The NBA season has finally begun, and we’re already seeing changes, surprises, and great play from the league’s best teams. There were a lot of preseason forecasts and roster changes in Week 1. Now that a few games have been played, it’s easier to see who the league’s contenders and pretenders are. The Power Rankings (TPR) has put together this in-depth look at the NBA Week 2 Power Rankings.
Top 12 NBA Week 2 Teams Rankings
1 Boston Celtics (3-0)
The defending champions, the Boston Celtics, continue to show their domination by being ranked #1 in TPR’s NBA week 2 rankings. They got off to a great start to the season by beating the Knicks at their banner-raising event and then beating the Wizards and Pistons. Their mix of star power, defense, and teamwork makes them the bar that everyone wants to reach. The Celtics are the best team in the league until they show signs of being weak.
2 Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)
The Thunder have had a great first week and have shown fans why they are a rising star in the Western Conference. With a massive win over the Nuggets in Denver, OKC moved up to #2 in the NBA week 2 rankings. Many are calling the game a “statement win.” With wins over the Bulls and Hawks, they’ve shown that they have the skill, depth, and teamwork to be a top team.
3 Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are now ranked third by TPR. After losing to the Lakers to start the season, the Wolves have found their groove. New players Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo have made a big difference. After a tough loss in Sacramento, where Randle and Anthony Edwards scored over 30 points. They returned with a strong win at home against the Raptors. The Wolves look like they’re ready to make a splash. Their game against Dallas on Tuesday will show if they’re ready for long-term success.
4 Phoenix Suns (2-1)
The Phoenix Suns are getting much attention this season thanks to their new coach, Mike Budenholzer. They moved from #8 in last week’s rankings to #4 in the NBA week 2 rankings. The Suns lost to the Lakers in a close game after beating the Clippers and the Mavericks. However, they have a lot of promise. The Suns might have a big year soon because they have good leadership and a scheme that looks good.
5 Dallas Mavericks (1-1)
The Dallas Mavericks got off to a good start by beating the Spurs in their first game. The Spurs were expected to make Victor Wembanyama’s debut. In their next game, though, the Mavs couldn’t keep up with the Suns. The TPR NBA week 2 rankings put Dallas at #5, telling fans that this is the same team that made it to the NBA Finals last year. If they play the Timberwolves again, the team has a chance to solidify their place as a real contender in the West.
6 New York Knicks (1-1)
The Knicks got off to a bad start when they played the Celtics in their first game of the season. However, the team bounced back with a big win over the Pacers, which helped them reach #6 in TPR’s NBA week 2 rankings. It looks like the Knicks are ready to fight this season. Their upcoming games against the Cavaliers and Heat should show where they stand in the Eastern Conference.
7 Los Angeles Lakers (3-0)
They are off to a good start, which puts the Lakers at #7 in this week’s rankings. The Lakers have won three straight games at home against the Wolves, the Suns, and the Kings, giving them confidence and putting early critics to rest. Even though they’re showing a lot of promise, their next road game against the Suns will test their durability and reliability. Many people wonder if the Lakers’ comeback is real, and we’re all eager to find out.
8 Denver Nuggets (0-2)
If you remember, Denver’s title defense started well. But now they’re having a rough time, and rumors are spreading that coach Mike Malone and the front office are not getting along. In their first game, they lost to the Thunder, which was a surprise, and then they lost to the Clippers without Kawhi. Although the Nuggets rank at #8 in TPR’s NBA Week 2 rankings, it’s hard to ignore a team led by Nikola Joki. They’ll have to get back together and show they’re still strong in the West.
9 Cleveland Cavaliers (3-0)
The Cavaliers were one of the early winners because they haven’t lost yet this season. However, they have beaten lower-ranked teams like the Raptors, Pistons, and Wizards. Even though Cleveland hasn’t played a single bad team yet, TPR still ranks them 9 because they haven’t faced a real test yet. New games on their schedule will be against tougher teams, so we’ll see if the Cavs can keep up their good play.
10 Memphis Grizzlies (2-1)
The Memphis Grizzlies got off to a good start, beating the Jazz and the Magic. However, a tough loss to the Rockets made them realize how bad things are. When Ja Morant returned, the team was boosted, but they’re still fixing the bugs. In the NBA week 2 rankings, Memphis is at #10. They have a lot of potential, but they must be more consistent to move up.
11 Orlando Magic (2-1)
Orlando’s young core, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, has grown a lot in their first week together. TPR has the Magic at #11 after they started the season with two good wins, one of which was a good game against the Nets. Even though they lost to Memphis, Orlando fans have much to be happy about. But the Magic are already making plans for a bright future. It might take them a year to make a run at the playoffs.
12 Philadelphia 76ers (1-2)
As the last team in the NBA week 2 rankings, the 76ers have had a tough start. They lost to the Bucks and the Raptors, but beating the Pacers gave them a little boost. Adding Paul George to the rotation is still not going well, and the Sixers must find a way to work together. Their future games against teams from the Western Conference will test how tough they are and help us figure out if they can be a contender this season.
Teams That Dropped Out of the Rankings
One interesting thing to note is that the Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) and the Indiana Pacers (1-2) fell out of the TPR ranks in week 2. The Bucks still haven’t found their rhythm, and the Pacers are having a tough time after ending their playoff run early last year.
Last Words:
Based on The Power Rankings (TPR) for NBA Week 2, it’s clear that the league is full of shocks and thrills. While some teams, like the Nuggets, have had a rough start, others, like the Lakers, are going above and beyond. There is still a lot of time in the season for teams to move around and find their groove. With big games coming up, these numbers will change as contenders and sleepers show what they can do.
Does this list make sense to you? Did TPR get it right? Let’s keep the conversation going as NBA Week 2 continues by leaving your ideas in the comments.
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