NBA Power Rankings #3

We have our first change at the top of the board, but unfortunately for one long suffering group of fans, no change at the foot of the table.

Injuries are starting to play a major part in the season, so it will be interesting to see which teams are able to handle the roster shuffle with the least consternation.

Throughout the season, Inside Sport will be bringing you our NBA Power Rankings. These are not necessarily ranking based on records. This is a purely subjective assessment of how a team is progressing, projected and playing.

All records are as of Thursday night Australian time.

30. New York Knicks (No change)

(2-9 Record) Last week: 1-2

The Knicks won a basketball game!!! Yes, The Knickerbockers got up for the Porzingis revenge match, but predictably enough were embarrassed by Cleveland in their next game. Coach David Fizdale appears to be in the gun, and whilst he's not blameless, what can he do with this horribly put together roster? The one and only positive is the continued strong play of rookie RJ Barrett.

29. Golden State Warriors (Down 1)

(2-10) Last week: 0-4

The first team to reach double digit losses this year! Who put money on that before the season?

The only man to start each and every game for the Dubs is....Glen Robinson III. If that doesn't tell you how bad things are in the Bay, then I can't help you. D'Angelo Russell continues to be the man, scoring a career high 52 in a loss to the Wolves. Surely it's only a matter of time before he's traded?

28. Memphis Grizzlies (Down 7)

(4-7) Last week: 2-3

Despite a solid week results wise, this drop is purely down to an organisational decision. The Grizz held out Rookie Ja Morant for rest, 3 weeks into the season. There have been no reports sighting injury or fatigue, so we have to assume this is a naked tank job in Memphis. It's a shame. The more of Ja, Jaren Jackson Jr & finally injury free Jonas Valanciunas on the floor, the better.

27. New Orleans Pelicans (Down 1)

(2-8) Last week: 1-2

They're still awful on defence and can't rebound to save themselves, although the returning Derrick Favors should help there. It's slightly concerning that the Pels offence started to dip until JJ Redick, now approximately 61 years old, was re-inserted back into the starting five. Brandon Ingram is officially breaking out, the 22 year old averaging career highs in practically every category.

Watch all the NBA action on Kayo - grab a two week free trial here!

26. Chicago Bulls (Down 3)

(4-7) Last week: 1-1

Coach Jim Boylen can be old school, but he's at least modernising as a coach, encouraging his team to keep blazing away from the outside. However on the whole, the Bulls are not good at shooting the rock: 32.4% good for 25^th in the NBA. Rookie Coby White showed some signs of life, dropping seven 3's with his college coach in the building, to slap down the hapless Knicks.

25. Washington Wizards (No change)

(2-7) Last week: 0-2

Well, at least they're fun to watch. The Wiz are pouring in 115 points per game on the back of Bradley Beal, Rui Hachimura and a resurgent Isiah Thomas. Of course they're giving up 120 at the other end....that's a problem. But for a team that isn't contending, the least they can do is keep the fans entertained.

24. Charlotte Hornets (Down 3)

(4-7) Last week: 0-4

Aaaand here comes the regression. After a surprising start, the Hornets may just have found their level. That doesn't mean that the team is hopeless. As per last weeks column, the Hornets at least have a base to build from. For this season, though, they're just far too green. Devonte Graham and Malik Monk continue to supply impressive flashes from the bench.

23. Cleveland Cavaliers (Up 6)

(4-6) Last week: 2-1

The Cavs continue to be a surprise packet. The young back court of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton are as inefficient as you might expect, but they're taking care of the basketball. Coach John Beilein – a rookie NBA coach at age 66, proving that you're never too old – has his team playing conservatively, but he's implementing good habits to his youngsters. Tristan Thompson is a new man this season. After hitting his 1^st career trey earlier in the campaign, this week he hit from deep twice in the same game. Again, you're never too old to change.

22. Orlando Magic (Up 5)

(4-7) Last week: 2-1

They're still awful offensively, but at least they're not in a coma anymore. In yesterday's big win over the Sixers, Aaron Gordon finally played a dominating game, with 18 points, 13 boards and 7 assists. That being said, there is no team in the NBA worse at putting the ball in the basket – the Magic have a league worst 50.6% effective field goal %. Jon Isaac is looking great on defence, leading a solid unit at that end of the floor.

21. Detroit Pistons (down 1)

(4-8) Last week: 0-3

Blake Griffin finally returned yesterday, putting up 19 points with good all-round numbers in 24 minutes. That they lost to Minnesota is almost immaterial at this point. With Andre Drummond, Detroit has it's Big Two back on the floor and can start building towards a playoff push after a poor week.

Watch all the NBA action on Kayo - grab a two week free trial here!

20. Brooklyn Nets (Down 2)

(4-6) Last week: 1-2

The great American writer & podcaster Bill Simmons popularised the 'Ewing Theory' back in 2001. We don't have nearly enough space to go into that here, but.....is there a sneaky Ewing Theory happening in Brooklyn and Boston? Kyrie Irving is tied for 3^rd in the league with 29.7 ppg. He's shooting a career high number of free throws and seems to have bought into the Nets team ethos. Yet.....they're just not that good. Meanwhile, up in Boston....

19. Atlanta Hawks (No change)

(1-2) Last week: 1-2

He might not play defence, but Jabari Parker is lighting it up at the other end. Since stepping in for the suspended John Collins, Parker is averaging around 22 points, 8 boards and close to 2 blocks and steals per night. Always a canny mover off the ball, he's developing a lovely chemistry with Trae Young.

18. Sacramento Kings (Up 6)

(4-6) Last week: 2-0

The Kings are getting back on track – or at least they were before D'Aaron Fox went down with an ankle sprain that's expected to sideline him for 2-3 weeks. The Kings will lean heavily on Bogdan Bogdanovic to run the offence in Fox's forced absence. The Serbian is not a natural point guard, but has the handles, craft and vision to run the team for stretches at a time. How he adapts will have a huge bearing on how the Kings hold up without their star lead guard.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (No change)

(4-7) Last week: 1-3

These guys are frisky. The Thunder haven't had the easiest early schedule, so the record isn't completely indicative of where they sit as a team. Still, it's more likely than not that the team continues to shed talent towards the trade deadline. Danilo Gallinari is a perfect stretch four for a playoff team (Portland or Boston, anyone?) and Kiwi Steven Adams could get 'dutched' (sorry) for a good draft pick, too. I'd love to see him on the Clippers, but after the Paul George trade, what else can the Clips give OKC?

16. San Antonio Spurs (No change)

(5-6) Last week: 1-3

After a hot start, the Spurs have regressed back to – at best - .500 ball. Whilst there are some impressive building blocks in Dejounte Murray and Derrick White, the rest of the team is starting to look it's age. LaMarcus Aldridge (34) and Rudy Gay (33) have both been wildly inconsistent. When they can bring it, the Spurs look good, but when they can't too much falls on DeMar DeRozan, who is the definition of a good, not great basketballer.

Watch all the NBA action on Kayo - grab a two week free trial here!

15. Portland Trailblazers (Down 1)

(4-8) Last week: 1-4

A busy week for the Blazers, taking the court no less that five times. A tough week, as well, with only the single win to show for their efforts. Dame Lillard continues to play MVP level basketball, but in yesterday's loss to Toronto, Dame looked tired, shooting a miserable 2-12 from the floor. Someone needs to step up. CJ McCollum, as always, does what he can. Rodney Hood (25 points yesterday) will help, but he's as likely to injure himself as he is to play.

14. Phoenix Suns (Down 2)

(6-4) Last week: 1-2

Might coach Monty Williams be the favourite for Coach of the Year? He's turned around this moribund franchise in short order and he's done it with the some seemingly ordinary cards. The Suns have lost starting centre DeAndre Ayton to suspension and free scoring young wing TJ Warren to the Pacers. Their big free agent additions were a backup big in Aron Baynes (who has been magnificent) and Ricky Rubio, who Utah couldn't wait to see the back of. The unselfish passing of those two, as well as their excellent defence has made this Suns side a tough out. For the first time since 2010 we might have playoff basketball in Arizona.

13. Dallas Mavericks (Down 4)

(6-4) Last week: 1-2

The loss to the Knicks hurt this team. Especially hurt was the former Knick Kristaps Porzingis, who has been OK, but not really shined since his return from a 20 month layoff due to knee surgery. Encouragingly, he had 28 points against his old side and meets them again today at his old MSG stomping ground. With Zinger still finding his feet, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell have served as elite roll-men for Luka Doncic's tasty dishes.

12. Indiana Pacers (Up 3)

(7-4) Last week: 3-0

Malcolm Brogdon: All Star. Lock it in folks. If Brogdon doesn't earn an All Star nod this season, he never will. But keep an eye on Domantas Sabonis, as well. In a team beset by injuries the Son of a Gun has been carrying the Pacers front line (19.8 points, 13.3 boards, 3.9 assists) in the same manner that Brogdon has carried the back court.

11. Minnesota Timberwolves (No change)

(7-4) Last week: 3-1

The praise heaped on Karl-Anthony Towns this season is well deserved. He's carried this team despite no help whatsoev....is that....Andrew Wiggins' music? The maligned former #1 pick may have finally figured out how to play basketball. Take a look at the difference between this and last seasons numbers.

Per Basketball Reference

Wiggins efficiency – long his millstone – has improved dramatically in Coach Ryan Saunders system, and with it, the rest of his game.

Watch all the NBA action on Kayo - grab a two week free trial here!

10. Miami Heat (Down 5)

(7-3) Last week: 2-1

The highly bizarre Dion Waiters situation aside, the Heat are humming along nicely. Jimmy Butler has settled into the undisputed Alpha (a role that he relishes), the shooters are doing their thing around him, and in Bam Adebayo, the Heat have a rim running, surprisingly creative with the ball, defensive force. The Heat can feel a little aggrieved at this ranking, but it's only due to the teams above them making waves.

9. Houston Rockets (Up 4)

(8-3) Last week: 3-0

After playing at one of the slowest paces on the NBA over the past few seasons, solely to suit James Harden's genius, Mike D'Antoni this season has his team conjuring up memories of his mid noughts Suns squads. That's of course largely down to the Irresistible Force that is Russell Westbrook. Even Harden appears to be joining in on the fun, scoring a career high in transition points this season.

8. Philadelphia 76ers (Down 7)

(7-4) Last week: 2-2

A rough period for the Sixers. Joel Embiid suspended, Ben Simmons injured. But that's not the reason for the drop in these rankings. The Sixers just can't shoot the ball right now. Josh Richardson and Tobias Harris – both career 36% from deep – are shooting 28% and 20% respectively. Philly are relying on (checks notes) Furkan Korkmaz for spacing right now. That doesn't seem viable in the long run.

7. Utah Jazz (Up 3)

(8-3) Last week: 3-0

The Jazz's defence might be good enough to earn them 45+ wins by itself. The other end of the court is where Utah have improved this week. Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic continue to impress. The improvements from Mike Conley (scores of 18, 22 and 20 this week)and Rudy Gobert (21.5 ppg in his last two outings) are timely.

6. Toronto Raptors (Up 2)

(8-3) Last week: 3-1

Kawhi Leonard's departure was supposed to sound the death knell for the Raps championship contention. Their still here, though, largely through the continued impressive play of Pascal Siakam. But don't forget about OG Anunoby, quietly averaging 12 points and shooting the lights out from deep, to go with his lock down defence The Raptors forward paring is not as good as last season, but it's surprisingly close. Their guard depth, however, will be tested with Kyle Lowry out with a fractured thumb.

Watch all the NBA action on Kayo - grab a two week free trial here!

5. Denver Nuggets (Up 2)

(7-3) Last week: 2-1

The Nuggets still don't look quite right. They're winning games, which is a good thing, although two of those required Nikola Jokic buzzer beaters. It's supposed to be a good sign when a team wins despite being below it's best. In that regard, Denver can be fairly comfortable with it's start. Concerns remain, however.

4. Los Angeles Clippers (Down 2)

(7-4) Last week: 2-1

We're close now. Close to seeing how the Clippers Giant Death Robot looks when fully operational. Paul George is due to return this week, adding more firepower to Kawhi and the Sweet Lou/Trez pick and roll dance. We were robbed of a potential finals preview with the Clips resting Leonard against Milwaukee. Perhaps a little bit of brinkmanship from Doc Rivers?

3. Milwaukee Bucks (Up 1)

(7-3) Last week: 1-1

The Bucks had a slightly weird week on the floor, losing to the Jazz on a buzzer beater before taking care of business against OKC. They've lost Khris Middleton for the next few weeks with a thigh injury, which will test their wing depth. The Bucks have stepped up their defence in the last few games, using their length to force poor shots and then rebounding the ball with abandon.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (Up 1)

(8-3) Last week: 2-2

Leopards can change their spots and Dwight Howard is living proof. He's finally accepted his lot as a role player and even looks like a fun teammate! The return of Kyle Kuzma is huge for this Lakers team. He's been understandably rusty this far, but once he's in the groove his shooting and play making off the bench (and perhaps closing games) will make life so much easier for LeBron and AD.

1. Boston Celtics (Up 5)

(9-1) Last week: 4-0

So, about that Ewing Theory....

The Kyrie Irving-less Boston Celtics sit at an NBA leading 9-1 record. Coach Brad Stevens might be a Mage of some description, able to turn Jayson Tatum into an efficient scorer, Jaylen Brown into a creative force, Marcus Smart into Dikembe Mutombo, Robert Williams into someone with a watch and his old mate Gordon Hayward into his old Utah Jazz like finisher. Ah....about that. Hayward's injury curse has stuck again; an broken hand expected to keep him out until Christmas. It will be interesting to see what Stevens has in store, this time. Even with the injury, the record can't be ignored. The Celtics stand at the top of Inside Sports' NBA mountain.

Watch all the NBA action on Kayo - grab a two week free trial here!