The NBA standings are full of surprises, notably Cleveland’s impressive 15-0 start and strong 17-1 record this season.

Golden State is finding success even in Klay Thompson’s absence, supported by a talented roster that keeps them competitive in the Western Conference. Conversely, Philadelphia’s low position in the Eastern Conference was unexpected. Houston is making waves with its youthful squad, but the question remains: can the Rockets maintain their momentum throughout the season?

On the flip side, it’s been expected that Boston and Oklahoma City would thrive early on. San Antonio, led by Victor Wembanyama, is gradually learning to secure victories while coach Gregg Popovich recovers from health issues, offering hope for the Spurs. Additionally, Orlando’s ability to win without star player Paolo Banchero is a promising sign for the team.

Here are YSL News’s inaugural NBA power rankings for the 2024-25 season:

NBA Power Rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (17-1)

The Cavaliers have made history by becoming only the fourth team to start a season with 15 straight wins. They currently lead the league in numerous categories including offensive rating (122.8), points per game (123.4), true shooting percentage (63.3%), field goal percentage (52%), and three-point shooting percentage (41.5%).

2. Boston Celtics (15-3)

The Celtics boast the best starting lineup in the league. Statistically speaking, their starting five of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday has the highest net rating (plus-20.1), scoring an impressive 125.3 points per 100 possessions while allowing just 105.2 points.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (13-4)

The Thunder are leading the league with the best defense, conceding only 103.2 points per 100 possessions and averaging 12.1 steals per game. They are close to breaking the NBA record of 12.9 steals set back in 1977-78.

4. Golden State Warriors (12-5)

Stephen Curry and the Warriors are solid contenders in the Western Conference, with Curry averaging 22.5 points and 6.5 assists per game. His teammates, Buddy Hield and Andrew Wiggins, both contribute over 15 points each game, enhancing their offensive depth.

5. Houston Rockets (13-6)

The Rockets have distinguished themselves as a formidable defensive squad this season, allowing only 103.8 points per 100 possessions (ranking second in the league) and have secured eight wins in their last ten matches.

6. Orlando Magic (12-7)

After starting the season with four losses due to Paolo Banchero’s injury, the Magic have bounced back with nine wins out of their last ten games. Franz Wagner has stepped up as a key player, highlighted by his 37 points and 11 assists in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

7. Memphis Grizzlies (11-7)

With a strong frontcourt that includes Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, and Jay Huff, the Grizzlies lead the league in blocked shots, averaging 7.6 per game.

8. New York Knicks (10-7)

Offseason additions like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges have elevated an already strong starting lineup. The Knicks lead the league with 11 games in which all starters have scored in double digits.

9. Los Angeles Clippers (11-8)

James Harden has stepped up significantly for the Clippers, contributing an average of 20.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, especially with Kawhi Leonard currently sidelined.

10. Denver Nuggets (9-7)

While we all recognize Nikola Jokic’s elite triple-double capabilities, don’t overlook Michael Porter Jr.’s remarkable performance this season, averaging a career-high 18.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 7.3 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 49.2% from the floor and 40.7% from beyond the arc.

11. Dallas Mavericks (10-8)

The Mavericks aimed to enhance their three-point shooting with Thompson’s acquisition, but they currently sit 20th in the league at 34.8% and 21st in three-pointers made per game (12.2). Improvement in this area is crucial for their playoff aspirations.

12. Phoenix Suns (10-7)

Kevin Durant’s impact on the Suns is undeniable; the team boasts a 9-1 record with him in the lineup compared to just 1-6 without him due to a strained calf injury.

13. San Antonio Spurs (10-8)

The Spurs have emerged as a top-tier defensive team, ranking ninth by allowing 110.8 points per 100 possessions. Wembanyama is pivotal to their defense, while Chris Paul is helping guide the team through this challenging phase without Hall of Fame coach Popovich.

14. Milwaukee Bucks (9-9)

After a rocky start of 2-8, the Bucks have found some rhythm, winning five straight games. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Eastern Conference player of the week, is averaging 33.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists over his last nine games.

15. Los Angeles Lakers (10-7)

Despite a six-game winning streak, the Lakers recently hit a bump with three consecutive losses. Anthony Davis leads the team in scoring (29.8), rebounding (11.4), blocks (2.1), and steals (1.3).

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-9)

The Timberwolves are struggling with team cohesion following trades for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, resulting in three consecutive losses. Rudy Gobert’s frustration over a lack of ball-sharing in the paint is an issue to keep an eye on moving forward.

17. Miami Heat (7-8)

Jimmy Butler scored 33 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and provided six assists, leading the Heat to a 123-118 overtime win over the Mavericks on Sunday. This marked Miami’s first game after a five-day break.

18. Sacramento Kings (8-10)

The Kings feature three players averaging over 20 points per game: De’Aaron Fox with 28.1 ppg, DeMar DeRozan at 22.6, and Domantas Sabonis at 20.0.

19. Brooklyn Nets (8-10)

After suffering three consecutive losses, the Nets have bounced back, winning three of their last four games. They are currently missing Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Bojan Bogdanovic due to lower leg injuries.

20. Detroit Pistons (8-11)

Cade Cunningham is showing his potential as he records career highs in points (23.5), assists (8.9), and rebounds (7.2). A slight improvement in his efficiency will enhance his offensive threat further.

21. Indiana Pacers (8-10)

Before their win over Washington on Sunday night, the Pacers suffered five losses in six games, leading to their lowest winning percentage (.375) since the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.

22. Chicago Bulls (8-11)

The Bulls are aggressive on offense, ranking No. 1 in pace, No. 2 in 3-pointers made per game, No. 3 in 3-point shooting percentage, and No. 5 in assists. However, they struggle defensively, sitting at No. 25, and have lost eight games by 10 points or more.

23. Portland Trail Blazers (7-11)

The Trail Blazers have been careless with the ball, ranking 29th in turnovers per game at 17.3. Consequently, opponents score an average of 20.9 points per game off these turnovers, placing Portland 28th in the league for points allowed from giveaways.

24. Atlanta Hawks (7-11)

The Hawks lead the Eastern Conference in assists per game with 29.1 and have achieved nine consecutive games with at least 25 assists. They tied their franchise record with 32 assists against the Mavericks on Monday, matching the longest streak of 25 or more assists.

25. Charlotte Hornets (6-11)

LaMelo Ball is leading the Hornets with 31.0 points and 6.9 assists per game, including a career-high 50 points during a loss to the Bucks on Saturday. Additionally, Grant Williams’ ACL injury has weakened Charlotte’s roster depth significantly.

26. Toronto Raptors (4-14)

The Raptors experienced a seven-game losing streak before winning two out of their last four games. Scottie Barnes contributed crucial points with 17 against Minnesota during his return from injury.

27. Utah Jazz (4-12)

The Jazz fell to the bottom of the Western standings due to early struggles but recently ended a four-game losing streak with a 121-106 win against the Knicks on Saturday.

28. Philadelphia 76ers (3-13)

Philadelphia’s poor start can be attributed to injuries (Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey), team chemistry issues (with several new players), and Embiid’s suspension. The team currently ranks 28th in offense, 18th in defense, and 27th in net rating at minus-8.6 points per 100 possessions.

29. New Orleans Pelicans (4-14)

The Pelicans have faced injuries to key players such as Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III, resulting in a total of 86 games missed due to injury or illness.

30. Washington Wizards (2-14)

The Wizards are struggling significantly, ranking second-to-last in offensive rating (105.1), last in defensive rating (118.8), and also last in net rating (minus-13.7), having lost 12 games in a row.