod and the next one leaves us shaking our heads for most teams.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is that the Utah Jazz are still doing the thing — they’re No. 1 in the Western Conference with a 12-7 record. But they’re not the only team making a shock jump.
Let’s take a look at the updated Thanksgiving edition of the 2022-23 NBA Power Rankings:
30. Houston Rockets, 3-14: No change for Houston. The young outfit were never really going to be a serious threat to anyone this season as getting Victor Wembanyama remains the goal. (Last ranking: 30)
29. Detroit Pistons, 3-15: No change for Detroit. The margins between the Pistons and Rockets aren’t wide, but the former can at least say Cade Cunningham is hurt despite some intriguing performances. (Last ranking: 29)
28. San Antonio Spurs, 6-12: They have won only one of their last 11 games. Gregg Popovich won’t make the playoffs this year unless there’s a surprising miracle. San Antonio also has the worst net rating this year (minus-10). (Last ranking: 25)
27. Charlotte Hornets, 4-14: At least the Hornets can say LaMelo Ball only played three games. If they can pair it with Wembanyama though… (Last ranking: 28)
26. Orlando Magic, 5-13: No change for Orlando, but not having Paolo Banchero is a blow. What about Bol Bol, though? Bol is playing right now, and it’s one of the first feel-good stories of the campaign. (Last ranking: 26)
25. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7-10: Where would they be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? Also, is Sam Presti considering moving it for another prime cargo? (Last ranking: 20)
24. Miami Heat, 7-11: Riding a four-game losing streak isn’t the best of looks, but health issues also play a part. Miami should be back on track soon, but things haven’t gone well with the same core from last season. (Last ranking: 21)
23. Los Angeles Lakers, 5-10: Health continues to be a problem for Lakers, too, but Anthony Davis has been losing his mind lately. Austin Reaves is also on the rise as Russell Westbrook as the sixth man unfolds. (Last ranking: 27)
22. Golden State Warriors, 8-10: Stephen Curry keeps doing Stephen Curry things, but the Warriors are so confusing. Could it be a championship hangover? Also, how is James Wiseman’s situation evolving? (Last ranking: 23)
21. Chicago Bulls, 7-10: Chicago has lost six of its last eight games. The Bulls kind of have the Celtics’ number, though. (Last ranking: 14)
20. Brooklyn Nets, 8-9: The Nets’ ceiling this season still seems pretty low, even with Kyrie Irving back in the fold. Will someone be pushing all the chips for Kevin Durant? (Last ranking: 17)
19. New York Knicks, 9-9: No change for the Knicks. But it looks like a roster change could be on the horizon, with Immanuel Quickley being the name that has hit the rumor mill recently. (Last ranking: 19)
18. Philadelphia 76ers, 8-8: Their top three players are missing 12 of 16 games combined, that’s not good, plus Tyrese Maxey’s new sideline spell. How the 76ers hold on? (Last ranking: 16)
17. Wizards of Washington, 10-7: The Wizards have taken a giant leap in recent weeks and are back above .500. It probably won’t be sustainable, but it’s good enough to increase in this edition. (Last ranking: 24)
16. Toronto Raptors, 9-8: The absence of Pascal Siakam was devastating. Hopefully he can return as soon as possible and continue his All-Star caliber campaign. (Last ranking: 12)
15. Atlanta Hawks, 10-7: The Hawks are one of the teams that have come out of the top 10. Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter continue to look strong, but they continue to oscillate between wins and losses and need more consistency from the defensive side. (Last ranking: 8)
14. Minnesota Timberwolves, 9-8: A four-game winning streak definitely helped Minnesota not fall further. Anthony Edwards’ long-range shot dropped a level early on, which isn’t a good sign. (Last ranking: 13)
13. Portland Trail Blazers, 10-7: Damian Lillard’s injury issues are concerning, but Portland look like a playoff-caliber team when healthy. Can the 32-year-old stay fit in what is a solid roster? (Last ranking: 11)
12. Memphis Grizzlies, 10-7: Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and now Ja Morant are dealing with injuries. This Grizzlies team can still be dangerous in the playoffs when healthy, but they should also find an upgrade on Dillon Brooks. (Last ranking: 7)
11. Dallas Mavericks, 9-7: The Mavericks will go as far as Luka Dončić takes them. He desperately needs help. (Last ranking: 10)
10. Los Angeles Clippers, 11-7: The Mowers string together some momentum even in the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who just can’t shake the injury bug. Will LA ever be able to offer entirely wholesome programming? We know they are menacing at their best. (Last ranking: 22)
9. Indiana Pacers, 10-6: After winning nine of their last 11 games, the Pacers deservedly rank in the top 10. Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin continue to make a splash despite their youth while Jalen Smith enjoys a season of renewal. The question is, are they selling their veterans for picks as the season progresses or are they trying to keep the momentum going? (Last ranking: 15)
8. New Orleans Pelicans, 10-7: No change for New Orleans, but they remain a well-honed and balanced team. Zion Williamson has only played 12 games as well, and they’ll get even better if he’s consistently in the game. (Last ranking: 9)
7. Kings of Sacramento, 9-6: Winning six in a row, having the league’s top-ranked offense and two potential stars? Turn on the beam, Sacramento – De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are sensational. And that’s proof that a trade can work for both teams. (Last ranking: 18)
6. Phoenix Suns, 10-6: Cam Payne intensifies in Chris Paul’s absence and losing Cam Johnson is always a blow. The depth of Phoenix is already tested. (Last ranking: 18)
5. Denver Nuggets, 10-6: Denver has seven different players with double-digit point averages. Nikola Jokic getting help is probably the scariest development for the other 31 teams if the Nuggets can stay healthy. (Last ranking: 3)
4. Utah Jazz, 12-7: They’re still first in the Western Conference, and six different players have double-digit averages. We’ll continue to wonder if Utah will go down, but for now, it’s still a miraculous start. (Last ranking: 4)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers, 11-6: A five-game skid hurts, but this Cavs team has a bit of everything. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are very much the best backcourts in the NBA — and they’re just getting started. (Last ranking: 2)
2. Boston Celtics, 13-4: A nine-game winning streak was snapped by the Celtics kryptonite – the bulls. The Eastern Conference has three legitimate top contenders, and Malcolm Brogdon’s shot from the bench is an optimistic sign. (Last ranking: 5)
1. Milwaukee Bucks, 12-4: The Bucks continue to impress without Khris Middleton playing a single game. Recovering Pat Connoughton from a calf strain will also do wonders at Milwaukee depth, with Jevon Carter holding firm in the starting role. (Last ranking: 1)