Injuries are piling up early in the 2024–25 NBA Season, and they are causing havoc for plenty of teams. No surprise then that the healthiest teams are making a move up in the standings. At the moment, though, one team is the undisputed no. 1—and it is not even close. But two popular teams are on the rise and making more and more noise.
That said, here now are the Rebanse NBA Weekly Rankings for November 11 thru November 17:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (14-0)
Cavs’ sterling start is now at historic levels—tied for the third-best start in NBA history—as Donovan Mitchell continues to lead the way, with Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and the bench all following his lead.
2. Golden State Warriors (10-2)
Dubs’ strength in-numbers culture looking like it’s back, but Steph Curry’s return has the Warriors looking legit.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (11-2)
Thunder’s 12.9-point differential underscores the dominant start to the season. But injury woes to OKC’s bigs—including Chet Holmgren’s right iliac wing fracture—might be a sign of future trouble.
4. Boston Celtics (11-3)
The Celtics continue to win games but too many close calls lately. Their defense is showing chinks and the three-point shooting is ebbing and flowing.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (9-4)
LeBron James taking over and Anthony Davis playing at an MVP level have the Lakers rolling again after an early-season swoon.
6. Denver Nuggets (7-4)
Jamal Murray rediscovering his form and Russell Westbrook finding his spot for the Nuggets, who just missed out on a perfect week no thanks to MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic missing a game.
7. Houston Rockets (9-4)
Rockets go 4-0 over the past week thanks to some suffocating defense and a balanced offense led by the young guns—Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun.
8. Orlando Magic (8-6)
The Association’s second-best defense (102.4 OPP PPG) has the Magic humming again despite Paolo Banchero’s extended absence.
9. Sacramento Kings (8-6)
Kings alternating wins and losses, but De’Aaron Fox hitting his stride finally is reason to be excited.
10. Phoenix Suns (9-4)
Injuries, more than anything, have undone the Suns’ great start. Lingering injury woes moving forward is a cause for concern.
11. Detroit Pistons (6-8)
Detroit finding ways to win, mostly with defense (110.6 OPP PG, 44.9% OPP FG) and lots of Cade Cunningham (23.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 8.2 APG) and Jaden Ivey (18.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG).
12. Atlanta Hawks (6-7)
Strong play from Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels hints at a promising future and perhaps a looming run for the young Hawks.
13. New York Knicks (6-6)
Karl-Anthony Towns continuing to play well at the Big Apple. Jalen Bronson and the rest starting to follow suit.
14. Miami Heat (5-6)
Changing of the guard now in Miami, with Tyler Herro taking a more prominent role on offense. But Terry Rozier firing blanks is holding the Heat back.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-6)
Prolific three-point shooting propelling T-Wolves, but leaking defense needs fixing.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (7-6)
Grizzlies staying afloat even without Ja Morant thanks to Jaren Jackson Jr. taking a star turn and contributions up and down the roster.
17. Dallas Mavericks (6-7)
Mavs are 1-5 in clutch games this season, and Luka Doncic’s porous defense is rearing its ugly head way too many times.
18. Charlotte Hornets (5-7)
Phantom foul call against the Bucks is a huge break for the Hornets, who are winning by committee.
19. San Antonio Spurs (6-8)
Spurs finally finding help for Victor Wembanyama.
20. Los Angeles Clippers (6-7)
Winless week follows a strong run of fine play. Norm Powell’s emergence is a positive sign nonetheless.
21. Indiana Pacers (5-7)
Pacers continue with their up-and-down play, but Tyrese Haliburton finding his form and Ben Mathurin rising once more are a good omen.
22. Brooklyn Nets (5-8)
Jordi Fernandez has the Nets playing selfless team ball on offense and relentless defense. The Dennis Schroder-Cam Thomas backcourt proving to be a handful.
23. Portland Trailblazers (5-8)
Donovan Clingan showing early Defensive Player of the Year potential, while Robert Williams III is providing a spark with his return.
24. Chicago Bulls (5-8)
Inconsistent Bulls need to find a way to hide Josh Giddey on defense.
25. Milwaukee Bucks (4-9)
Giannis Antetokounmpo still bringing fire and brimstone, but injuries are making it difficult for the Bucks to build any momentum.
26. New Orleans Pelicans (4-10)
The Pelicans have been decimated by injuries, with seven rotation guys out for extended periods. Hard to win with that.
27. Utah Jazz (3-9)
Probably still a lottery team, but the Jazz have young talent and a veteran sixth man to lean on.
28. Philadelphia 76ers (2-10)
Not even the returns of Joel Embiid and Paul George are sparking the Sixers, who are now without Tyrese Maxey. But Jared McCain’s stellar play might be a reason for optimism.
29. Toronto Raptors (2-12)
Toronto’s league-average offense can’t compensate for its fourth-worse defense. At least RJ Barrett’s superb play is a bright spot.
30. Washington Wizards (2-9)
Seven straight Ls and counting now for the young Wizards. League-worst defense isn’t helping.
