2023-24 NBA Power Rankings: Where are the 76ers and Clippers After Blockbuster Deal?

The 2023-24 NBA enters its second week of action on Tuesday. Here is my third comprehensive NBA Power Rankings. The big news early Tuesday morning was the the Philadelphia 76ers trading disgruntled point guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers.

2023-24 NBA Power Rankings: Where are the 76ers and Clippers After Blockbuster Deal?

1. Phoenix Suns (2-1), No Movement

Phoenix has maneuvered a tough schedule while being without their projected backcourt in all three games. The Suns split their two road games by defeating Golden State and losing to Los Angeles Lakers, who the Suns blew a big fourth-quarter lead. They then blew out Utah on Saturday. Perhaps the best news is that Devin Booker, who played the season opener, and Bradley Beal are expected to play on Tuesday.

While the Suns have not been potent offensively yet, they have been better than better defensively. Youngsters Josh Okogie and Jordan Goodwin have played fairly well in the early going.

The Suns play four games this week. Phoenix will host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday and Thursday. They then begin a three-game road trip with games at Detroit and Chicago on November 4 and 5.

2. Boston Celtics (2-0), No Movement

Boston is off to a 3-0 start for the second straight season. While it hasn’t necessarily been pretty for the Celtics as they are still adjusting to newcomers Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. But Jayson Tatum once again looks like an MVP candidate.

The Celtics have two games this week. The C’s host Indiana on Wednesday and travel to Brooklyn on Saturday.

3. Denver Nuggets (4-0), Moved Up 2 Spots

Denver moves up from No. 5 to No. 3 as the Nuggets are undefeated after four games for the first time since 2018-19. The Nuggets starters, led by Nikola Jokic, have looked fabulous. Jokic tied Jason Kidd and LeBron James for fourth place all-time with 107 triple-doubles in the Nuggets’ Monday night victory over Utah. However, there is still concern about the offensive production of the Nugs’ second unit.

Denver has three games this week. Denver then travels to Minnesota on Wednesday. The Nuggets then host Dallas and Chicago on Friday and Saturday.

4. Milwaukee Bucks (2-1), Dropped 1 spot

Milwaukee falls from second to third. The Bucks, behind a sensational debut by Damian Lillard, eked out a one-point victory over Philadelphia. Milwaukee then got blown out by Atlanta on Sunday.

The Bucks have two games this week. Milwaukee plays at Toronto on Wednesday and hosts New York on Friday.

5. Sacramento Kings (2-1), No Movement

Sacramento was No. 1 in offense, scoring, and rating has picked up right where they left off last year. The Kings have topped 130 points in two of their three games. De’Aaron Fox has scored 30+ points in his previous two games and averages 30 points a play on the season, but he reportedly suffered a sprained ankle in Sunday’s overtime victory over the Lakers.

Sacramento plays two road games this week. The Kings are at Golden State on Wednesday and Houston on Saturday.

6. Los Angeles Lakers (2-2), Dropped 2 Spots

Los Angeles, which drops from fourth to sixth, has played an extremely tough early schedule with road games against Denver and Sacramento. The Lakers are fortunate to be 2-2 as they overcame a huge fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Suns and picked up a narrow victory over Orlando on Monday. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have been unbelievable, with each averaging a 20-point and 10-rebound double-double.

The Lakers play two games this week. Los Angeles hosts the Clippers on Tuesday before facing the Magic in Orlando on Saturday.

7. Philadelphia 76ers (2-1), No Movement

Philadelphia is a one-point loss to Milwaukee from being undefeated after one week. Joel Embiid is playing at an MVP level, and Tyrese Maxey has been fantastic through the first three games. Plus, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tobias Harris are playing well. It will be interesting to see how Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, and KJ Martin fit into the Sixers’ plans.

Philadelphia plays two games. The Sixers, amid a five-game homestand, face Toronto on Thursday and Phoenix on Saturday.

8. Los Angeles Clippers (2-1), Moved Up 4 Spots

Los Angeles has not played the most difficult through the first three games and is a late three-pointer by Utah’s Jordan Clarkson from being undefeated. Still, the Clippers move up from 11th due.

Harden gives the Clippers a Big 4. The Clippers should definitely be one of the best passing teams after the deal. But it remains to be seen if how the chemistry will work. The durability of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George remain one of the big questions going forward. The Clippers have been without Terance Mann for the first three games. Mann could return on Tuesday. Bones Hyland and Norman Powell are off to a strong start off the bench.

Los Angeles plays two games this week. The Clippers host the Magic on Tuesday and face the Lakers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

9. New York Knicks (1-2) Drops 1 Spot

New York is not off to the start they wanted, which is in part while they fall one spot from No. 8 to No. 9. But the Knicks have been competitive in all three games despite not playing particularly well. The Knicks did lay an egg against New Orleans on Saturday, but that was the second of back-to-back games. RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are off to solid starts, while Julius Randle has rebounded and passed the ball well.

New York has three games this week. The Knicks play Cleveland twice in a home-and-away series on Tuesday and Wednesday. They then travel to Milwaukee on Friday.

10. Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2), Falls 2 Spots

It’s early, but Cleveland can’t be happy with the start that they are off to. The Cavaliers didn’t look particularly good in the preseason and have carried over that play through the first games. Cleveland eked out a season-opening win against Brooklyn and dropped games to Oklahoma City and Indiana. Granted, Jarrett Allen has yet to play this season. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell sat out the loss to the Pacers on Saturday.

Cleveland plays four games this week. The Cavaliers host the Knicks on Tuesday and then travel to New York on Wednesday. They play at Indiana on Friday as part of the NBA’s in-season tournament and host Golden State on Sunday.

11. Golden State Warriors (3-1), Moved Up 2 Spots

Golden State, which moves up two spots, has won three straight games after manhandling New Orleans on Monday. The Warriors finally got Draymond Green back on Sunday, which helps their depth. Chris Paul is coming off the bench, while Dario Saric and Gary Payton II are playing well. Plus, it appears that Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody can finally be counted on.

Golden State has three games on the docket. The Dubs host the Kings on Wednesday before concluding the week in Oklahoma City (Nov. 3) and Cleveland (Nov. 5).

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-1), Moved Up 1 Spot

Oklahoma City had an excellent first week, not including the blowout loss to the Nuggets on Sunday, as the Thunder are off to their best start since winning their first three games in 2015-16. The Thunder have been without two rotational pieces, Kenrich Williams and Jaylin Williams. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks prime to continue his ascension up the NBA ladder, while Chet Holmgren has had an excellent start to his career. Cason Wallace could be one of the surprises in the 2023 rookie class.

OKC is amid a six-game homestand. The Thunder hosts New Orleans (Wednesday) and the Warriors (Friday) this week.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-2), No Movement

Minnesota is off to a shaky start despite having all three of their stars available. While Anthony Edwards finally got untracked against Atlanta with 31 points, the Wolves struggled offensively in the second half as they were held to 34 points in a 127-113 loss. The Timberwolves are 0-2 on the road.

Minnesota has two games this week. The Timberwolves host the Nuggets (Wednesday) and Jazz (Saturday).

13. Dallas Mavericks (3-0), Moved Up 2 Spots

Could this be the year Luka Doncic wins the NBA MVP? The 24-year-old has put up 39 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists through the first three games while compiling a shooting slash line of .556/.486/.704. Tim Hardaway Jr. is off to a good start as the Mavs’ Sixth Man.

Dallas plays three games this week. The Mavericks have two home games with a road contest sandwiched in between. The Mavs host Chicago on Wednesday, travel to Denver on Friday, and host Charlotte on Sunday.

15. New Orleans Pelicans (2-1), Up 3 Spots

New Orleans, which jumped three spots in the power rankings, once again has injured players. At least Zion Williamson was available for all three games. However, Brandon Ingram missed the Pelicans 130-102 loss to the Warriors on Monday. Jose Alvarado and Naji Marshall are expected to remain out another week while Trey Murphy III is out for the foreseeable future.

New Orleans has three games this week. The Pelicans travel to Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The Pels then concludes the week at home against Detroit (Thursday) and Atlanta (Saturday).

16. Miami Heat (1-2), Moved Down One Spot

Miami has lost two straight after eking out a victory in the season-opener on Wednesday. The Heat are dealing with injuries, as just seven players have played in all three games. Josh Richardson has yet to play this season. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are off to excellent starts to the campaign.

Miami has two games on the slate this week. The Heat host Brooklyn on Wednesday and Washington on Friday.

17. Atlanta Hawks (2-2), No Movement

Atlanta has won two straight following their comeback victory over Minnesota on Monday. Dejounte Murray was a major reason the Hawks defeated the Timberwolves, as tossed in a career-high 41 points and terrific defensively. Plus, Jalen Johnson and Saddiq Bey are making the most of their early season minutes.

Atlanta has two games on the docket this week. The Hawks host Washington on Monday and then visit New Orleans on Saturday.

18. Indiana Pacers (2-1) Moved Up 4 spots

Indiana is off to a great start, though they came up empty in the fourth quarter against the Bulls. The Pacers are deep and can score. Seven players are averaging double-figures, and 12 average at least four points a game.

Indiana has three games this week. Indiana travels to Boston on Wednesday and hosts the Cavaliers and Hornets on Friday and Saturday.

19. Brooklyn Nets (1-2), No Movement

The Nets snapped their two-game losing streak with Monday’s victory over the Hornets. Brooklyn’s two losses were narrow losses to the Cavaliers and Mavericks. Cam Thomas is off to a sizzling start, averaging 33 points a game. Starters Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson have missed one game apiece.

Brooklyn has three games this week. Brooklyn concludes its four-game road trip with games at Miami on Wednesday and Chicago on Friday. The Nets host Boston to begin three straight home games.

20. Orlando Magic (2-0), No Movement

Orlando is 2-0 to start the season for the first time in three years. While Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony have been terrific, the Magic have 11 players averaging five or more points.

Orlando remains out west for two more games. The Magic are in Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Tuesday and then head to Utah on Thursday. They close the week with a date against the Lakers at home on Saturday.

21. Memphis Grizzlies (0-4), Drops 11 Spots

Memphis is without three of their top eight players, including two starters. As a result, the Grizzlies have tied the worst start to a season since beginning the season with four straight setbacks in 2004-05. Plus, Santi Aldema has yet to play, and Luke Kennard has missed two of the games. At least Desmond Bane is cooking, and Jaren Jackson Jr., the reigning DPOY, is still swatting shots. They did sign Bismack Biyombo to help their frontcourt.

Memphis plays three games this week. Memphis begins a three-game road trip against Utah on Wednesday. The Grizzlies then face Portland on Friday and Sunday.

22. Chicago Bulls (2-2) Falls One Spot

Chicago’s two setbacks have lost both games by 15 or more points. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are the only two scoring, and the Bulls aren’t playing any defense.

Chicago concludes its three-game road trip with a contest in Dallas on Wednesday. The Bulls then host the Nets on Friday and travel to Denver on Saturday.

23. Toronto Raptors (1-3), Moved Up One Spot

Toronto has lost three straight. Scottie Barnes is playing well on both ends, leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. Precious Achiuwa is dealing with a groin injury, and it is unknown when he will be able to return as it has hampered him since training camp.

Toronto concludes a three-game homestand on Wednesday against Milwaukee. The Raptors travel to Philadelphia on Thursday and San Antonio on Sunday.

24. Utah Jazz (1-3) Moved Up Two Spots

Utah, which has lost two straight games, has played a tough schedule. Lauri Markkanan is playing exceptionally well and already has three double-doubles.

Utah has three games on the docket this week. The Jazz hosts the Grizzlies (Wednesday) and the Magic (Thursday). The Jazz travels to Minnesota on Saturday.

25. Houston Rockets (0-3), Moved Down 1 Spot

Houston is starting 0-3 for the second straight season. Two of their losses are on the road. Alperen Sengun is off to a fantastic start, leading the team in points and rebounds, and is second in assists.

Houston continues its seven-game homestand with home games against Charlotte (Wednesday) and Sacramento (Saturday).

26. Detroit Pistons (2-2), Moved Up 3 Spots

Detroit’s two wins through the first four games for the first time since 2019-20. Cade Cunningham has been fantastic, while Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, and Isaiah Stewart give the Pistons a very young and promising frontcourt.

27. Portland Trail Blazers (0-3) Moved Down 2 Spots

Portland is in rebuild mode and will have lots of growing pains. The Blazers do have talent, but they lost Anfernee Simons to injury until mid-December in the first game of the season. Shaedon Sharpe looks primed to have a breakout season.

Portland continues its three-game road trip in Detroit on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers then host the Grizzlies on Friday and Sunday.

28. Washington Wizards (1-2), Moved Down 1 Spot

Washington has been rolled in their two losses. The Wizards do have some talent, but it will take time for them to put things together. Daniel Gafford, who missed the Wizard’s loss to the Celtics on Monday, is dealing with an ankle injury.

Washington will play two road games this week. The Wizards travel to Atlanta on Wednesday and Miami on Friday.

29. San Antonio Spurs (1-2), Moved Down 1 Spot

San Antonio has three games this week. The Spurs play the Suns twice in the Valley of the Sun on Tuesday and Thursday. San Antonio hosts Toronto on Sunday.

30. Charlotte Hornets (1-1) No Movement

Charlotte has lost two straight. But No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller is off to a great start, averaging 17.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting .474/.438/.900.

Charlotte plays three straight on the road. Charlotte begins the trip to Houston on Wednesday. The Hornets then travel to Indiana (Saturday) and Dallas (Sunday).

The post 2023-24 NBA Power Rankings: Where are the 76ers and Clippers After Blockbuster Deal? appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.