{"numbering":"desc","slides":[{"index":30,"title":"Detroit Pistons","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_DET.png","credit":"","published":1610719648,"caption":"

Record: 2-9 (Last Five: 1-4)

O-Rating: 106.2 (24th) | D-Rating: 112.0 (23th) | Net Rating: -5.8 (27th)

Jerami Grant is making the most of his expanded role, but the team-wide results have met expectations. Two of Detroit’s rookies -- Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart -- at least, are showing promising early returns, though Killian Hayes is set to miss extended time with a labral tear in his right hip.

"},{"index":29,"title":"Minnesota Timberwolves","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_MIN.png","credit":"","published":1610720011,"caption":"

Record: 3-8 (Last Five: 1-4)

O-Rating: 105.5 (26th) | D-Rating: 115.0 (28th) | Net Rating: -9.5 (30th)

After winning their first two games, a wrist injury to Karl-Anthony Towns spurred a seven-game losing streak. He’s back now, but the play-in push hoped for this offseason already looks far-fetched.

"},{"index":28,"title":"Washington Wizards","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_WAS.png","credit":"","published":1610720058,"caption":"

Record: 3-8 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 113.6 (7th) | D-Rating: 114.4 (27th) | Net Rating: -0.8 (16th)

They still don’t defend a lick, Thomas Bryant is done for the season and Russell Westbrook may now miss three-to-four weeks. What’s more, a team that struggled out of the gate was swept by COVID-19 -- and protocol-related absences, which have led to two straight postponements -- at a tough time. The Athletic reported Friday morning that the team is up to five positives.

Bradley Beal is balling, averaging an efficient 34.9 points. Could he soon be doing so in a different uniform?

"},{"index":27,"title":"Oklahoma City Thunder","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_OKC.png","credit":"","published":1610720169,"caption":"

Record: 5-6 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 103.0 (29th) | D-Rating: 110.2 (19th) | Net Rating: -7.2 (29th)

Under first-year coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder have scrapped their way to respectability through 11 games. That could continue, but the bottom eventually falling out wouldn’t surprise either. Those lottery balls Sam Presti accrued need counting.

"},{"index":26,"title":"Memphis Grizzlies","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_MEM.png","credit":"","published":1610720208,"caption":"

Record: 5-6 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 105.1 (27th) | D-Rating: 106.6 (6th) | Net Rating: -1.5 (20th)

Extended absences for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. (who says his return is “not that far away”) have stymied a chance at a full-fledged breakout. For now.

"},{"index":25,"title":"Chicago Bulls","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_CHI.png","credit":"","published":1610720258,"caption":"

Record: 4-7 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 110.6 (14th) | D-Rating: 115.9 (29th) | Net Rating: -5.4 (26th)

Things are going better under Billy Donovan, to be sure. The Bulls are playing a competitive, entertaining brand of basketball and seeing steps forward from multiple core players, with Lauri Markkanen poised to return from a seven-game absence.

But the wins have yet to pile up. Porous defense and a handful of blowouts mar subtle early-season progress. The new front office could begin wheeling and dealing with its largely-inherited roster -- save for the thus far impressive Patrick Williams -- at a moment’s notice.

"},{"index":24,"title":"Sacramento Kings","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_SAC.png","credit":"","published":1610720311,"caption":"

Record: 5-7 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 111.5 (12th) | D-Rating: 118.2 (30th) | Net Rating: -6.7 (28th)

The Kings are the perfect up-and-down team for this wonky season. Already, they’ve secured multiple impressive victories, ceded multiple demoralizing drubbings and seen Marvin Bagley III’s father invoke a trade request on behalf of his son via social media (since deleted). At least Tyrese Haliburton looks like the steal of the draft and a strong Rookie of the Year candidate.

"},{"index":23,"title":"New York Knicks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_NY.png","credit":"","published":1610720358,"caption":"

Record: 5-7 (Last Five: 1-4)

O-Rating: 104.5 (28th) | D-Rating: 109.7 (16th) | Net Rating: -5.2 (25th)

Dealing with a novela-length early-season injury list, the Knicks have begun falling back to reality, losing four straight contests. But Tom Thibodeau has clearly injected some life into the group. Julius Randle is making the most of weighty minutes totals. A few improbable comeback victories dot their resume. And eighth overall pick Obi Toppin has still hardly played.

"},{"index":22,"title":"Cleveland Cavaliers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_CLE.png","credit":"","published":1610720400,"caption":"

Record: 5-7 (Last Five: 1-4)

O-Rating: 99.8 (30th) | D-Rating: 104.7 (3rd) | Net Rating: -4.9 (24th)

Give them all the centers. The Cavaliers nabbed another for their forrestal frontcourt by flipping a late first-rounder (from the Bucks) for Jarrett Allen as a hanger-on of the James Harden trade. Meanwhile, their hyper-active big-man rotation has propelled them to a top-three defensive rating and some impressive early season play -- that is, before injuries struck.

"},{"index":21,"title":"Orlando Magic","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_ORL.png","credit":"","published":1610720436,"caption":"

Record: 6-5 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 105.5 (25th) | D-Rating: 109.7 (15th) | Net Rating: -4.2 (23rd)

Another team struggling with availability, the Magic lost Markelle Fultz for the season to a torn ACL just as he appeared poised for a leap. Jonathan Isaac is due back in 2021-22. Even Evan Fournier is hampered by a back ailment. The Steve Clifford coached team should find its way into the play-in or (lower) playoff picture, but not much further.

"},{"index":20,"title":"Charlotte Hornets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_CHA.png","credit":"","published":1610720472,"caption":"

Record: 6-7 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 107.1 (21st) | D-Rating: 107.5 (8th) | Net Rating: -0.4 (15th)

Another step forward for Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward is surging (save for the hip ailment that kept him out Thursday) and LaMelo Ball has flashed wunderkin potential. P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges and Devonte’ Graham (though swooning) round out a nice core. The Hornets are fun night in, night out.

"},{"index":19,"title":"Toronto Raptors","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_TOR.png","credit":"","published":1610720523,"caption":"

Record: 3-8 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 110.1 (15th) | D-Rating: 111.0 (21st) | Net Rating: -0.9 (17th)

One of the NBA’s more visible disappointments so far, the Raptors half court offense continues to sputter, the defense appears considerably less swarming and Pascal Siakam’s development looks to have stagnated. Perhaps they’re starting to turn a corner after a string of consecutive competitive outings, including a win over Charlotte. They’re too talented to finish in the pack they currently inhabit.

"},{"index":18,"title":"San Antonio Spurs","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_SAN.png","credit":"","published":1610720583,"caption":"

Record: 6-6 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 108.1 (19th) | D-Rating: 109.4 (14th) | Net Rating: -1.2 (18th)

The Spurs are playing faster, smaller and enjoying torrid starts from Patty Mills (47.3 percent from 3) and DeMar DeRozan (currently out with a personal issue). The 22-season playoff streak is over, but the Spurs didn’t suddenly become a franchise to trifle with or disregard.

"},{"index":17,"title":"New Orleans Pelicans","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_NOR.png","credit":"","published":1610720614,"caption":"

Record: 4-6 (Last Five: 1-4)

O-Rating: 107.5 (20th) | D-Rating: 107.9 (10th) | Net Rating: -0.3 (14th)

More offensive consistency (and shooting) is needed for first-year coach Stan Van Gundy’s group. But Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are breaking out nicely -- about all you can ask for at this stage after the Jrue Holiday trade signaled dual priorities of winning now and planning for the future.

"},{"index":16,"title":"Houston Rockets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_HOU.png","credit":"","published":1610720649,"caption":"

Record: 4-6 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 109.2 (18th) | D-Rating: 110.6 (21st) | Net Rating: -1.4 (19th)

In Game 1 of the Post-Harden era, the Rockets looked energized, toppling the Spurs 109-105. Victor Oladipo, an invigorated John Wall and Christian Wood will make for a scrappy core, and Rafael Stone has moves left to make. With the Harden cloud parted, it will be interesting to track how the team moves forward.

"},{"index":15,"title":"Golden State Warriors","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_GST.png","credit":"","published":1610720720,"caption":"

Record: 6-6 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 106.4 (23rd) | D-Rating: 110.2 (18th) | Net Rating: -3.8 (22nd)

Steph Curry and his motley crew have recovered nicely after twin blowout losses to open the campaign. While the heights they could have reached with Klay Thompson remain out of reach, a competitive play-in run appears plausible.

"},{"index":14,"title":"Atlanta Hawks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_ATL.png","credit":"","published":1610720759,"caption":"

Record: 5-5 (Last Five: 1-4)

O-Rating: 112.2 (11th) | D-Rating: 108.2 (11th) | Net Rating: +4.0 (6th)

The Hawks -- and Trae Young, specifically -- have already crashed back to Earth after their hot start, but got recently off of a four-game schneid by facing a depleted Philadelphia 76ers squad.

As for their marquee free agent signings: Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) is set to miss “several weeks,” Danilo Gallinari (ankle) has appeared in just two games, but could be nearing a return, and Kris Dunn hasn’t logged a minute. Neither has first-round pick Onyeka Okongwu.

"},{"index":13,"title":"Portland Trail Blazers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_POR.png","credit":"","published":1610720821,"caption":"

Record: 7-5 (Last Five: 4-1)

O-Rating: 113.7 (6th) | D-Rating: 113.5 (26th) | Net Rating: +0.3 (13th)

The starting backcourt of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard is doing its part, averaging 54.5 points with cumulative 40.8 percent 3-point shooting (21.2 attempts). But Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. haven’t solved a moribund defense. Now, Jusuf Nurkic could miss extended time with a broken wrist sustained Thursday. Zach Collins is already out indefinitely.

As Lillard said, “it’s always something.”

"},{"index":12,"title":"Miami Heat","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_MIA.png","credit":"","published":1610720863,"caption":"

Record: 4-6 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 106.9 (22nd) | D-Rating: 109.8 (17th) | Net Rating: -2.9 (21st)

Another badly hit team by COVID-19 and protocols, the Heat have played its last few games severely short-handed. When healthy, they figure to remain a top-tier threat in the East, but their last two full-strength games were a close loss to the Celtics and a close win over the Wizards sans Westbrook and Beal.

"},{"index":11,"title":"Denver Nuggets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_DEN.png","credit":"","published":1610720902,"caption":"

Record: 6-6 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 115.6 (2nd) | D-Rating: 112.1 (24th) | Net Rating: +3.5 (9th)

Like Portland, a massive offense-to-defense disparity has defined the Nuggets season. The loss of Grant has stung and the trapping pick-and-roll coverages they employ have produced feast-or-famine results. Nikola Jokic, at least, is playing at an MVP level, averaging 24.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and an NBA-leading 10.4 assists. They earnestly await Michael Porter Jr.’s return from protocol.

"},{"index":10,"title":"Utah Jazz","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_UTA.png","credit":"","published":1610720938,"caption":"

Record: 7-4 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 111.0 (13th) | D-Rating: 107.6 (9th) | Net Rating: +3.4 (10th)

The Jazz just keep chugging. Strong starts from Jordan Clarkson (who just got paid) and Mike Conley are welcome. Rudy Gobert (who also just got paid) is averaging a double-double and second in the NBA in blocks per game, helming a typically sturdy defense. A few bad losses mar the season-long returns, but the Jazz again look the part of a top-five seed in the West.

"},{"index":9,"title":"Dallas Mavericks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_DAl.png","credit":"","published":1610720977,"caption":"

Record: 6-4 (Last Five: 4-1)

O-Rating: 109.3 (17th) | D-Rating: 104.6 (2nd) | Net Rating: +4.7 (5th)

Kristaps Porzingis is back just in time for a burgeoning Mavericks team. They’ve won three straight. And even as many agree Luka Doncic is still playing his way into shape, he’s averaging 27.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.3 assists. The defense has impressed and, frighteningly, the offense still has footing to find.

"},{"index":8,"title":"Phoenix Suns","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_PHX.png","credit":"","published":1610721015,"caption":"

Record: 7-4 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 112.3 (10th) | D-Rating: 108.7 (12th) | Net Rating: +3.6 (7th)

Recent losses to the Wizards and Pistons were strange, and three consecutive games being postponed unfortunate. But the new-look Suns had been clicking, and it still feels Devin Booker has another level to reach. Mikal Bridges deserves a spot in the Most Improved Player conversation, and Monty Williams may find himself in Coach of the Year running if they finish in the top half of the West.

"},{"index":7,"title":"Philadelphia 76ers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_PHI.png","credit":"","published":1610721099,"caption":"

Record: 9-4 (Last Five: 2-3)

O-Rating: 109.5 (16th) | D-Rating: 106.0 (4th) | Net Rating: +3.5 (8th)

Multiple reports linked them and the Rockets in trade talks as the James Harden saga neared its conclusion. Ultimately, their team is intact, and when healthy, it looked one of the very best in the East early on. Joel Embiid (averaging 25 points, 11.5 boards, 1.5 blocks) is busting out in an especially big way and just posted a career night with 45 points, 16 rebounds, five steals and four assists in an overtime win over the Heat on Tuesday.

"},{"index":6,"title":"Indiana Pacers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_IND.png","credit":"","published":1610721137,"caption":"

Record: 8-4 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 112.9 (8th) | D-Rating: 106.4 (5th) | Net Rating: +6.5 (3rd)

The Pacers are a joy. Domantas Sabonis looks on his way to All-NBA status, Myles Turner continues to pace the league in blocks (4.2 per night) and Malcolm Brogdon is forging a career year -- though Brogdon and Sabonis’ minutes loads are through the roof. Caris LeVert will soon replace Victor Oladpio, a shrewd move that will be interesting to monitor on the court.

"},{"index":5,"title":"Boston Celtics","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_BOS.png","credit":"","published":1610721052,"caption":"

Record: 7-3 (Last Five: 4-1)

O-Rating: 112.4 (9th) | D-Rating: 110.4 (20th) | Net Rating: +2.0 (11th)

The rotation is thin, and has been amply strained by injuries, COVID-19 and protocols. Boston has had its last three scheduled games postponed and will be without nine players Friday against the Magic.

But breakouts from Jayson Tatum (26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists) and Jaylen Brown (26.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists), when available, place them among the East’s elite. Kemba Walker still hasn’t seen game action, and a gargantuan trade exception looms as means to upgrade further.

"},{"index":4,"title":"Los Angeles Clippers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_LAC.png","credit":"","published":1610721170,"caption":"

Record: 8-4 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 114.8 (3rd) | D-Rating: 113.3 (25th) | Net Rating: +1.5 (12th)

They still boast one of the more stacked rosters in basketball. Paul George has come out of the gates spitting fire from deep (51.6 percent from 3 on 8.3 attempts per game). But the defense must improve, and this team will be judged on nothing except postseason success.

"},{"index":3,"title":"Milwaukee Bucks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_MIL.png","credit":"","published":1610721204,"caption":"

Record: 8-4 (Last Five: 4-1)

O-Rating: 118.1 (1st) | D-Rating: 107.3 (7th) | Net Rating: +10.8 (1st)

The Bucks look like their dominant selves. Giannis Antetokoumpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are known quantities, a prolific big three. But they’ll need to find more consistent production from the guys behind them over the course of the regular season if they hope for a change of fortune in the playoffs.

"},{"index":2,"title":"Brooklyn Nets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_BKN.png","credit":"","published":1610721242,"caption":"

Record: 7-6 (Last Five: 3-2)

O-Rating: 114.1 (5th) | D-Rating: 108.9 (13th) | Net Rating: +5.2 (4th)

Well, well, well. The Nets have made their bed. A superstar big three over a “big two” with ludicrous depth. And who could blame them? The Kyrie Irving-Harden-Kevin Durant trio will be tantalizing to watch, and it’s hard not to consider them the Eastern Conference favorites, given the generational offensive potential (they had already excelled on that end).

Defense projects to be a problem area, so Sean Marks and company will need to get creative on the margins to upgrade the frontcourt. And Irving will need to return from his mysterious hiatus eventually, though even a Harden-Durant duo would earn this standing.

In any event, the pressure is on, with control of their next seven drafts in the Rockets’ hands between picks and swaps.

"},{"index":1,"title":"Los Angeles Lakers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/GALLERY_TEAM_SLIDE_NBA_LAL.png","credit":"","published":1610721281,"caption":"

Record: 10-3 (Last Five: 4-1)

O-Rating: 114.8 (4th) | D-Rating: 104.4 (1st) | Net Rating: +10.5 (2nd)

Even with the Nets’ big move, nothing has happened thus far this season to unseat the champs, or the league’s best superstar duo in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

And remember: With the additions of Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell, and the emergence of Talen Horton-Tucker, this team is even better (on paper) than the 2020 title-winning group. They own the league’s fourth-best offense and top defense. Count on them as the favorites until further notice.

"}]}

NBA Power Rankings 2021: Nets' James Harden trade shakes up standings