The 2024 NBA preseason has begun, and you can feel the energy around the teams. The offseason was full of big trades and signings of free agents who will have a big effect. Fans are excited to see how each team does in the coming season. The Power Rankings (TPR), a reliable source for fair and accurate rankings, has posted its most recent predictions for the 2024 NBA season. The predictions focus on the top 20 teams and how they might make waves in the league. The NBA Power Rankings 2024 are mostly based on how teams did last season, what they did in the off-season, and how they are expected to play together this season. These rankings give you an idea of how teams will do in the preseason and how likely they are to win the title. Here is a full breakdown of the top 20 teams, including their strengths, weaknesses, and players to keep an eye on.
NBA Power Rankings 2024 Top 20 Teams
20 San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have high hopes for the 2024 season, mostly because of new star Victor Wembanyama. Having him on the team with point guard Tre Jones and wing Devin Vassell has worked well. TPR says that the Spurs were better than the other team by 10.2 points per 100 plays last season when Wembanyama played with these two. Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes will help the Spurs fight for a higher finish in the Western Conference. They should do better than last year and try to make the playoffs.
19 Houston Rockets
Since the Rockets had a 41-41 record last year, they want to make a bigger push in 2024. Young stars like Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr. make up Houston’s heart and are ready to lead the team forward. When the Rockets signed youngster Reed Sheppard, he was expected to improve their three-point shooting, which was a big weakness last season. Veteran Fred VanVleet also joined the team. TPR thinks that the Rockets are almost good enough to make the playoffs.
18 Miami Heat
The Heat may have a tough season this year because they are still determining what will happen with Jimmy Butler’s possible free agency. But because Butler is trying to get his next big deal, he might have more “Playoff Jimmy” moments during the regular season. This could help Miami do better than expected. The Heat may accomplish better than many expect with Bam Adebayo’s All-Star play, Tyler Herro’s scoring, and rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s development.
17 New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have a problem going into the 2024 season: they need a big who can start. However, this situation also gives New Orleans an interesting chance to try out different lines with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones. Willie Green, the head coach, is open to trying out different starting lines. This could make this team’s cast one of the most adaptable and dynamic in the NBA. With Zion’s star power and the Pelicans’ ability to score many points, they are a team to watch. However, their lack of interior defense may still hold them back.
16 Sacramento Kings
The Kings may not have a bright future in 2024 after losing in the first round of last year’s playoffs, but adding DeMar DeRozan could help. DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox, and Domantas Sabonis, who all score 20 points or more every game, make a strong scoring trio. With Keegan Murray likely to have a big season, Sacramento’s offense could help them return to the playoffs. But their defense is still a worry, which could keep them in the middle of the Western Conference rankings.
15 Indiana Pacers
After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023, the Indiana Pacers received less attention. Even though the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers added players, Tyrese Haliburton is still one of the best playmakers in the game for the Pacers. The team also benefits from Pascal Siakam’s ability to fit in with the scheme and Myles Turner’s strong defense. Young players like Benedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin should make great progress this season. This could make Indiana a dark horse candidate in the East.
14 Golden State Warriors
With Klay Thompson’s exit, an era for the Warriors ended, but the team has returned stronger since then. To compensate for Thompson’s loss, the team has added Kyle Anderson, a steady defender and playmaker, and Buddy Hield, a sharpshooter. Younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis are also still getting better. But for Golden State to get back into the real title race, Stephen Curry will have to play like an MVP, and Draymond Green will have to stay out of more trouble with the law. According to TPR, the Warriors are just outside the top 10, but they are still a playoff threat.
13 Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers had a good summer because they kept key players and things stable. The Lakers could make a strong run in the playoffs if their stars stay healthy. Their starting lineup includes D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Anthony Davis. According to TPR, the Lakers won 18 games this group started last season. But Anthony Davis is prone to injuries and LeBron James is getting close to 40. So it’s not clear if they can beat top Western Conference teams like the Denver Nuggets or the Dallas Mavericks.
12 Orlando Magic
One of the most exciting things about Orlando is its young core. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have proven to be two of the NBA’s most potential forwards. Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac add toughness to the defense. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the team, the Magic are now a sneaky contender in the Eastern Conference. Caldwell-Pope brings a lot of defense skills and experience to the team. This exciting, up-and-coming team is close to finishing in the top four.
11 Memphis Grizzlies
After a tough year in which Ja Morant played in only nine games, they are back with a rage. During the regular season, Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. were the best three players on the team. Marcus Smart’s addition makes the team better at defense and making plays. Memphis should be a force in the West again, with Luke Kennard and Brandon Clarke coming off the bench and making a difference. TPR thinks the Grizzlies will be in the running for a top-four spot.
10 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have quietly put together one of the league’s best teams in every way. There is a strong backcourt for the Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. They can score and pass the ball easily. Along with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, one of the league’s up-and-coming stars, leads the defense. Cleveland is a real contender in the East because they have both scoring firepower and discipline on defense. As the Cavs continue to work on their teamwork, they should make a splash in the playoffs.
9 New York Knicks
With a strong defensive identity and a tough style of play, the Knicks have become one of the more stable teams in the Eastern Conference. New York was one of the tougher teams to beat at home last season, largely thanks to Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson. The Knicks now have a strong core that can fight with top teams thanks to the addition of defensive star Mitchell Robinson and rising star RJ Barrett. For the Knicks to move on, it will be important for Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley to improve.
The biggest question mark for New York is how well they can consistently score, especially when the Heat is on. TPR thinks the Knicks will need to find a good third scorer to go with their two All-Stars if they want to make the playoffs. Both Randle and Brunson have shown they can score. Given their weak offense, the Knicks’ strong defense and vast lineup should keep them competitive in the Eastern Conference.
8 Philadelphia 76ers
After a disappointing exit from the playoffs last year, Philadelphia has high hopes for the 2024 season. The team is built around reigning MVP Joel Embiid, but the uncertainty surrounding James Harden’s position could affect how well they do early in the season. Harden’s desire to leave the company has hampered the 76ers’ preseason preparations. How the team will handle this chaos needs to be clarified.
Having said that, Embiid is still one of the best players in the league, and Tyrese Maxey’s rise as a real offensive threat gives us hope for a better future. If Harden is moved, Maxey’s ability to score and make plays will be very important. The Sixers will need more consistency from their supporting group, including key bench players like De’Anthony Melton and new addition P.J. Washington. Tobias Harris is still a good contributor. TPR ranks the 76ers in the top 10, but their long-term success depends on how they handle Harden.
7 Phoenix Suns
After a busy summer, the Phoenix Suns are among the most interesting teams to watch in 2024. Adding Damian Lillard to their attack, along with superstar Kevin Durant and sharpshooter Devin Booker, gives them a new way to score. The Suns are one of the best scoring teams in the league because of this strong trio. They can score from anywhere on the court.
The Suns’ weak spot is their depth. Their starting group is full of stars, but their bench might be unable to keep up with other top teams. With Deandre Ayton gone, they also lose someone on the core of their defense. The new center, Daniel Gafford, has stepped in to fill that role. Yes, TPR agrees that the Suns’ offense is strong. However, their chances of winning the title rest on how well they can keep both ends of the court balanced and consistent all season.
6 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics want to win the title again as the 2024 season starts. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston has everything it needs to play at the top level. After making it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023, the Celtics added point guard Jrue Holiday to their team. Holiday is one of the best players and playmakers in the game.
Now that Marcus Smart is in Memphis, the team will need Holiday’s leadership and knowledge to get through tough times. With Kristaps PorziņĿis and Al Horford, Boston has one of the most flexible frontcourts in the league. Both can block shots and spread the floor. TPR says the Celtics are among the most well-balanced teams in the NBA. Their mix of young players, big-name stars, and great defenders makes them a strong title candidate.
5 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks made a big splash in the summer by signing Bradley Beal. This came after they missed the playoffs last year. Along with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, Beal is among the best Big Threes in the league. Giannis, who has won MVP twice, is still the team’s star player and is known for being dominant on both ends of the court. This season, the Bucks’ best quality will be their ability to score from many different spots.
TPR says that Milwaukee’s progress will depend on how well they can stay healthy, especially since Middleton and Beal have been hurt. Since they lost some important players over the summer, the Bucks must also fix problems with their rotation’s strength. For Milwaukee to win the title, Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez will be very helpful as backups. However, the three All-Stars need to stay healthy and play well when it means the most.
4 Los Angeles Clippers
There is still a lot to learn about the Clippers as a team. Their team looks like it has a lot of depth, with stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the way. Russell Westbrook’s career took a new direction in Los Angeles. He adds to their attack by making plays and keeping the energy high all the time.
The Clippers’ main worry is still health. Leonard and George have had trouble staying on the court for long, and they are quickly running out of time to win a championship. TPR thinks the Clippers have a lot of promise, but their success will depend on how healthy their stars are and how consistent their role players are. Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, and Terance Mann are some of those players. The Clippers are a real contender in the West as long as they stay fit.
3 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks didn’t do well in the playoffs last year, but they’ve made some big changes to help them win a title this year. This team is led by Luka Dončić, one of the best players in the world. Because of how well he leads, makes plays, and scores, he is always a candidate for MVP.
Dallas added to its depth this summer by signing veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon and bringing back Seth Curry to add more shooting from outside the arc. The Mavericks also picked up top talent Jalen Slawson, who is big and can play many different positions on defense. After getting Kyrie Irving, TPR believes that Dallas will be one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Their chances of winning depend on how well Dončić plays and how well Irving keeps playing all season.
2 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are the current NBA champions. They have a strong core ready to protect their title in 2024. The Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, play basketball that focuses on passing the ball and working together as a team. Jamal Murray’s return to full health was a big part of their title run last year, and he will be a big part of their offense again this year.
A lot of good players are on Denver’s team as well. Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are all key players who help on both ends of the court. Because of their size, shooting, and defense, TPR calls the Nuggets one of the league’s most well-rounded teams. Denver’s only question is whether they can keep the same intensity and attention now that they’ve reached their ultimate goal. The Nuggets are ready to make another strong run in the playoffs if they can.
1 Miami Heat
It’s a surprise that TPR thinks the Miami Heat are the best team going into the 2024 season. The Heat have been one of the toughest and most reliable teams in recent years, even though they didn’t win the title last year. The heart and soul of this team is Jimmy Butler, who continues to play at a top level. His leadership has been a big part of their success.
Get Tyler Herro and help Bam Adebayo grow during the off-season. These moves have made Miami’s team more balanced and able to compete with anyone. That’s what the Heat are known for: their defense. With head coach Erik Spoelstra in charge, Miami is known for grinding out wins. The Heat may not have the most star-studded squad, but TPR thinks their teamwork, toughness, and great defense will make them the team to beat in 2024.
Final Thoughts:
The 2024 NBA season will be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with many teams aiming for the title. For now, the NBA power rankings 2024 TPR shows us where each team stands. But, as we all know, the league is very unpredictable, so these numbers could change a lot as the season goes on.
The Power Rankings (TPR) will keep you updated and give you in-depth information on how teams perform, change, and adapt as they try to win the NBA title.
