[ESPN] NBA 战力排行榜：猛龙、活塞争夺东部榜首

阿拉莫议事厅
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By NBA insiders | ESPN, 2025-11-26 19:45:00

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2025-26 NBA 常规赛已开打约一个月，而本周，第三届年度 NBA 杯的小组赛也即将落下帷幕。

底特律活塞在开赛后的几周里持续展现统治力，攀升至东部联盟榜首，并领先多伦多猛龙 2.5 个胜场——这两支球队在经历了几个不如人意的赛季后，正积蓄着强大的势头。

当东部逐渐演变为一个竞争惨烈的赛区时，西部除了俄克拉荷马城雷霆之外，对其他所有球队来说仍是一场苦战，雷霆至今仍是唯一一支仅输一场的球队。洛杉矶湖人也在排名上迅速攀升，他们取得了过去四场比赛的胜利，并迎来了超级巨星勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James) 的回归。

我们的 NBA 资深记者将为您解析本周的 NBA 战力排行榜，包括超级巨星的伤病情况，以及哪些球队在本赛季初期就已经将目光投向了 2026 年的选秀。

注：球队排名基于我们专家团（ESPN 的安东尼·斯莱特、戴夫·麦克梅纳明、贾马尔·科利尔、凯文·佩尔顿、迈克尔·C·莱特、奥姆·扬米苏克、蒂姆·邦坦普斯、蒂姆·麦克马洪、文森特·古德威尔和扎克·克拉姆）对各队本赛季实力的评估。

往期排名: 季前赛 | 10月29日 | 11月5日 | 11月12日 | 11月19日

快速跳转至球队:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 17-1
  • 上期排名: 1
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 森林狼, 11月28日 vs. 太阳, 11月30日 @ 开拓者, 12月2日 @ 勇士

雷霆本赛季的头两场胜利都是通过双加时才艰难取得。他们接下来的三场胜利中，有两场的分差也仅为 6 分和 7 分。在缺少队内第二位全明星球员杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 的情况下，卫冕冠军一度显露出竞争压力增大的早期迹象——但这只是虚惊一场。雷霆随后的 12 场胜利全部都是以两位数的优势拿下。继上赛季创造了 +12.9 分的 NBA 历史净胜分纪录后，雷霆本赛季正以 +16.9 分的净胜分将这一纪录远远甩在身后，以 17 胜 1 负的开局轻松领跑。目前场均得到 32.2 分的谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)，在球队已进行的 18 场比赛中，有 11 场的第四节都无需出战，因为胜负早已尘埃落定。– 安东尼·斯莱特

2. 底特律活塞

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 15-2
  • 上期排名: 3
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 凯尔特人, 11月28日 vs. 魔术, 11月29日 @ 热火, 12月1日 vs. 老鹰

这支球队的上升势头似乎看不到尽头，他们在攻防两端的效率持续提升，并稳居联盟前十。这是一支具备争冠球队特质的先决条件，尤其是在阵容不整的情况下，他们仍然拥有联盟前五的防守。他们在 2023 年的 11 月一场未胜，而两年后的今天，他们有望在 11 月保持全胜。杰登·艾维 (Jaden Ivey) 已经回归，尽管上场时间受限，但他看起来依然风驰电掣。此外，凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham) 创造了一项队史纪录：在 10 场比赛中场均贡献 25.2 分、10.4 次助攻和 6.2 个篮板，而他 47.0% 的投篮命中率，仅仅是受到了两周前对阵奇才时那场 45 投 14 中的糟糕表现的拖累。– 文森特·古德威尔

3. 丹佛掘金

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 13-4
  • 上期排名: 2
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 vs. 马刺, 11月29日 @ 太阳, 12月1日 vs. 独行侠

佩顿·沃特森 (Peyton Watson) 在未能与掘金达成新秀合同续约后，即将成为一名受限制自由球员。由于克里斯蒂安·布劳恩 (Christian Braun) 和阿隆·戈登 (Aaron Gordon) 因伤将缺阵数周，沃特森将获得一段长期的首发机会来展示自己。在过去六场首发出战的比赛中，沃特森场均得到 16.7 分和 6.7 个篮板，其中在战胜鹈鹕和灰熊的比赛中分别砍下 32 分和 27 分，创下其职业生涯得分新高。沃特森本赛季的三分命中率达到 40%，这可能是他寻求理想合同的关键。– 蒂姆·麦克马洪

4. 休斯顿火箭

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 11-4
  • 上期排名: 4
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 勇士, 11月30日 @ 爵士, 12月1日 @ 爵士

新星阿门·汤普森 (Amen Thompson) 在周一对阵太阳的比赛中，得到 28 分、8 个篮板和 7 次助攻，追平了个人赛季得分新高。这是他本赛季第二次单场至少得到 20 分、5 个篮板和 5 次助攻，而当时凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant) 因个人事务缺席了比赛。与此同时，阿尔佩伦·申京 (Alperen Sengun) 在本赛季的每一场比赛中都至少得到 10 分、5 个篮板和 5 次助攻，根据 ESPN Research 的数据，这是自 1950 年以来开季第七长的连续纪录。火箭接下来的 11 场比赛中有 9 场是客场作战。– 迈克尔·C·莱特

5. 洛杉矶湖人

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 13-4
  • 上期排名: 7
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 vs. 独行侠, 11月30日 vs. 鹈鹕, 12月1日 vs. 太阳

一支球队在开季取得 12 胜 4 负战绩的同时，三分球命中数却排在联盟垫底，团队三分命中率也仅列第 26 位，他们该如何应对投篮困境？按照勒布朗·詹姆斯的说法，答案是完全不必做出反应。“这种情况不会持久的，”詹姆斯在周日湖人客场战胜爵士的比赛后坚称，那场比赛湖人三分球 38 投仅 10 中（26%）。“我们不担心这个。我们有太多优秀的射手了。” 湖人主教练 JJ·雷迪克 (JJ Redick) 也表示同意，他指出上赛季湖人开局投篮同样挣扎，但最终赛季结束时，他们的三分命中数排在第 15 位，三分命中率排在第 14 位。– 戴夫·麦克梅纳明

6. 克利夫兰骑士

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 12-7
  • 上期排名: 5
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 @ 老鹰, 11月30日 vs. 凯尔特人, 12月1日 @ 步行者

多诺万·米切尔 (Donovan Mitchell) 刚刚被评为东部周最佳球员，他在上周场均贡献 31.8 分、6.3 个篮板和 5 次助攻，带领克利夫兰取得了 3 胜 1 负的战绩。他目前场均得到 29.9 分，投篮命中率为 50%，这两项数据均为其职业生涯新高。在达里厄斯·加兰 (Darius Garland) 仍在从伤病中寻找状态时，米切尔扛起了骑士队。但米切尔本月早些时候表示，得分和个人荣誉并非他本赛季的重心——“我想要一枚戒指，”他在战胜密尔沃基后说道。– 贾马尔·科利尔

7. 多伦多猛龙

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 13-5
  • 上期排名: 12
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 步行者, 11月29日 @ 黄蜂, 11月30日 @ 尼克斯, 12月2日 vs. 开拓者

在多伦多目前的一波八连胜中，有六场胜利的对手实力平平。战胜像夏洛特、华盛顿和布鲁克林这样的球队虽然能计入战绩，但不应改变外界对这支球队的看法。然而，猛龙连胜中的另外两场胜利则意义重大：多伦多在过去两周内两次击败了克利夫兰。这可能是一轮季后赛的预演，而猛龙本赛季对阵骑士已经取得了 3 胜 0 负的战绩，其中还包括一场 NBA 杯小组赛的胜利（坦白说，当时多诺万·米切尔并未出战）；骑士对阵猛龙 0 胜 3 负，而对阵其他所有球队的战绩则是 12 胜 4 负。– 扎克·克拉姆

8. 迈阿密热火

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 12-6
  • 上期排名: 15
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 雄鹿, 11月29日 vs. 活塞, 12月1日 vs. 快船

随着泰勒·希罗 (Tyler Herro) 的回归，热火可能会变得更加可怕。在诺曼·鲍威尔 (Norman Powell) 因腹股沟伤势缺阵的情况下，希罗在 29 分钟内 18 投 12 中，得到 24 分，外加 7 个篮板和 3 次抢断。他没有送出助攻，而上赛季他场均有 5.5 次助攻。当然，希罗和热火需要时间来适应新的、进攻流畅的体系。但对于一支已经取得五连胜、过去 10 场比赛赢下 8 场的球队来说，能在 12 月前迎回他们的最佳球员，无疑是一个巨大的鼓舞。– 奥姆·扬米苏克

9. 纽约尼克斯

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 10-6
  • 上期排名: 6
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 黄蜂, 11月28日 vs. 雄鹿, 11月30日 vs. 猛龙, 12月2日 @ 凯尔特人

麦迪逊广场花园终于可以松一口气，原因有二：第一，杰伦·布伦森 (Jalen Brunson) 的脚踝伤势没有像上赛季那样让他缺席一个月——考虑到目前排名竞争的微妙局势，如果那样将是灾难性的。他只缺席了两场比赛。第二，在对阵羸弱的篮网时，尼克斯以一种本赛季前所未见的方式激活了卡尔-安东尼·唐斯 (Karl-Anthony Towns)。他以 70% 的命中率砍下 37 分和 12 个篮板，这感觉更像是他的常态，而不是此前 12 场比赛中 43% 的投篮命中率和 30% 的三分命中率。考虑到 OG·阿奴诺比 (OG Anunoby) 因腿筋受伤仍在伤停名单的中段，这一切都显得有些不同寻常。– 古德威尔

10. 明尼苏达森林狼

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 10-7
  • 上期排名: 8
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 雷霆, 11月29日 vs. 凯尔特人, 11月30日 vs. 马刺, 12月2日 @ 鹈鹕

明尼苏达在过去几天里遭遇了一些极其惨淡的失利，他们在菲尼克斯的加时赛中，在最后一分钟挥霍了 8 分的领先优势；接着在周一萨克拉门托的比赛中，他们在常规时间结束前被对手打出一波 10-0 的攻势，最终输球。这种不稳定性最终可能成为决定森林狼是西部前四种子，还是再次为避免附加赛而战的关键因素。– 蒂姆·邦坦普斯

11. 亚特兰大老鹰

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 11-8
  • 上期排名: 9
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 vs. 骑士, 11月30日 @ 76人, 12月1日 @ 活塞

在特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 缺阵期间，老鹰的表现超出了预期，几位球员在其他核心球员受伤、生病或休战时挺身而出。但对于那些想借此机会说亚特兰大没有其最佳球员反而更好的人来说，先别急着下定论。老鹰即将面临考验。他们将在周五对阵骑士，然后客场挑战费城和势头正盛的底特律。下周，掘金和尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 将造访亚特兰大。对于奎因·斯奈德 (Quin Snyder) 的球队来说，这将是三大考验。– 扬米苏克

12. 圣安东尼奥马刺

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 11-5
  • 上期排名: 11
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 开拓者, 11月28日 @ 掘金, 11月30日 @ 森林狼, 12月2日 vs. 灰熊

在维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 因左小腿拉伤缺阵期间，马刺连续取得了三场主场胜利，之后在四连客的第一场比赛中不敌菲尼克斯，这次客场之旅将考验这支人员短缺的马刺的韧性。圣安东尼奥预计很快将对文班亚马和斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle)（髋屈肌拉伤）的伤情进行重新评估，而新秀后卫迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper)（小腿）也正在加紧恢复以期复出。预计马刺在客场对阵丹佛和明尼苏达的比赛中仍将缺少文班亚马。连续四场比赛得分超过 25 分的德阿隆·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 需要继续扛起马刺队。– 莱特

13. 菲尼克斯太阳

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 11-7
  • 上期排名: 14
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 国王, 11月28日 @ 雷霆, 11月29日 vs. 掘金, 12月1日 @ 湖人

太阳是本赛季初一个出人意料的成功案例，其中很大一部分功劳要归于狄龙·“恶棍”·布鲁克斯 (Dillon “The Villain” Brooks)。以防守强悍著称的布鲁克斯，本赛季场均得到职业生涯新高的 22 分（上赛季为 14.0 分），同时场均贡献 1.9 次抢断，同样创下生涯新高，并列联盟第五。凯文·杜兰特交易至休斯顿的这笔操作，目前看来对双方都是一笔罕见的双赢，火箭位列西部第四，而太阳则排在第六。– 麦克梅纳明

14. 奥兰多魔术

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 11-8
  • 上期排名: 17
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 @ 活塞, 12月1日 vs. 公牛

奥兰多在三次交手中第二次输给了凯尔特人，但从周日在波士顿的失利中仍能看到一些积极的方面。这是他们背靠背的第二场比赛，前一天魔术刚在主场击败了尼克斯，而且他们仍然缺少保罗·班凯罗 (Paolo Banchero)（左腹股沟拉伤）、温德尔·卡特 (Wendell Carter Jr.)（脚踝）和戈加·比塔泽 (Goga Bitadze)（脚踝）。尽管如此，奥兰多还是将 26 分的落后差距在最后 1 分 11 秒时缩小到了 6 分，杰特·霍华德 (Jett Howard) 和杰斯·理查德森 (Jase Richardson) 在第四节合砍 36 分，让我们得以一窥未来的潜力。本周将考验奥兰多的防守，魔术将在周五客场挑战底特律，试图遏制活塞的进攻。– 扬米苏克

15. 金州勇士

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 10-9
  • 上期排名: 10
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 火箭, 11月29日 vs. 鹈鹕, 12月2日 vs. 雷霆

对于勇士来说，这是危险的一周。他们终于回到了旧金山，迎来了本赛季第一个漫长的主场赛程，但他们的前场球员伤病累累，而火箭和雷霆将在未来七天内造访。艾尔·霍福德 (Al Horford) 因坐骨神经刺激缺阵。乔纳森·库明加 (Jonathan Kuminga) 正在处理膝盖肌腱炎。他告诉 ESPN 他将“很快”回归。周六或许有可能，但周三将是他连续缺席的第七场比赛。德雷蒙德·格林 (Draymond Green) 上周末扭伤了右脚。他会尝试出战对阵火箭的比赛，但届时仍将主要依靠昆滕·波斯特 (Quinten Post) 和特雷斯·杰克逊-戴维斯 (Trayce Jackson-Davis) 来对抗阿尔佩伦·申京、史蒂文·亚当斯 (Steven Adams)、切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren) 和以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因 (Isaiah Hartenstein)，勇士正努力在排名上向上攀爬。– 斯莱特

16. 波士顿凯尔特人

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 9-8
  • 上期排名: 18
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 活塞, 11月29日 @ 森林狼, 11月30日 @ 骑士, 12月2日 vs. 尼克斯

到目前为止，波士顿的赛季进展几乎与预期相符。凯尔特人战绩在五成左右徘徊，几乎每晚都具备竞争力，而杰伦·布朗 (Jaylen Brown) 正打出职业生涯新高的数据。波士顿能否更进一步，或者如果布朗或德里克·怀特 (Derrick White) 因伤缺阵会发生什么，仍有待观察。但如果布朗的得分势头能够持续，凯尔特人应该能保持每晚的竞争力。– 邦坦普斯

17. 费城76人

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 9-8
  • 上期排名: 13
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 @ 篮网, 11月30日 vs. 老鹰, 12月2日 vs. 奇才

又是一年，又是关于乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid) 健康状况的一系列更新。在缺席周二晚主场惨败给魔术的比赛后，他本赛季已缺席了八场比赛，不过他持续的右膝酸痛正趋向好转——这与过去几年困扰他的膝盖是另一条腿。76 人在他缺阵期间表现尚可，但他们无疑需要恩比德依旧出色的进攻火力。– 邦坦普斯

18. 芝加哥公牛

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 9-8
  • 上期排名: 19
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 @ 黄蜂, 11月29日 @ 步行者, 12月1日 @ 魔术

在取得 6 胜 1 负的开局后，芝加哥在接下来的比赛中战绩为 3 胜 7 负，他们在本赛季初表现强劲的防守正被对手撕碎。公牛在赛季前七场比赛中防守效率排名第十，但在过去 10 场比赛中，这项数据跌至第 24 位。芝加哥正处于一波四连客的赛程中，对手相对较弱，他们将背靠背对阵夏洛特和印第安纳，然后前往奥兰多。– 科利尔

19. 波特兰开拓者

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 8-10
  • 上期排名: 20
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 马刺, 11月30日 vs. 雷霆, 12月2日 @ 猛龙

尽管缺少了首发后场组合（朱·霍勒迪 (Jrue Holiday) 和谢登·夏普 (Shaedon Sharpe) 均受小腿伤势困扰）以及替补球员斯库特·亨德森 (Scoot Henderson)（因严重腿筋拉伤仍将长期缺阵）、马蒂斯·塞布尔 (Matisse Thybulle) 和布雷克·韦斯利 (Blake Wesley)，开拓者仍即将从他们竞争激烈的 NBA 杯小组中出线。周五在客场战胜金州勇士的比赛中，双向合同新秀凯莱布·洛夫 (Caleb Love) 得到 26 分，为球队注入了活力。这场胜利让波特兰距离晋级四分之一决赛只差周三主场战胜圣安东尼奥的一场胜利。在背靠背比赛的首场客场惨败给俄克拉荷马城后，开拓者也在周一击败了密尔沃基。– 凯文·佩尔顿

20. 密尔沃基雄鹿

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 8-10
  • 上期排名: 16
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 热火, 11月28日 @ 尼克斯, 11月29日 vs. 篮网, 12月1日 @ 奇才

密尔沃基已经遭遇了五连败，其中包括在他们的明星球员扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 缺席的三场比赛中全部失利，不过他可能很快就会回归阵容。在被排除出前三场比赛后，阿德托昆博在周三客场对阵迈阿密的比赛中被列为出战成疑。雄鹿迫切需要他。当阿德托昆博在场时，雄鹿的进攻效率高达 126.5，这将是 NBA 的最佳水平。没有他，这个数字下降到 106.9，这将是联盟最差的水平。– 科利尔

21. 孟菲斯灰熊

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 6-12
  • 上期排名: 25
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 鹈鹕, 11月28日 @ 快船, 11月30日 @ 国王, 12月2日 @ 马刺

灰熊取得了本赛季首次背靠背胜利，但在周一输给掘金后，现实的残酷又显现出来。替补球员乔克·兰代尔 (Jock Landale) 在那场失利中以 26 分和 10 个篮板领跑灰熊，成为队史第四位替补出场打出这一数据的球员。在伤病问题依然严重的情况下，孟菲斯将开启一波四连客之旅，首站新奥尔良，终点圣安东尼奥。后卫贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 预计将至少再缺阵一周。– 莱特

22. 洛杉矶快船

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 5-13
  • 上期排名: 22
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 vs. 灰熊, 11月29日 vs. 独行侠, 12月1日 @ 热火

快船刚刚经历了一段 12 场比赛 2 胜 10 负的艰难时期，而仅有的两场胜利都是在詹姆斯·哈登 (James Harden) 分别砍下 41 分和 55 分时取得的。哈登无疑是篮球史上最高产的得分手之一，他最近的职业生涯总得分已突破 28,000 分大关，但 36 岁的他已经不能像刚到洛杉矶时所宣称的那样，被依赖为“那个体系”。科怀·伦纳德 (Kawhi Leonard) 的回归应该会有所帮助，他在缺席三周后于周日复出，得到 20 分。– 麦克梅纳明

23. 犹他爵士

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 2-12
  • 上期排名: 21
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 vs. 国王, 11月30日 vs. 火箭, 12月1日 vs. 火箭

新秀埃斯·贝利 (Ace Bailey)，2025 年选秀的五号秀，在过去八场比赛中一直担任爵士的首发，并且似乎将永久锁定这一位置。19 岁的贝利作为首发球员，场均得到 14.4 分，有效命中率高达 .628。他还通过展现出利用自己的身高和运动能力在防守端产生影响的渴望，赢得了主教练威尔·哈迪 (Will Hardy) 的青睐。– 麦克马洪

24. 达拉斯独行侠

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 5-14
  • 上期排名: 23
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 @ 湖人, 11月29日 @ 快船, 12月1日 @ 掘金

在独行侠惨淡的开局中，马克斯·克里斯蒂 (Max Christie) 是为数不多的亮点之一。克里斯蒂场均得到 12.8 分，投篮命中率为 49.1%，三分命中率为 45.6%，并且通常负责防守对手最好的外线得分手之一。22 岁的克里斯蒂，是在那笔臭名昭著的卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 交易中被收购的，他已经赢得了首发阵容中的一个固定位置，并且随着独行侠转向围绕库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 建队，他有可能成为球队的长期拼图。– 麦克马洪

25. 夏洛特黄蜂

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 4-13
  • 上期排名: 24
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 尼克斯, 11月28日 vs. 公牛, 11月29日 vs. 猛龙, 12月1日 @ 篮网

一个开局充满希望的黄蜂赛季，如今已演变为一波六连败，期间控球后卫拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball) 否认了雅虎体育关于他愿意接受交易的报道。鲍尔自从脚踝伤愈复出后一直表现挣扎，三分球 31 投仅 6 中，命中率只有 19%。新秀康·纽佩尔 (Kon Knueppel) 仍然是夏洛特的亮点。这位 4 号秀在所有新秀中得分领先，并且势头越来越猛，过去四场比赛场均得到 26.5 分，同时 41 次三分出手命中 22 球（命中率 54%）。– 佩尔顿

26. 萨克拉门托国王

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 5-13
  • 上期排名: 26
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 太阳, 11月28日 @ 爵士, 11月30日 vs. 灰熊

国王队突然……状态火热了？在经历了一段堪称史上最缺乏竞争力的八连败——分别以 31、27、14、33、14、13、14 和 41 分的巨大分差落败——之后，国王队紧接着取得了本赛季最好的两场胜利。他们在漫长客场之旅的收官战中于丹佛击败了掘金，然后又在主场最后两分钟落后 10 分的情况下逆转战胜了森林狼。这并非巧合，自从球队最好的防守者和建队基石、四年级侧翼球员基根·穆雷 (Keegan Murray) 回归后，他们的拼搏精神显著提升。德玛尔·德罗赞 (DeMar DeRozan) 赛后谈到这位四年级前锋时说：“基根是这支球队的关键。这是他的球队。” – 斯莱特

27. 布鲁克林篮网

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 3-14
  • 上期排名: 27
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 vs. 76人, 11月29日 @ 雄鹿, 12月1日 vs. 黄蜂

对于一支明显在为 2026 年选秀做准备的球队来说，很难衡量其成功的标准，但在 NBA 杯之夜击败正在进步的凯尔特人，是约迪·费尔南德斯 (Jordi Fernandez) 可以引以为傲的资本。在对阵尼克斯的糟糕表现之前，小迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.) 看起来恢复了昔日的状态：场均 27.4 分和 7.3 个篮板，投篮三项命中率接近 50/40/90。迈克·布朗 (Mike Brown) 向他的昔日弟子费尔南德斯伸出了援手：“约迪处境艰难，”布朗说。“在他们经历这个过程时，继续做他正在做的事情……他们打得很努力；你可以看到进步。约迪是一位非常优秀的年轻教练。” – 古德威尔

28. 印第安纳步行者

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 2-15
  • 上期排名: 29
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 @ 猛龙, 11月28日 vs. 奇才, 11月29日 vs. 公牛, 12月1日 vs. 骑士

随着本内迪克特·马图林 (Bennedict Mathurin) 回归阵容，以及帕斯卡尔·西亚卡姆 (Pascal Siakam) 场均得到职业生涯新高的 24.8 分，印第安纳的进攻不再像本赛季某些时候那样匮乏。但这种改善在短期内可能不会转化为更多的胜利：除了对阵弱旅奇才的比赛外，印第安纳在接下来的一周里将继续面对艰难的赛程，对手包括势头正盛的猛龙、骑士和掘金。– 克拉姆

29. 新奥尔良鹈鹕

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 3-15
  • 上期排名: 28
  • 未来赛程: 11月26日 vs. 灰熊, 11月29日 @ 勇士, 11月30日 @ 湖人, 12月2日 vs. 森林狼

鹈鹕在周一以令人印象深刻的方式终结了九连败，他们取得了本赛季首次两位数的胜利，也是首次战胜胜率超过五成的对手——芝加哥公牛。蔡恩·威廉姆森 (Zion Williamson) 在 30 分钟内得到 29 分，追平了赛季新高，而他获得的 13 次罚球也是近三年来的单场最多。新奥尔良的替补席也表现出色，出场的四名替补球员得分全部上双，其中包括何塞·阿尔瓦拉多 (Jose Alvarado)（16分、8篮板、8助攻），他险些拿到三双，以及伊夫·米西 (Yves Missi) 的两双（14分、14篮板——均为赛季新高）。– 佩尔顿

30. 华盛顿奇才

  • 2025-26 赛季战绩: 2-15
  • 上期排名: 30
  • 未来赛程: 11月28日 @ 步行者, 12月1日 vs. 雄鹿, 12月2日 @ 76人

在 1 胜 1 负的开局后，华盛顿的连败场次达到了 14 场，直到周二晚上对阵亚特兰大的比赛中，奇才终于又取得了一场胜利。即使连败已经结束，这支球队看起来也让人想起了 2023-24 赛季的活塞队，那支活塞在 2 胜 1 负开局后连输了 28 场。当然，那支活塞队已经有了如今雄踞东部榜首的球队的雏形，所以也许这条道路——见证了几位年轻奇才球员在逆境中成长——正通往未来的竞争行列。但在此期间，华盛顿将不得不忍受更多的失利。– 克拉姆

由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。

点击查看原文：NBA Power Rankings: Raptors, Pistons battle for top of East standings

NBA Power Rankings: Raptors, Pistons battle for top of East standings

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We’re about one month into the 2025-26 NBA regular season and coming to the end of group play for the third-annual NBA Cup this week.

The Detroit Pistons continue to be dominant through the first couple of weeks of play, climbing to the top of the Eastern Conference and 2.5 games ahead of the Toronto Raptors – two teams that have been building momentum after a few undesirable seasons.

While the East has been shaping up to be a gauntlet conference, the West continues to be a battle for everyone except the Oklahoma City Thunder, who remain the only team with only one loss this season. The Los Angeles Lakers have also been surging up the standings, winning their past four games and welcoming the return of superstar LeBron James.

Our NBA insiders break down this week’s NBA power rankings, including where things stand with superstar injuries and which teams are already looking toward the 2026 draft this early in the season.

Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) think teams belong this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 12 | Nov. 19

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2025-26 record: 17-1
  • Previous ranking: 1
  • Next games: vs. MIN (Nov. 26), vs. PHX (Nov. 28), @ POR (Nov. 30), @ GS (Dec. 2)

The first two Thunder wins of the season came in double overtime. Two of their next three came by six and seven points. Without their second All-Star, Jalen Williams, there were some early signs of increased competitive fight against the defending champs – false alarm. The Thunder’s next 12 wins have all been by double digits. After setting an NBA record with a plus-12.9 point differential last season, the Thunder are blowing that away this season, upping it to plus-16.9 points in their cruise control of a 17-1 start. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, currently averaging 32.2 points, hasn’t appeared in 11 of the team’s 18 fourth quarters because business was already settled.– Anthony Slater

2. Detroit Pistons

  • 2025-26 record: 15-2
  • Previous ranking: 3
  • Next games: @ BOS (Nov. 26), vs. ORL (Nov. 28), @ MIA (Nov. 29), vs. ATL (Dec. 1)

There is no end in sight for these guys, who are rising in efficiency on both ends of the court and keeping strong as a top-10 team. That’s a prerequisite for a championship profile, especially having a top-five defense without a full roster. They were winless in November 2023 and now stand to possibly go undefeated in November two years later. Jaden Ivey has returned, and although on a minutes restriction, looks close to the blur he has always been. Also, Cade Cunningham went through a franchise-record streak: 25.2 points, 10.4 assists and 6.2 rebounds in 10 games, with his shooting percentage of 47.0 only being negatively affected by that one 14 for 45 showing against the Wizards two weeks ago.– Vincent Goodwill

3. Denver Nuggets

  • 2025-26 record: 13-4
  • Previous ranking: 2
  • Next games: vs. SA (Nov. 28), @ PHX (Nov. 29), vs. DAL (Dec. 1)

Peyton Watson, who is headed toward restricted free agency after failing to reach an agreement on an extension of his rookie contract with the Nuggets, will have an extended stretch as a starter to showcase himself with Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon out for weeks because of injuries. Watson has averaged 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds while starting the past six games, highlighted by the two highest-scoring performances of his career (32 and 27 points in wins over the Pelicans and Grizzlies, respectively). Watson is shooting 40% from 3-point range this season, which could be the key to getting the kind of contract he’s seeking. – Tim MacMahon

4. Houston Rockets

  • 2025-26 record: 11-4
  • Previous ranking: 4
  • Next games: @ GS (Nov. 26), @ UTAH (Nov. 30), @ UTAH (Dec. 1)

Rising star Amen Thompson tied a season-high in scoring with 28 against Phoenix on Monday, with 8 rebounds and 7 assists, marking his second performance this season with at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, as Kevin Durant dealt with a personal matter that kept him away from the team. Alperen Sengun, meanwhile, has scored at least 10 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists in every game, good for the seventh-longest streak since 1950 to start a season, according to ESPN Research. Houston plays 9 of its next 11 on the road.– Michael C. Wright

5. Los Angeles Lakers

  • 2025-26 record: 13-4
  • Previous ranking: 7
  • Next games: vs. DAL (Nov. 28), vs. NO (Nov. 30), vs. PHX (Dec. 1)

How should a team that simultaneously started the season at 12-4 but also last in 3-pointers made and 26th in team 3-point percentage react to their shooting woes? By not reacting at all, according to LeBron James. “It won’t last,” James insisted on Sunday after L.A. went 10-for-38 (26%) from 3 during a win in Utah. “We’re not worried about it. We got too many good shooters.” Lakers coach JJ Redick agreed, pointing out how last season L.A. struggled to shoot early on, yet finished 15th in 3s made and 14th in 3-point percentage. – Dave McMenamin

6. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2025-26 record: 12-7
  • Previous ranking: 5
  • Next games: @ ATL (Nov. 28), vs. BOS (Nov. 30), @ IND (Dec. 1)

Donovan Mitchell was just named the Eastern Conference player of the week after averaging 31.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5 assists while Cleveland went 3-1 last week. He’s averaging 29.9 points while shooting 50% from the field, both of which are career highs, carrying the Cavs while Darius Garland still works his way back into form from injury. But Mitchell stated earlier this month, scoring and individual accolades aren’t his focus this season – “I want a ring,” he said after a victory against Milwaukee. – Jamal Collier

7. Toronto Raptors

  • 2025-26 record: 13-5
  • Previous ranking: 12
  • Next games: vs. IND (Nov. 26), @ CHA (Nov. 29), @ NYK (Nov. 30), vs. POR (Dec. 2)

During Toronto’s current eight-game win streak, six of those wins have come against unimpressive competition. Beating the likes of Charlotte, Washington and Brooklyn counts in the standings, but it shouldn’t change the perception of a team. However, the other two victories in the Raptors’ streak carry much more importance: Toronto beat Cleveland twice within the past two weeks. That’s a potential playoff preview, and the Raptors are already 3-0 against the Cavaliers this season, including a win in NBA Cup group play (when, admittedly, Donovan Mitchell was inactive); the Cavaliers are 0-3 against the Raptors and 12-4 against everybody else. – Zach Kram

8. Miami Heat

  • 2025-26 record: 12-6
  • Previous ranking: 15
  • Next games: vs. MIL (Nov. 26), vs. DET (Nov. 29), vs. LAC (Dec. 1)

The Heat could get even scarier now that Tyler Herro is back. With Norman Powell out with a groin injury, Herro scored 24 points in 29 minutes, making 12 of 18 shots to go with seven rebounds and three steals. He didn’t have any assists after averaging 5.5 a season ago. Of course, Herro and the Heat will need time to adapt to the new free-flowing offense. But for Miami to add its best player before December is a terrific boost for a team that has won five straight and eight of the past 10 games. – Ohm Youngmisuk

9. New York Knicks

  • 2025-26 record: 10-6
  • Previous ranking: 6
  • Next games: @ CHA (Nov. 26), vs. MIL (Nov. 28), vs. TOR (Nov. 30), @ BOS (Dec. 2)

There was a sigh of relief coming from Madison Square Garden because of two things: One, Jalen Brunson’s ankle injury didn’t cost him a month like it did last season – and it would’ve been disastrous this time around, with the way things are lightly teetering in the standings. He only missed two games. And two, against the woeful Nets, the Knicks discovered Karl-Anthony Towns in ways they haven’t yet this season. His 37 and 12 on 70% shooting feels more like normal, compared to the splits of 43/30 in the previous 12 games. All odd things to say considering OG Anunoby is halfway through missing time because of a hamstring injury. – Goodwill

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • 2025-26 record: 10-7
  • Previous ranking: 8
  • Next games: @ OKC (Nov. 26), vs. BOS (Nov. 29), vs. SA (Nov. 30), @ NO (Dec. 2)

Minnesota has had some truly desultory losses in the past few days, blowing an 8-point lead in the final minute in an OT loss in Phoenix and then giving up a 10-0 run to end regulation before losing in Sacramento on Monday. That inconsistency could wind up being the difference between the Timberwolves being a top-4 seed in the West and once again fighting to avoid the play-in. – Tim Bontemps

11. Atlanta Hawks

  • 2025-26 record: 11-8
  • Previous ranking: 9
  • Next games: vs. CLE (Nov. 28), @ PHI (Nov. 30), @ DET (Dec. 1)

The Hawks have exceeded expectations without Trae Young as several players have stepped up when other key Hawks have been injured, ill or held out of games. But for those who want to use this stretch to say Atlanta is better without its best player, pump the brakes. The Hawks will get tested. They play the Cavs on Friday before traveling to Philadelphia and surging Detroit. Next week, the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic visit Atlanta. Those will be three big tests for Quin Snyder’s team. – Youngmisuk

12. San Antonio Spurs

  • 2025-26 record: 11-5
  • Previous ranking: 11
  • Next games: @ POR (Nov. 26), @ DEN (Nov. 28), @ MIN (Nov. 30), vs. MEM (Dec. 2)

The Spurs captured three consecutive home wins with Victor Wembanyama sidelined because of a left calf strain, before falling to Phoenix in the first of a four-game road trip that will test the depleted Spurs’ mettle. San Antonio expects to reevaluate Wembanyama and Stephon Castle (hip flexor) soon, while rookie guard Dylan Harper (calf) is ramping up for a return. Expect the Spurs to close their road trip in Denver and Minnesota without Wembanyama. De’Aaron Fox, who has scored 25-plus points in four straight games, needs to continue to carry the Spurs.– Wright

13. Phoenix Suns

  • 2025-26 record: 11-7
  • Previous ranking: 14
  • Next games: @ SAC (Nov. 26), @ OKC (Nov. 28), vs. DEN (Nov. 29), @ LAL (Dec. 1)

The Suns have been a surprise early success story this season, and a lot of the credit has to go to Dillon “The Villain” Brooks. Known for his defensive edge, Brooks is averaging a career-best 22 points per game (up from 14.0 a season ago) while also averaging a career-best 1.9 steals per game – tied for fifth best in the league. The Kevin Durant trade to Houston is looking like a rare win-win for both teams so far, with the Rockets No. 4 and the Suns No. 6 in the West. – McMenamin

14. Orlando Magic

  • 2025-26 record: 11-8
  • Previous ranking: 17
  • Next games: @ DET (Nov. 28), vs. CHI (Dec. 1)

Orlando lost for the second time in three meetings to the Celtics, but there were some positives to take away from Sunday’s loss in Boston. It was the second of a back-to-back after the Magic beat the Knicks in Orlando the day before, and they were still without Paolo Banchero (left groin strain), Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle), and Goga Bitadze (ankle). Still, Orlando cut a 26-point deficit down to six in the final 1:11, getting a glimpse of future potential as Jett Howard and Jase Richardson combined for 36 points in the fourth quarter. This week will test Orlando’s defense as the Magic will try to slow down the Pistons in Detroit on Friday. – Youngmisuk

15. Golden State Warriors

  • 2025-26 record: 10-9
  • Previous ranking: 10
  • Next games: vs. HOU (Nov. 26), vs. NO (Nov. 29), vs. OKC (Dec. 2)

It’s a dangerous week for the Warriors. They are finally back in San Francisco for their first extended homestand of the season, but their frontline is beat up and the Rockets and the Thunder come to town in the next seven days. Al Horford is out with sciatic nerve irritation. Jonathan Kuminga is dealing with knee tendinitis. He told ESPN he would be back “soon.” Saturday is a possibility, but Wednesday will be a seventh straight missed game. Draymond Green sprained his right foot last weekend. He will attempt to play against the Rockets, but it will still be a majority of Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis left to battle Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein as the Warriors try to claw back up the standings. – Slater

16. Boston Celtics

  • 2025-26 record: 9-8
  • Previous ranking: 18
  • Next games: vs. DET (Nov. 26), @ MIN (Nov. 29), @ CLE (Nov. 30), vs. NYK (Dec. 2)

Boston’s season, to this point, has gone pretty much as expected. The Celtics are hovering around .500, are competitive just about every night, and Jaylen Brown is putting up career-high numbers. It remains to be seen if Boston can be more than that, or what will happen if either Brown or Derrick White misses any time with injuries. But if Brown’s scoring binge can continue, the Celtics should remain competitive on a nightly basis. – Bontemps

17. Philadelphia 76ers

  • 2025-26 record: 9-8
  • Previous ranking: 13
  • Next games: @ BKN (Nov. 28), vs. ATL (Nov. 30), vs. WAS (Dec. 2)

Another year, and another series of updates on the health status of Joel Embiid. He has now missed eight games after sitting out Tuesday night’s blowout loss at home to the Magic, though he has been trending closer to returning from his ongoing right knee soreness – the opposite knee from the one that has plagued him with issues for the past couple of years. The 76ers have fared all right without him but certainly could regularly use Embiid’s still excellent offensive game. – Bontemps

18. Chicago Bulls

  • 2025-26 record: 9-8
  • Previous ranking: 19
  • Next games: @ CHA (Nov. 28), @ IND (Nov. 29), @ ORL (Dec. 1)

Chicago has gone 3-7 since racing out to a 6-1 start, and its defense has been getting torn apart after a strong start to the season. The Bulls were 10th in defensive efficiency through the first seven games but rank 24th in that category over their past 10 games. Chicago is in the midst of a four-game road trip against a soft schedule with back-to-back games against Charlotte and Indiana before the Bulls travel to Orlando. – Collier

19. Portland Trail Blazers

  • 2025-26 record: 8-10
  • Previous ranking: 20
  • Next games: vs. SA (Nov. 26), vs. OKC (Nov. 30), @ TOR (Dec. 2)

Despite playing without both starting guards (Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe, dealing with calf injuries) and backups Scoot Henderson (still out for an extended period with a severe hamstring strain), Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley, the Blazers are on the verge of winning their loaded NBA Cup group. Friday’s win at Golden State, sparked by 26 points from two-way rookie Caleb Love, put Portland one home win on Wednesday over San Antonio away from advancing to the quarterfinals. The Blazers also beat Milwaukee on Monday after getting blown out in Oklahoma City on the front end of a back-to-back.– Kevin Pelton

20. Milwaukee Bucks

  • 2025-26 record: 8-10
  • Previous ranking: 16
  • Next games: @ MIA (Nov. 26), @ NYK (Nov. 28), vs. BKN (Nov. 29), @ WAS (Dec. 1)

Milwaukee has dropped five straight games, including all three games without their star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could be back in the lineup soon. Antetokounmpo was listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game in Miami after being ruled out of the previous three contests. The Bucks desperately need him. With Antetokounmpo on the floor, the Bucks have what would be the best offensive efficiency in the NBA at 126.5. Without him, that number drops to 106.9, which would be the worst in the league. – Collier

21. Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2025-26 record: 6-12
  • Previous ranking: 25
  • Next games: @ NO (Nov. 26), @ LAC (Nov. 28), @ SAC (Nov. 30), @ SA (Dec. 2)

The Grizzlies won back-to-back games for the first time all season, before reality set in on Monday with a loss to the Nuggets. Reserve Jock Landale led the Grizzlies in scoring (26 points) and rebounds (10) in the loss, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to put up that stat line off the bench. With Memphis still reeling from injuries, it embarks on a four-game road trip starting in New Orleans and ending in San Antonio. Guard Ja Morant is expected to be out for at least another week.– Wright

22. LA Clippers

  • 2025-26 record: 5-13
  • Previous ranking: 22
  • Next games: vs. MEM (Nov. 28), vs. DAL (Nov. 29), @ MIA (Dec. 1)

The Clippers just went through a stretch where they went 2-10 over 12 games and the only wins came when James Harden scored 41 and 55. Harden is certainly one of the most prolific scorers the game has ever seen, recently eclipsing the 28,000 career points plateau, but at 36 years old, he can’t be relied on to be “the system” as he declared when he first arrived to L.A. Getting Kawhi Leonard back, who returned with 20 points on Sunday after a three-week absence, should help. – McMenamin

23. Utah Jazz

  • 2025-26 record: 2-12
  • Previous ranking: 21
  • Next games: vs. SAC (Nov. 28), vs. HOU (Nov. 30), vs. HOU (Dec. 1)

Rookie Ace Bailey, the fifth pick in the 2025 draft, has been in the Jazz’s starting lineup for the past eight games and seems likely to seize that role permanently. Bailey, 19, has averaged 14.4 points with a .628 effective field goal percentage as a starter. He has also endeared himself to coach Will Hardy by displaying an eagerness to utilize his length and athleticism to make an impact on the defensive end. – MacMahon

24. Dallas Mavericks

  • 2025-26 record: 5-14
  • Previous ranking: 23
  • Next games: @ LAL (Nov. 28), @ LAC (Nov. 29), @ DEN (Dec. 1)

Max Christie has been one of the bright spots during the Mavs’ miserable start. Christie is averaging 12.8 points per game while shooting 49.1% from the floor and 45.6% from 3-point range and typically guarding one of the opponent’s best perimeter scorers. Christie, 22, who was acquired in the infamous Luka Doncic deal, has earned a regular spot in the starting lineup and is potentially a long-term fit as the Mavs pivot to building around Cooper Flagg. – MacMahon

25. Charlotte Hornets

  • 2025-26 record: 4-13
  • Previous ranking: 24
  • Next games: vs. NYK (Nov. 26), vs. CHI (Nov. 28), vs. TOR (Nov. 29), @ BKN (Dec. 1)

A Hornets season that began in promising fashion has now seen the team lose six consecutive games amid point guard LaMelo Ball denying a report by Yahoo Sports that he would be open to a trade. Ball has struggled since returning from an ankle injury, shooting just 19% (6-of-31) from 3-point range. Rookie Kon Knueppel remains a bright spot for Charlotte. The No. 4 pick leads all first-year players in scoring and is only picking up steam, having averaged 26.5 PPG over the past four games while hitting 22 of 41 3s (54%). – Pelton

26. Sacramento Kings

  • 2025-26 record: 5-13
  • Previous ranking: 26
  • Next games: vs. PHX (Nov. 26), @ UTAH (Nov. 28), vs. MEM (Nov. 30)

Are the Kings suddenly … hot? The Kings just followed up one of the more uncompetitive eight-game losing streaks in history – defeats of 31, 27, 14, 33, 14, 13, 14 and 41 points – with their two best wins of the season. They finished off the Nuggets in Denver to close a long road trip and then roared back from 10 down in the final two minutes to beat the Timberwolves at home. It’s not a coincidence that their effort level has picked up since the return of Keegan Murray, the fourth-year wing who is the best defender and building block on the roster. DeMar DeRozan said postgame of the fourth-year forward: “Keegan is the key to this team. It’s his team.” – Slater

27. Brooklyn Nets

  • 2025-26 record: 3-14
  • Previous ranking: 27
  • Next games: vs. PHI (Nov. 28), @ MIL (Nov. 29), vs. CHA (Dec. 1)

It’s hard to gauge the metrics of success for a team that’s clearly gearing up for the 2026 draft, but beating the improving Celtics on an NBA Cup night is something Jordi Fernandez can hang his hat on. Before his stinker against the Knicks, Michael Porter Jr. looked like his old self: 27.4 points and 7.3 boards on borderline 50/40/90 splits. Mike Brown tossed his old protégé, Fernandez, a lifeline: “Jordi’s in a tough spot,” Brown said. “While they’re going through this process, continue doing what he’s doing. … They’re playing hard; you can see the improvement. Jordi’s a really good young coach.” – Goodwill

28. Indiana Pacers

  • 2025-26 record: 2-15
  • Previous ranking: 29
  • Next games: @ TOR (Nov. 26), vs. WAS (Nov. 28), vs. CHI (Nov. 29), vs. CLE (Dec. 1)

With Bennedict Mathurin back in the lineup and Pascal Siakam scoring a career-high 24.8 points per game, Indiana is no longer quite as starved for offense as it has looked at times this season. But that improvement might not translate to many more wins in the immediate future: Other than a game against the lowly Wizards, Indiana’s tough schedule continues over the next week, with games against the surging Raptors, Cavaliers and Nuggets. – Kram

29. New Orleans Pelicans

  • 2025-26 record: 3-15
  • Previous ranking: 28
  • Next games: vs. MEM (Nov. 26), @ GS (Nov. 29), @ LAL (Nov. 30), vs. MIN (Dec. 2)

The Pelicans snapped a nine-game losing streak in impressive fashion Monday, earning their first double-digit win and their first this season against an over-.500 opponent, Chicago. Zion Williamson’s 29 points in 30 minutes tied a season high, while his 13 free throws were his most in a game in nearly three years. New Orleans also got strong play from its bench, with all four reserves who played scoring double figures, including Jose Alvarado (16 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists), threatening a triple-double and a double-double (14 points, 14 boards – both season highs) from Yves Missi. – Pelton

30. Washington Wizards

  • 2025-26 record: 2-15
  • Previous ranking: 30
  • Next games: @ IND (Nov. 28), vs. MIL (Dec. 1), @ PHI (Dec. 2)

Washington’s losing streak reached 14 games after a 1-1 start, before the Wizards finally got another win against Atlanta on Tuesday night. Even if that streak is over, this team looks reminiscent of the 2023-24 Pistons squad that started 2-1 before losing 28 games in a row. Those Pistons, of course, had the beginning outline of the team that is now atop the Eastern Conference, so perhaps this path – which has seen several young Wizards improve as they take their lumps – is headed toward future contention. But Washington will have to endure many more losses in the meantime. – Kram

By NBA insiders | ESPN, via ESPN