We’re several games into the NBA’s 2024-25 season, so it’s difficult to tell which teams will rise and fall. But, at this point, we’ve already seen some great things from teams, and it’s safe to say we have our favorites going into the rest of the season.
In that spirit, Alternative Fix presents its early Power Rankings for the best teams in the NBA for the 2024-25 season. We’re ranking the top five teams.
Early NBA Power Rankings
5. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks aren’t undefeated, but they’re strong and have superstar Luka Dončić, who is shooting 38.7 percent from the field. He could help them go all the way.
4. Phoenix Suns
The Suns are looking stronger than last season, which says a lot.
“The supporting cast looks much better than last season, highlighted by true point guard Tyus Jones and impressive rookie Ryan Dunn. Oh yeah, and remember all of Phoenix’s notable crunch-time struggles last season? In two clutch games so far, they’re 2-0 with an absurd plus-39 net rating,” CBS Sports notes.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are undefeated, so they could be No. 1, but they haven’t played the toughest teams.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks) is in form, and Chet Holmgren just dominated his matchup with rival Victor Wembanyama in Wednesday’s win over the San Antonio Spurs,” notes Bleacher Report. “Chet went for 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Wemby finished with just six points on 1-of-5 shooting. And yet, things can get better for the Thunder, who are 27th in the league in three-point percentage and haven’t even had Isaiah Hartenstein play yet.”
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been strong the past few years, but they’re looking even stronger this season. Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports actually has them ranked as the No. 1 team right now, stating, “After being a middle-of-the-pack offensive team a season ago, Kenny Atkinson has revitalized the league-best attack that has averaged over 123 points per 100 possessions during their perfect start.”
Ward-Henninger adds, “Evan Mobley has been handling the ball more on the perimeter with outstanding results, as the fourth-year big man has put up 19 points and eight rebounds per game on 57% shooting (he’s even gone 4 of 8 from 3-point range). He, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are all averaging over 18 points per game, and Ty Jerome has been a godsend as backup point guard. And let’s not forget that the defense is still elite.”
1. Boston Celtics
It’s like the Boston Celtics started just where they left off last season. Unfortunately for their foes, the Celtics look like they’re ready to make another run to the national championship.
Regarding their recent loss to the Pacers, Bleacher Report noted, “Despite being down 24 in the second half, Boston charged all the way back to send the game to overtime. And as their 10 second-half threes poured in, you couldn’t help but think this team can overcome just about any deficit. One competitive road loss is far from enough to knock the Celtics from this perch.”