As the NBA season progresses, the integration of the Emirates NBA Cup has led to a unique scheduling dynamic, resulting in fewer interconference matchups in the early weeks. For instance, the Charlotte Hornets have played 26 of their first 28 games against Eastern Conference teams. Nonetheless, the first four weeks have seen a total of 52 interconference games, where the Western Conference has demonstrated its superiority, winning 37 of those contests (71%).
While teams like the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have only participated in one interconference game each, the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls have collectively played 15. This discrepancy highlights the Eastern Conference’s struggles, as 13 of the 15 teams in the West currently boast winning records against Eastern opponents. The Utah Jazz stand at 1-1, and the injury-plagued New Orleans Pelicans are 2-4.
This week, the NBA Cup action continues alongside some compelling East-West matchups, including the Phoenix Suns hosting the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks, as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves visiting the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
Despite the Western Conference’s overall strength, the top spot in this week’s Power Rankings remains with an Eastern team for the second consecutive week.
Plus-Minus Players of the Week
Right Way: Dillon Brooks (HOU) with a plus-92 over four games.
Wrong Way: Naz Reid (MIN) with a minus-61 over four games.
Teams of the Week
Make It Last Forever: Portland (3-0) — The Blazers swept a two-game series against the Timberwolves and rallied from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Hawks.
Something Just Ain’t Right: Philadelphia (0-3) — The Sixers need more than just Joel Embiid’s presence to succeed.
East vs. West
The Western Conference leads with a 37-15 (.712) record against the East in interconference play after a successful 4-1 week.
Movement in the Rankings
High Jumps: Houston (+7), Detroit (+6), Portland (+5)
Free Falls: Phoenix (-7), Chicago (-5), Indiana (-5)
Week 5 Team to Watch
Boston Celtics — The Celtics face a significant challenge on Tuesday against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA Cup Group Play, followed by a match against the Timberwolves on Sunday.
Previous Rankings Recap
Last week, the Cavaliers continued their impressive run, taking the top position at No. 1.
Key Statistics
The league averages 112.7 points scored per 100 possessions with 99.6 possessions per team per 48 minutes this season.
Power Rankings Summary:
Cleveland Cavaliers (15-0)
OffRtg: 122.1 (1), DefRtg: 110.7 (7), NetRtg: +11.5 (2)
The Cavaliers are the fourth team in NBA history to start a season 15-0, although they’ve had a relatively easy schedule.
Golden State Warriors (10-2)
OffRtg: 118.4 (4), DefRtg: 107.9 (4), NetRtg: +10.5 (3)
The Warriors excel in third quarters, often outscoring opponents significantly during this period.
Oklahoma City Thunder (11-3)
OffRtg: 114.1 (12), DefRtg: 102.4 (1), NetRtg: +11.7 (1)
The Thunder continue to perform well, even in the absence of Chet Holmgren.
Boston Celtics (11-3)
OffRtg: 121.4 (2), DefRtg: 111.2 (10), NetRtg: +10.2 (4)
The Celtics are struggling defensively compared to last season, allowing more points in the paint.
Houston Rockets (10-4)
OffRtg: 114.1 (11), DefRtg: 105.4 (3), NetRtg: +8.7 (5)
After a slow start, the Rockets have found their rhythm, winning nine of their last 11 games.
Minnesota Timberwolves (8-6)
OffRtg: 114.5 (9), DefRtg: 111.7 (11), NetRtg: +2.8 (11)
The Timberwolves have shown flashes of brilliance, with key players stepping up in critical moments.
Dallas Mavericks (7-7)
OffRtg: 114.8 (8), DefRtg: 111.0 (9), NetRtg: +3.8 (9)
The Mavericks are finding ways to win despite Luka Dončić’s absence in some games.
Denver Nuggets (7-5)
OffRtg: 113.7 (13), DefRtg: 113.4 (16), NetRtg: +0.3 (13)
The Nuggets are struggling without Nikola Jokić, losing two games last week.
Los Angeles Lakers (9-4)
OffRtg: 117.7 (5), DefRtg: 116.9 (24), NetRtg: +0.7 (12)
The Lakers are on a five-game winning streak, showcasing improved offensive play.
Memphis Grizzlies (8-6)
OffRtg: 115.4 (7), DefRtg: 108.6 (5), NetRtg: +6.8 (6)
Despite Ja Morant’s absence, the Grizzlies are managing to stay competitive.
This week’s rankings reflect the ongoing competition in both conferences as teams vie for position in the NBA standings.
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