Below the summit, we're witnessing the rise of Halleluka and the rebirth of Carmelo Anthony as well as some alarming slumps from some of the NBA's lesser lights who surely would have hoped for more so far.

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 (Down 1)

(4-14) Last week: 0-3

Just when you think they might be turning a corner, the Knicks trip over their own feet again. After winning 2 from 4 – the losses were both under 5 points – New York go and offer themselves up to the Spurs, allowing San Antonio to break their 8 game losing streak. A nice stat to kick these Power Rankings off: the last time the Knicks won back to back games was November 23. Last year. That’s right. The Knicks haven’t won consecutive games in over 12 months.

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29. Golden State (Up 1)

(4-15 Record) Last week: 1-2

In a season where injuries continue to decimate their team, the Warriors are looking for whatever silver linings they can find. Rookies Eric Paschall and Ky Bowman are two of those beacons of light. At 6'6” and 255 lbs, Paschall is a Draymond Green type of athlete. He’s clearly not the play maker Green is but he is already a solid NBA defender and makes canny cuts off the ball. Undrafted guard Bowman is going to present a challenge to the front office: how to convert him from a 2-way contract when the team is hard capped. They’ll surely find a way for a hard working defender that can run a team, holding the fort with both Steph Curry and DÁngelo Russell sidelined. The team hope that 1st round pick Jordan Poole can join the party sooner rather than later. He is shooting a truly horrible 27.5% from the floor and has the 3rd worst true shooting % ever recorded for a rookie.

28. Cleveland Cavaliers (Steady)

(5-13) Last week: 1-3

As is to be expected, the Cavs Championship winning veteran front court is playing very good basketball. Their young, untested back court is holding the team back. That’s fine – this is a development year for Cleveland, but I’m sure the team was hoping to see more out of 2nd year guard Collin Sexton, yesterdays strong game notwithstanding. Despite handling the ball a ton, he’s only averaging 2.3 assists and shooting the ball rather less efficiently than is ideal (43.6% from the floor, 32.9% from deep).

27. Atlanta Hawks (Down 3)

(4-14) Last week: 0-4

Losers of 8 straight, the Hawks are plummeting down both the NBA standings and our Power Rankings. Trae Young and the occasional Jabari Parker flourish aside, the Hawks currently look awful. Cam Reddish and De'Andre Hunter, both highly touted rookies, have struggled mightily. The centre rotation is as weak as you would expect with John Collins sidelined. Kevin Huerter’s shoulder injury has robbed the team of a sharp shooting release valve. Atlanta are better than their record suggests, but only once they get back to something like full health.

26. Memphis Grizzlies (Steady)

(5-12) Last week: 0-3

The entertaining Grizzlies are living the life of a young, developing NBA squad with a 3 game winning streak backed up by a 3 game losing streak. Progress is going to be slow, but it’s very real. Brandon Clarke, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr and Ja Morant, who needs to try harder not to get killed, is a great core to build upon.

25. Chicago Bulls (Up 2)

(6-13) Last week: 1-3

The Bulls, despite their record, remain a chance to sneak into the playoffs. They’re taking the right shots and allow the right shots, they’re just shooting the ball terribly. If they start to put the ball in the bucket, a turnaround isn’t out of the question. For those of you that like wild finishes, check this out against Charlotte.

24. Detroit Pistons (Up 1)

(6-12) Last week: 1-2

Detroit continues to struggle. They’ve had a couple of big wins against Atlanta and Orlando among big losses to Chicago and Milwaukee. Blake Griffin continues to reintegrate himself, averaging 20.2 points since his return from injury. The team will be hoping for an uptick in form soon, as the season is slipping away from them.

24. San Antonio Spurs (Down 3)

(5-10) Last week: 0-4

Th Spurs under Greg Popovich have produced some wonderful attacking sides, but they’ve always built upon solid defense. This seasons Spurs have been utterly dreadful at that end, despite the return of young defensive ace Dejounte Murray from injury. The Spurs simply have too many turnstiles like DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay or players like Patty Mills and Bryn Forbes, who battle hard but just don’t have the capability.

22. Charlotte Hornets (Steady)

(7-12) Last week: 1-3

The loss to Chicago was heartbreaking, but it’s not the only discouraging loss for the Hornets this week, losing by a point to Detroit yesterday. Charlotte have an exciting group of your guards and wings, but Cody Zeller aside (8.1 boards per game, 2.9 ahead of 2nd place Miles Bridges), they have nothing up front. As a result, they’re getting pounded inside at both ends.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder (Down 2)

(6-11) Last week: 1-2

Stick or twist? General Manager Sam Presti seemingly has a simple decision to make, given that his team are loaded with draft picks: trade the veterans, take the L’s & draft elite talent. The counter is that this Thunder side are only some crunch time finishing away from a .500 record, going 1-7 in games decided by 6 points or less. Should the Thunder decide to hit the trade market, Danilo Gallinari looks certain to move, but Chris Paul is an interesting case, given his monstrous contract. Miami appear happy with their lot. Do the Bucks look to add CP3, going all in for a championship this season?

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20. New Orleans Pelicans (Up 1)

(6-12) Last week: 1-3

Things are coming together in New Orleans. Rookie Jaxson Hayes has been pressed into starting duties with Derrick Favors and Jahlil Okafor sidelined and responded well averaging 8.8/5.5 with a steal and 1.5 blocks per contest as a starter. Lonzo Ball is back from injury and whilst it’s premature to announce his jumper as fixed, it’s getting better. He’s not shooting from the left side of his head, now – that's a start. The accuracy is improving, shooting 34.3% this season against a career average of 30.6%. His play making and defensive intelligence is badly needed on this roster, but he needs to be able to shoot to stay on the court.

19. Washington Wizards (Up 4)

(6-10) Last week: 2-1

The Wizards sport a pair of unlikely sixth Man of the Year candidates in Mo Wagner and my main man Davis Bertans. The two sweet shooting bigs are both scoring in double figures off the bench (13.3 and 12.3 points respectively) and raining fire from deep (44.3% and 47.5%). Bertans has formed a mind meld with Bradley Beal. Both are heady and physical defenders. Wagner currently leads the NBA in Ilyasova's….um, charges drawn.

18. Portland Trailblazers (Down 2)

(7-12) Last week: 2-2

The Blazers are a mess. Of course they missed Damian Lillard when he missed a couple of games, but the roster just isn't up to it. Too much is is placed on those who just can't bring night after night. Names like Rodney Hood, Skal Labissiere and Anthony Tolliver are capable, but are cameo types. The less we see of Mario Hezonja the better. Carmelo Anthony's reanimation has gone as expected, with the occasional offensive breakout game punctuating otherwise average performances. He’s trying on defense, bless him. He just isn’t capable at all on that end these days.

17. Orlando Magic (Up 1)

(7-10) Last week: 1-2

The Magic have collected an enviable assortment of bigs over the past few seasons. With Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic out, we’re finally getting to see what some of them can do. Jonathan Isaac continues to impress, averaging 13.3 points with 7.1 boards and 2.7 blocks (2nd in the NBA). Mo Bamba has put up encouraging performances in his last 3 games with 10 points, 7.7 boards and 2.3 blocks. They have a soft stretch of games starting with yesterdays win over Cleveland. Toronto aside, they don't play another winning team for close to two weeks.

16. Brooklyn Nets (Up 1)

(9-9) Last week: 3-1

Hmmm……a few weeks back I spoke of the Ewing Theory potential in Brooklyn. Kyrie Irving has been missing since November 14 and the Nets have gone 5-2 in his absence. Young centre Jarrett Allen has stepped up, posting 15.8 points and 12.8 boards a night with Irving sidelined. Spencer Dinwiddie has assumed control of the offense. He’s put up 23.4 points and 7.3 assists since Kyrie went down.

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15. Sacramento Kings (Steady)

(7-10) Last week: 1-3

The Kings are just about back where they'd hoped to be. They’re split their 8 games without DeÁáron Fox and Marvin Bagley – which is both very encouraging and kind of terrifying. Is this a sign of great depth on the roster, or an indication that their two cornerstones are not what the Kings brass had hoped for at this stage? Bogdan Bogdanovic is making the most of his chance. Turning down an extension last off season, his performances with Fox out (19.7 points and 7.8 assists) mean he’s going to get paid this time around.

14. Phoenix Suns (Steady)

(8-9) Last week: 1-3

Injuries and suspension have hit the Suns hard. Losing DeAndre Ayton was survivable because Aron Baynes was able to step in. But with Baynes going down with a hip, the Suns are relying on an over matched Frank Kaminsky in the middle. Ricky Rubio’s injury has exposed a thin point guard rotation, although 2nd year man Jevon Carter has acquitted himself well. Suns opponents are scoring under 98 points per 100 possessions with Carter on the floor. He’s setting himself up as a long term rotation player.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves (Down 1)

(10-8) Last week: 2-1

Since Kevin Durant gifted us the term 'Unicorn’ has been bandied about a lot – perhaps too much. When we talk Karl-Anthony Towns, however, it's the perfect description. The Kentucky product is averaging 26.3 points, 12.6 boards, 4.1 assists and 2.6 stocks, whilst hitting 3.9 3's per game, and showing improved defensive awareness in leading the Wolves back to long overdue respectability. Look at these shooting splits: 51.3fg%, 44.4% 3fg%, 79.3 ft%. KAT has a chance to put up the single greatest shooting season for a centre in NBA history.

12. Indiana Pacers (Up 1)

(11-6) Last week: 3-0

Indiana have taken their punches and come through. Losing Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdan (let alone yet to suit up Victor Oladipo) left this team decimated, but they've stuck fat and look ready to make their push to the upper echelons of the East. Their twin tower alignment leads a fantastic defense, whilst the ability of those bigs to stretch the floor gives Brogdan the space to run a solid offense. Oladipo is the X factor – does he gum up the gears upon his return, or fit in and give the Pacers another weapon?

11. Utah Jazz (Down 1)

(11-7) Last week: 2-2

The Jazz continue to dominate at the defensive end, even with Rudy Gobert sitting with an ankle sprain. At the other end of the floor, the Jazz are struggling. Mike Conley’s shooting woes and difficulty adapting to Gobert’s rim runs get a lot of focus, but Joe Ingles is quietly having a disappointing season. Ingles’ strengths are spot up shooting and secondary play making. His new role as the leader of the 2nd unit works directly against those. Playing with the bench means he has the ball, taking away his spot up opportunities and ability to attack a closeout, picking apart a scrambled defense. Inserting him back into the starting 5 means defensive ace Royce O’Neal sits, which he doesn’t deserve. Jinglin' Joe will just have to figure this out.

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10. Dallas Mavericks (Up 1)

(11-6) Last week: 2-1

Luka Doncic is an MVP candidate, people. The 20 year old (who would be the youngest MVP in history) Slovenian Wunderkid is putting up 30.1 points, 10 boards, 9.5 assists ans 1.5 steals a night, hitting clutch shots, getting career years out of teammates like Dwight Powell and duelling the best in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis looks to be hitting his stride, too. He’s continuing to put up points, and has added rebounding and defensive presence through the Mavs hot streak.

9. Philadelphia 76ers (Steady)

(12-6) Last week: 3-1

After a statement win over the Heat, the Sixers got stomped by Toronto. Marc Gasol continues to put Joel Embiid in his back pocket, with the big Cameroonian going scoreless against the veteran Spaniard. Despite that setback, the Sixers starting unit is still formidable, outscoring opponents by almost 30 points per 100 possessions. A new feature for our Sixers section in the Power Rankings: Did Ben Simmons hit a 3 this week? No.

8. Houston Rockets (Down 2)

(12-6) Last week: 1-2

James Harden continues to inspire new and increasingly gimmicky defenses. Now teams are straight out double teaming The Beard as soon as he has gets the ball, like in an under 12s game. As always, expect Harden to figure out a counter. Getting Eric Gordon back will help, but he’s still at least a fortnight away. The Rockets defense in their recent losing streak returned the early season levels, conceding mid 110’s per 100 possessions.

7. Miami Heat (Steady)

(12-5) Last week: 2-2

The Heat are an interesting case study. Against teams that are over .500, they’re 3-4 (including a stomping at the hands of the 76ers) but are 9-1 against sides with a losing record. Are they as good their overall record suggests? Time will tell. The structure of the side looks legit. Their young shooters in Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn – combining to make close to 40% of their 3’s - all fit beautifully around Jimmy Butler.

6. Toronto Raptors (Up 2)

(13-4) Last week: 3-0

The Raps keep on keeping on, their latest 'against the odds' victory a 101-96 victory over Philly. Kyle Lowry’s thumb injury was supposed to be the catalyst for the Raptors to start falling away from the top of the East. However, Norman Powell (14 ppg at 37.8% from deep as a starter) and Fred Vanvleet have kept things running smoothly in The North. With Lowry turning 34 in March, the Raptors can feel confident that the sharpshooting, defensive bulldog Vanvleet is Lowry’s rightful successor.

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5. Denver Nuggets (Steady)

(13-3) Last week: 3-0

The Nuggets continue to win, despite Nikola Jokic channelling turn of the century Shaq and playing himself into shape. The Nuggets have had some random breakout performances and Mike Malone has pulled the right strings with his rotations, but the main reason Denver is succeeding might be Paul Millsap. Rapidly hurtling towards his 35th birthday, Millsap is the perfect do-it-all player for Denver. He’s certainly lost a step from his All-Star prime, but his defensive intelligence and versatility ties the rest of the team together (+14.3 points per 100 possession with Millsap on the floor, -5.4 with him off). His ability to space the floor or work from the post is a perfect compliment to Jokic.

4. Boston Celtics (Down 1)

(13-4) Last week: 2-1

We’ve learnt a lot about this Celtics side on their recent 2-3 Western road trip. Despite losing Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker for stretches, they’ve kept their heads above water against some excellent opposition, and won twice since returning home. This team is tough. They’re also great to watch. Coach Stevens has his team slinging passes all over the court to a myriad of cutters. Getting Hayward’s playmaking back will only make things prettier for the C’s.

3. Los Angeles Clippers (Up 1)

(14-5) Last week: 4-0

Short of the left ear lobe that is Landry Shamet, the Clippers Giant Death Robot is now fully operational. And it’s terrifying. With both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard active, the Clips have gone 4-0 with an 11.5+ point differential. Not only do the Clips have multiple ways to break your heart with the ball, but they can tear you limb from limb on defense. A line up of Pat Beverly, Mo Harkless, PG, Kawhi and either Ivica Zubac or the defensively much improved Montrez Harrell is damn near impossible to break down. Long, athletic and with Harrell, completely switchable. Once these guys feel each other out, they could be unstoppable.

2. Milwaukee Bucks (Steady)

(15-3) Last week: 4-0

The Bucks continue to get it done, leading the league in scoring differential, just as they did last season. The most encouraging thing for coach Mike Budenholzer is that the Bucks current 13-1 run has mostly been with no Khris Middleton and a slumping Brook Lopez. Splash Mountain has been shooting a mere 28.7% from deep, down from last years 36.5%. The Bucks hope a weak schedule over the next few games might shake the big fella out of his malaise.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (Steady)

(16-2) Last week: 4-0

The Lakers continue to hum, but December will be a test with multiple games versus Dallas and Denver and contests with Utah, Milwaukee and Miami. A quiet revelation for the Lakers is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The oft maligned guard has proven to be a snug fit next to LeBron, canning 43.8% of his 3s (by far a career high) and using his length to be a solid defender on opposition guards. He’s also been surprisingly creative off the dribble.

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