NBA Power Rankings Based on Championship Odds (Trouble in Philly? Utah Is Good? Overreacting to Week 1)
By Peter Dewey
We're one week into the NBA season, which is a perfect time for fans to overreact to their team's early season play.
The Philadelphia 76ers finally picked up their first win on Monday after an 0-3 start, while the Utah Jazz (3-1) and San Antonio Spurs (3-1) may not be obviously tanking after all.
The Portland Trail Blazers, yes you read that right, are 4-0 and have the best record in the league entering Week 2. Does that move them into the top spot? Not quite, but I will put some respect on Damian Lillard's name.
Here are the latest NBA Power Rankings and championship odds:
1. Milwaukee Bucks (+550) Last Week: No. 2
The Bucks are off to a 2-0 start even without Khris Middleton. Giannis Antetokounmpo is already making an MVP case with a 44-point performance on 17-of-21 shooting in his second game.
2. Golden State Warriors (+650) LW: No. 1
Despite their loss to the Denver Nuggets, this Warriors team looks even deeper this season with several young players stepping up.
3. Boston Celtics (+600) LW: No. 3
Before losing to the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, the Celtics were 3-0 looking like the Eastern Conference favorites. This team will contend for a title, especially once Robert Williams III returns.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (+650) LW: No. 4
The Clippers are playing the long game with Kawhi Leonard, and they still have found ways to start 2-1.
5. Memphis Grizzlies (+2500) LW: No. 11
Ja Morant is a legitimate NBA MVP candidate, willing his team team to a 3-1 start this season without Jaren Jackson Jr.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers (+3300) LW: No. 12
Donovan Mitchell looks damn good in Cleveland, filling in seamlessly as the lead guard with Darius Garland (eye) injured.
7. Phoenix Suns (+1100) LW: No. 9
The Suns have started well, but a key matchup with the Warriors awaits on Tuesday night.
8. Portland Trail Blazers (+13000) LW: No. 18
The Blazers are a perfect 4-0, and Dame Time has been a frequent occurrence already this season.
9. Denver Nuggets (+1800) LW: No. 6
The Nuggets are off to a slow start, but they showed their potential by beating the Warriors in Game 2.
10. Dallas Mavericks (+3000) LW: No. 10
Luka Doncic and the Mavericks rank top 3 in the league in both offense and defense through the first week.
11. New Orleans Pelicans (+3000) LW: No. 15
Injuries to Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are a bit concerning, but the Pels have looked like the real deal, beating the Nets and Hornets easily to start the season.
12. Atlanta Hawks (+5500) LW: No. 14
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray have complemented each other well to being this season. Atlanta could take advantage of some of the struggling contenders in the East.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves (+3000) LW: No. 13
Anthony Edwards must be more consistent for Minnesota if the Wolves want to move into the Western's top six teams.
14. Toronto Raptors (+5000) LW: No. 17
Scottie Barnes' injury is a bit worrisome for the 2-2 Raptors.
15. Philadelphia 76ers (+1200) LW: No 7
Philly has started poorly, and the team is already losing confidence in the bench, playing essentially a seven-man rotation. At least James Harden has played well.
16. Miami Heat (+1700) LW: No. 8
Miami is just 1-3, and desperately need the offense from Victor Oladipo (knee, out) to take another step this season.
17. New York Knicks (+12000) LW: No. 20
The Knicks have a point guard! Jalen Brunson has been terrific and Julius Randle (so far) looks a lot more like All-Star Julius Randle than last season's version.
18. Brooklyn Nets (+900) LW: No. 5
The Nets are off to a slow start, and their defense has not looked great, ranking 28th in the NBA.
19. Chicago Bulls (+6500) LW: No. 19
Zach LaVine's knee is bothering him, and Patrick Williams is in danger of losing his starting spot. Things have been better for the Bulls.
20. Washington Wizards (+22000) LW: No. 21
Bradley Beal's hot shooting to start the season has the Wizards sitting pretty at 2-1.
21. Utah Jazz (+50000) LW: No. 26
The Jazz are 3-1 to start the season, shooting the ball at an outrageous clip to pull off a few upsets. Does it continue? I don't think so, but anything is possible.
22. Charlotte Hornets (+24000) LW: No. 22
The Hornets are not only with LaMelo Ball, but Terry Rozier has also been injured early on in the season.
23. San Antonio Spurs (+50000) LW: No. 29
Gregg Popvich's team is 3-1 with wins over the Wolves and Sixers as major underdogs.
24. Detroit Pistons (+50000) LW: No. 24
Detroit is probably a year away, ranking 27th in defense through their first few games.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (+3600) LW: No. 16
The Lakers have yet to pick up a win and are the worst shooting team in the NBA. Do not bet on this team unless you like wasting money.
26. Indiana Pacers (+50000) LW: No. 27
Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin are going to be fun to watch all year even if the Pacers don't win many games.
27. Sacramento Kings (+49000) LW: No. 23
The Kings have still yet to pick up a win after a tough schedule to start the 2022-23 season.
28. Houston Rockets (+50000) LW: No. 30
Houston grabbed it's first win against the Jazz, but the team once again ranks dead last in defensive rating.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder (+50000) LW: No. 28
The tank is on. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey are both already out with minor injuries.
30. Orlando Magic (+50000) LW: No. 25
The Magic are 0-4 on the season, but Paolo Banchero has played fantastic to start his NBA career.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.