NBA Power Rankings Based on NBA Championship Odds After Week 2
The NBA season just kicked off last week, so many of the championship odds aren't going to change. Yet, that doesn't mean there isn't a hierarchy of teams in the league.
The Association is constantly changing and keeping up with who's looking the best can be difficult. Every week, I'll be providing my Power Rankings for each team in relation to their NBA title odds.
Here's how things stand after the second week of action. All odds listed are via WynnBET.
1. Utah Jazz (+1000, LW: No.3)
The Jazz are rolling like the well-oiled machine they are. Donovan Mitchell hasn't even played great and Utah is still looking good.
2. Golden State Warriors (+800, LW No.4)
The Warriors are retooled and only have an overtime loss on their record. Steph Curry is at the top of MVP conversations and the young pieces are fitting in nicely.
3. Chicago Bulls (+4000, LW No. 6)
Chicago's comeback against the Celtics showed that they have a lot to offer even when things aren't going according to plan. The Bulls have a lot of options and will be tested every night for the next month.
4. New York Knicks (+7500, LW No. 7)
BING BONG! The Knicks are playing great basketball and have seen exactly what they needed from each piece on the team. The only thing left is for them to show what they can do against the proven teams.
5. Denver Nuggets (+1500, LW No. 8)
Nikola Jokic is doing Nikola Jokic things. The Nuggets are short-handed and are still above .500. If Jokic keeps this up, expect another run from Denver.
6. Charlotte Hornets (+15000, LW No. 10)
The Hornets are not only at the top of everyone's "League Pass" list, but they are also winning games in the process. LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges have grown as scorers and that is making all the difference.
7. Milwaukee Bucks (+800, LW No. 1)
The Bucks aren't at full strength and get the benefit of the doubt because of that.
8. Washington Wizards (+20000, LW No. 23)
The Wizards are a shock to me. At 5-1, they are one of the league's biggest early surprises. Let's see if it keeps up.
9. Miami Heat LW (+1600, No. 12)
Tyler Herro has taken a huge step forward and is giving the Heat great depth. If Kyle Lowry can get comfortable, Miami can shoot up this list.
10. Brooklyn Nets (+250, LW No. 2)
The Nets are starting to figure it out. James Harden is getting on track, which will bode well for the rest of the offense.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (+7500, LW No. 13)
As long as Ja Morant is playing at this level, the Grizzlies are a threat. The one thing they need is for Jaren Jackson Jr. to get back to form.
12. Phoenix Suns LW (+14000, No. 9)
The Suns are under .500 and are still looking to find their rhythm. This season hasn't been as smooth as last year, but they still have potential.
13. Los Angeles Lakers (+550, LW No. 5)
The Lakers didn't look as bad as they did in Week 1, but the loss to the Thunder is a terrible one -- even without LeBron.
14. Atlanta Hawks (+3000, LW No. 11)
Atlanta has had some less than stellar moments in the early going. It's clear their pieces have improved, but putting it all together will be the challenge.
15. Dallas Mavericks (+4000, LW No. 17)
Jason Kidd is holding the Mavericks back, but they are winning games so they can be right in the middle of the league.
16. Portland Trail Blazers (+7500, LW No. 18)
Even with Damian Lillard playing well below his standards, the Blazers are remaining competitive in the West. Once Lillard gets back on track, expect Portland to make a run.
17. Toronto Raptors LW (+15000, No. 21)
Toronto still isn't amazing on offense, but the Raptors pulled off a gritty win against the Knicks and are preparing to get back to full strength.
18. Philadelphia 76ers (+2500, LW No. 15)
At this point, the 76ers are as good as Joel Embiid can be. If he's off, so are they. Philadelphia isn't as good as it was last season and should be ready to fight for seeding down the stretch.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves (+20000, LW No. 20)
Minnesota finally has its core and it has been able to position itself among the playoff contenders.
20. Sacramento Kings (+20000, LW No. 22)
The Kings have looked competent and competitive, traits they don't exude often. With Harrison Barnes in a good offensive rhythm and Davion Mitchell making plays defensively, better days are ahead.
21. Cleveland Cavaliers (+30000, LW No. 26)
Evan Mobley is the truth and he is going to be the bright star in what should be an ultimately losing season.
22. San Antonio Spurs (+30000, LW No. 24)
San Antonio have the record of a bottom tier team, but still have better coaching than the rest of the bottom tier teams. The youth movement should give them some hope.
23. Indiana Pacers (+10000, LW No. 19)
Indiana beat San Antonio, yet are very clearly going to be in the business of gaining the most ping pong balls at the end of the year.
24. Los Angeles Clippers (+2000, LW No. 16)
The Clippers have an Eric Bledsoe problem, but Paul George will be able to carry them to wins over some of the other bottom teams.
25. Boston Celtics (+4000, LW No. 14)
The Celtics are already self-destructing from the inside. If Tatum and Brown can't figure out how to get the team on the same page, this could go south quickly.
26. Detroit Pistons (+50000, LW No. 27)
The Pistons have the worst offensive rating in the league, but Cade Cunningham's return gives them hope moving forward.
27. New Orleans Pelicans (+10000, LW No. 25)
The Pelicans look lost and bored without Zion. Until he comes back, expect Brandon Ingram to win them a game here and there.
28. Houston Rockets (+50000, LW No. 28)
The Rockets are going to be one of the biggest boom-or-bust teams in the bottom tier. They have a lot of pieces that can go nuclear at any moment, but losses are on their way to Houston.
29. Orlando Magic (+100000, LW No. 29)
The Magic will have a few good moments each game and Cole Anthony is looking solid, but they still struggle on a nightly basis.
30. Oklahoma City Thunder (50000 ,LW No. 30)
Oklahoma City had a major comeback against the Lakers, but that was more about Los Angeles' struggles rather than the Thunder turning a corner. They are still the most fade-able team in the league.