NBA power rankings

Michael Lee evaluates the best teams in the National Basketball Association.

5 Seconds

00:00

1. Chicago Bulls

Bulls Coach Tom Thibodeau has always kept his team competitive through injuries. They played well without Derrick Rose (sprained toe), but face another challenge with Luol Deng nursing a left wrist injury. Last week: 1

Charles Rex Arbogast / AP

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder got off to the best 18-game start since team moved from Seattle. Its 15-3 record matched second-best start of SuperSonics, set in 1982-93. The 1993-94 SuperSonics were 16-2. Last week: 3

Sue Ogrocki / AP

3. Miami Heat

Chris Bosh was ridiculed much of last season, playing in vast shadows of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, but Wade’s absence has given Bosh the chance to prove – again – that he’s an elite big man. Last week: 2

Lynne Sladky / AP

4. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets continue to be one of the surprising teams in the West, and Danilo Gallinari, one of the pieces in the Carmelo Anthony deal, reaped the benefits with a four-year contract extension. Last week: 4

Frank Franklin II / AP

5. Philadelphia 76ers

Despite sending Flip Saunders into unemployment, the 76ers have slipped some of late – including a disappointing loss to New Jersey – but remain atop the Atlantic Division. Last week: 5

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

6. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers failed to lock up George Hill and Roy Hibbert to extensions, but they continue to impress, claiming road wins over Chicago and the Los Angeles Lakers. Last week: Unranked

JIM YOUNG / Reuters

7. San Antonio Spurs

Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich continues to limit Tim Duncan’s minutes, but the former two-time MVP proved that he’s still capable of some flashback performances, with his 28-point performance in New Orleans. Last week: 6

Gerald Herbert / AP

8. Atlanta Hawks

Kirk Hinrich finally returned from a shoulder injury, albeit in a lopsided loss to San Antonio, but he adds more backcourt depth to a team that continues to stay competitive without all-star center Al Horford. Last week: 7

JEFFREY PHELPS / AP

9. Los Angeles Clippers

Chris Paul returned from 11-day absence because of a hamstring injury and the Clippers should be encouraged that they were able to hold onto to first place in the Pacific Division in his absence. Last week: 9

LUCY NICHOLSON / Reuters

10. Orlando Magic

Two losses to Boston had Dwight Howard questioning the toughness of the Magic and praising the Celtics’ for their “championship mentality.” Howard also broke Nick Anderson’s Orlando franchise scoring record. Last week: 8

Mike Carlson / AP

Back to gallery

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.