The second inaugural NBA Cup has concluded, with theMilwaukee Buckstopped as match champions Tuesday evening after defeating the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
The common season, nonetheless, continues to roll on as groups and gamers will look to show issues round within the new 12 months.
Within the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics appear as untouchable as they have been anticipated to be getting into this season. Whereas the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers have tumbled down the standings to begin the season, they hope 2025 will ring in additional wins.
The wild West has undoubtedly lived as much as its title with 4 groups — Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers — all six video games again of the No. 1 seed Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Right here is the place all 30 groups stack up on this week’s energy rankings.
Word: Crew rankings are primarily based on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) assume groups belong this season.
Earlier rankings: Preseason| Oct. 30| Nov. 5| Nov. 13| Nov. 20| Nov. 27| Dec. 4| Dec. 11
Soar to a workforce:br/>ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLEbr/>DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | INDbr/>LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MINbr/>NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHXbr/>POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
There was a short harm scare for Boston when Kristaps Porzingis left Sunday’s win over the Wizards with a heel harm, however Porzingis downplayed its severity postgame. Accidents are nearly the one factor that might derail Boston, because the Celtics are casually on tempo to win 65 video games and stay a favourite to turn out to be the primary defending champion to repeat since 2018. — Tim Bontemps
May we be seeing the beginning of Evan Mobley‘s ascent as a scorer? The fourth-year huge man has been Cleveland’s main scorer in three of their previous 5 wins, together with a career-high 41 factors on 16-for-23 taking pictures (6-for-8 from 3) towards Charlotte. The previous No. 3 decide is averaging 18.6 factors and taking pictures 55.6% from 3 in his first 5 video games of December because the Cavs proceed on tempo to turn out to be the third workforce in league historical past to win 70 video games. — Dave McMenamin
3. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Coming into the NBA Cup title sport Tuesday, Oklahoma Metropolis was 17-2 when no less than one of many Thunder’s 7-footers was out there for your entire sport. That features a 9-1 file since free agent addition Isaiah Hartenstein (12.5 PPG, 12.3 RPG) made his Thunder debut after recovering from a damaged hand. “He is been superb,” OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “Clearly, we lacked somewhat little bit of physicality up to now as a bunch, and he is been in a position to plug that gap instantly.” — Tim MacMahon
The Grizzlies received 10 of their previous 12 video games, however after Sunday’s loss to the Lakers, star guard Ja Morant identified a number of the workforce’s weaknesses. Memphis ranks second within the NBA in tempo however Morant talked about groups typically gradual the workforce down and rating off of Grizzlies fouls and wrestle on the offensive glass. Memphis desires to maintain taking part in quick however the Grizzlies rank twenty eighth in opponent free throw makes an attempt (25.9 per sport) and twenty seventh in opponent second-chance scoring (15.1 factors per sport). — Michael Wright
Houston lately hit a tough spot, shedding three of its previous 5 contests. However the Rockets proceed to carry out in clutch conditions, successful 4 of their previous 5 video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes of play. Chilly taking pictures continues to carry Houston again. The Rockets rank twenty eighth in area purpose (43.7) and 3-point proportion (32.2), and the membership sits within the decrease third of the league in paint area purpose and midrange area purpose proportion. Houston may get momentum again because it performs its subsequent 4 video games towards three groups that personal a mixed file of 19-61. — Wright
Energy ahead P.J. Washington has established himself as one of many West’s most important function gamers. The Mavs are 1-5 in video games Washington has missed this season, together with the NBA Cup knockout spherical loss in Oklahoma Metropolis. That is certainly one of solely two losses for the Mavs within the month since Washington returned from a sprained knee. He has averaged 14.5 factors, 8.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals whereas sometimes taking the hardest defensive task to begin video games throughout that stretch. — MacMahon
The Bucks had a dominant displaying of their win towards the Thunder on Tuesday evening, claiming the 2024 NBA Cup crown. After beginning the season 2-8, the Bucks nonetheless have the perfect file within the NBA since Nov. 12, going 12-3 of their previous 15 video games. They rank eighth in defensive effectivity throughout that span whereas Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have emerged as the best scoring tandem within the NBA, averaging a mixed 58.4 factors. — Jamal Collier
Mikal Bridges, who had a gradual begin to the season, has been extremely efficient on the offensive finish in December. He is averaging 21.1 factors — up from 14.7 factors in November — and has a sterling 66.5% efficient area purpose charge over the course of the month, the NBA’s greatest amongst gamers who’ve tried no less than 75 photographs. It is a extremely welcomed signal for the Knicks, whose new-look offense had already been among the many NBA’s best earlier than Bridges’ elevated success, however seems primed to take off much more. — Chris Herring
Shedding Franz Wagner to the identical indirect tear that put Paolo Banchero on the sidelines has examined the bounds of the Magic’s profitable depth and protection. Orlando has misplaced three of the previous 4, together with the sport the place Wagner was injured late, and Banchero has but to return to apply. With each main scorers out, the Magic is relying closely on guard Jalen Suggs, who scored a career-high 32 factors in Orlando’s NBA Cup loss at Milwaukee. He shot 4-of-19 in a house loss to the Knicks on Sunday. — Kevin Pelton
10. Denver Nuggets
Denver has run cold and hot since mid-November. And Monday was no exception, because the Nuggets blew a 23-point lead and went down 10 within the fourth quarter earlier than pulling out a nail-biting win over the Kings. A great signal for Denver (winners of three straight) was that Jamal Murray got here to life and seemed like his outdated clutch self in crunch time, scoring 15 factors within the fourth quarter, together with a 16-foot go-ahead bucket.— Ohm Youngmisuk
The Warriors’ droop continued as Luka Doncic and the recent Mavericks handed coach Steve Kerr’s workforce its eighth loss in 10 video games. However Dennis Schroder joined the workforce this week to provide Kerr a much-needed ball handler to assist Stephen Curry manage the offense, hit perimeter photographs, defend and assist run the second workforce. Kerr says the Warriors will adapt to Schroder and make the most of his pick-and-roll strengths. For a workforce that has been trying to find the proper combos and rotations, the Warriors should incorporate Schroder off two practices earlier than taking part in at Memphis and Minnesota this week. –Youngmisuk
Since Anthony Edwards known as out the workforce following a loss Nov. 27, the Wolves have received six of seven video games to get themselves again into the playoff image. They’re at the moment tied with the Suns for the No. 6 seed and closing playoff spot getting into what could possibly be an emotional sport Thursday. Minnesota will host the Knicks andKarl-Anthony Cities, his first sport towards the Wolves following a stunning commerce earlier than coaching camp. — Collier
13. Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant returned from a three-game absence with a left ankle sprain and led the Suns to 2 straight wins, averaging 25 factors and seven.5 assists. Phoenix hosts Indiana and Detroit this week earlier than a home-and-home sequence with Denver on Dec. 23 and Christmas Day — a great litmus take a look at for each groups only a half-game other than one different within the thick of the Western Convention playoff race. — McMenamin
14. Miami Warmth
Whereas loads of noise continues to encompass Jimmy Butler and his future in Miami, Tyler Herro continues to play like somebody making a case for his first All-Star look. He is averaging 24.1 factors and taking pictures 41.3% from 3 on over 10 makes an attempt per sport, becoming a member of Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry as the one gamers to be averaging double-digit makes an attempt whereas taking pictures over 40% from deep. — Bontemps
15. LA Clippers
The Clippers halted a three-game slide by obliterating the Jazz at Intuit Dome on Monday. Extra necessary than the wins and losses, nonetheless, is the much-needed break within the schedule and the additional apply time to get Kawhi Leonard nearer to a possible return from his proper knee irritation. Ty Lue informed reporters Monday that he wasn’t positive but if Leonard will journey with the Clippers to Dallas, the place they play two video games this week. Even when Leonard does not journey, it is one other signal of progress that he wasn’t instantly dominated out. –Youngmisuk
16. Atlanta Hawks
Though Atlanta got here up quick within the NBA Cup semifinals towards the Bucks, the Hawks constructed confidence by means of the high-stakes expertise with a handful of gamers 25 or youthful on their roster. They really feel they’re constructing an id as an extended, disruptive membership that may beat groups by creating further possessions. Hawks coach Quin Snyder’s membership, which ranks fifth in offensive rebound proportion, logged 22 offensive boards, together with 4 on one significantly backbreaking possession in a come-from-behind win at Madison Sq. Backyard to beat the Knicks and advance to Las Vegas. “That is the place you are taking a workforce’s soul,” Hawks heart Clint Capela stated of the additional possibilities. — Herring
LeBron James‘ return to the court docket Sunday coincided with JJ Redick trotting out a brand new beginning lineup, with Max Christie becoming a member of James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. The hope is for Christie to turn out to be a quintessential 3-and-D wing with that group, and his first displaying was successful: He helped restrict Ja Morant to 6-for-21 taking pictures and seven turnovers in a win over Memphis and went 1-for-2 from the surface. — McMenamin
18. Sacramento Kings
The Kings’ three-game successful streak led to irritating style Monday, after they led by 10 with 4 minutes remaining however noticed the Nuggets rating on every of their closing 9 possessions to return again and win a 130-129 thriller. In a convention the place simply 2.5 video games separate Denver in fifth from Sacramento in twelfth place — 1.5 video games out of the play-in match if the season ended at this time — these sorts of outcomes may loom giant within the closing standings. — Pelton
No one anticipated the younger Spurs to be .500 at this level. However San Antonio wants to tug itself out of this present funk because the Spurs have misplaced 4 of their previous six. Accidents have led to inconsistent lineups on a night-to-night foundation. However the one fixed has been San Antonio’s penchant for gradual begins. The Spurs common 25.9 factors within the opening quarter this season, good for twenty fourth within the NBA. San Antonio has trailed after the primary quarter in 17 video games, and surprisingly received eight of these outings. — Wright
20. Indiana Pacers
Indiana has received back-to-back video games and three of its previous 4, which the Pacers hope is an indication of issues to return as they appear to show round their season. The upcoming schedule will present a stiff take a look at if the Pacers need a shot at making up floor within the East standings: Their subsequent 9 video games are towards opponents who’re at the moment at or above .500. — Collier
21. Chicago Bulls
Guard Josh Giddey was having certainly one of his greatest video games — 11 factors, eight assists and 9 rebounds — earlier than he needed to be helped to the locker room Monday evening after turning his ankle within the third quarter. Chicago is hoping to get excellent news on Giddey because it prepares for a troublesome schedule over the subsequent week: a home-and-home with Boston after which internet hosting Milwaukee. — Collier
22. Detroit Pistons
After a three-game shedding streak dropped the Pistons to a season-low six video games under .500, they responded with their greatest win of the season, taking down the Knicks behind a 29-point, 15-assist triple-double from Cade Cunningham. On Monday, Detroit beat Miami in time beyond regulation for the second time this season, bouncing again each instances after a late Warmth run in regulation. At 11-16, the Pistons are holding the final play-in spot within the East and simulations utilizing ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index present them reaching the postseason 33% of the time. –Pelton
23. Brooklyn Nets
One query that comes up incessantly in league circles is: “What number of wins can the Nets afford to pile up this season?” After being pegged within the preseason to complete with one of many league’s worst marks — one thing that may enhance their adjustments at drafting ESPN’s No. 1 prospect Cooper Flagg — Brooklyn received out to a shocking 9-10 begin below new coach Jordi Fernandez, one that may have been too aggressive to remain within the hunt for a high decide. All of which helps clarify the workforce buying and selling beginning guard Dennis Schroder to Golden State. The Nets’ entrance workplace is aware of the workforce must develop. But it surely additionally is aware of that successful at too quick a clip will hinder the workforce’s long-term growth. — Herring
An already brutal season in Philadelphia received worse over the weekend. Joel Embiid suffered his third facial fracture of his profession and one of many workforce’s uncommon brilliant spots this 12 months, Jared McCain, is out indefinitely after struggling a meniscus tear that may require surgical procedure. Embiid’s standing for Philadelphia’s Christmas Day sport is unknown for a second straight season. — Bontemps
The Blazers missed a chance to snap their shedding streak Friday, internet hosting a San Antonio workforce with out guards Stephon Citadel, Tre Jones and that misplaced Chris Paul when he was ejected within the first quarter. Up as many as 17 within the fourth quarter, Portland allowed the Spurs to rally and win on Victor Wembanyama‘s two free throws within the closing seconds. The Blazers have been aggressive recently, solely shedding their previous three video games by a mixed 18 factors. — Pelton
The injury-prone Hornets received an early Christmas reward Monday by lastly with the ability to see their beginning 5 — LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Josh Inexperienced, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams — play collectively for the primary time. The outing was combined, with Charlotte shedding to Philadelphia and Miller exiting early with an ankle sprain. However merely having these gamers work collectively was an enormous step ahead for first-year coach Charles Lee and the group to take inventory of the membership.— Herring
27. Toronto Raptors
Toronto is taking part in with out long-term constructing blocks Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley and proceed to lose because of this. There is a lengthy technique to go this season, however as of now the Raptors sit in fourth within the race to the underside of the standings, giving them a really actual likelihood of getting a high decide in what’s a star-studded 2025 NBA draft. — Bontemps
28. Utah Jazz
After permitting no less than 130 factors in three consecutive non-overtime video games for the primary time in franchise historical past, Utah is on tempo to have statistically the worst protection in NBA historical past. The Jazz are permitting 120.7 factors per 100 possessions, which ranks final within the league by a margin of two factors. Probably the most factors per 100 possessions ever allowed by a workforce in a full season: 119.6, an unlucky file shared by final season’s Jazz and the 2022-23 Spurs. — MacMahon
New Orleans has misplaced 13 of its previous 14 largely as a consequence of accidents. Six gamers sat out Sunday’s loss at Indiana. Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones returned Dec. 5, however the former suffered a sprained ankle in simply his second sport again and has been out the previous three contests. 4 of the highest six gamers stay wholesome, however that group has been ineffective on the ground in restricted minutes collectively. After a matchup Thursday at Houston, the Pels tip off what may turn out to be a brutal five-game homestand towards 4 opponents with a mixed .625 successful proportion. — Wright
Since snapping a 16-game shedding slide towards Denver, the Wizards have dropped three straight. Thursday’s sport towards the 7-19 Hornets is an efficient shot for Washington to seize a fourth win. Washington performs Charlotte twice at residence within the subsequent 4 video games with highway contests at Milwaukee and Oklahoma Metropolis sandwiched in between. One Wizard profiting from his alternative of late is fifth-year ahead Justin Champagnie, who’s averaging 16.5 factors, 9.5 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.2 blocks in his previous 4 video games. — Youngmisuk
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