Golden State Warriors are making history as they tied the record for the best start in an NBA season with 15 straight wins. Their next game is against the Los Angeles Lakers and they might even break the record. Surprisingly enough, the conference they play in is the weaker one this season, as the teams from the eastern conference have a much better record so far.
In this article, we will count down the strongest teams in the league right now, from the worst to the best. This ranking will not be affected only by team's record, but also stats and team's last few played games. However, the record will play the biggest role.
#30 - Philadelphia 76ers (0-14)
Sixers played incredibly well in their last game against the Miami Heat and almost won it. However, they cooled off in the final minutes of the game and stayed the only winless team in the league. It will be a tough season for them, but the team definitely has a lot of potential and could be one of the top teams in a year or two.
Sixers played incredibly well in their last game against the Miami Heat and almost won it. However, they cooled off in the final minutes of the game and stayed the only winless team in the league. It will be a tough season for them, but the team definitely has a lot of potential and could be one of the top teams in a year or two.
#29 - Los Angeles Lakers (2-11)
The Lakers are the worst team in L.A., the worst team in California, in the West and also one of the worst teams in the league. Kobe Bryant is playing his possibly last season and it's not very fun as the Lakers keep losing games and are currently on a 3-game losing streak.
The Lakers are the worst team in L.A., the worst team in California, in the West and also one of the worst teams in the league. Kobe Bryant is playing his possibly last season and it's not very fun as the Lakers keep losing games and are currently on a 3-game losing streak.
#28 - Houston Rockets (5-9)
Kevin McHale is fired, but not much has changed in Houston since then. The Rockets are 1-2 without McHale and their only win in that period came in the overtime. They are on a 2-game losing streak and nearly at the bottom of the conference.
Kevin McHale is fired, but not much has changed in Houston since then. The Rockets are 1-2 without McHale and their only win in that period came in the overtime. They are on a 2-game losing streak and nearly at the bottom of the conference.
#27 - Brooklyn Nets (3-11)
After a horrible 0-7 start of the season, the Nets are picking it up. They are 2-2 in their last four games and one of those wins came against the Atlanta Hawks. Nets also played the Warriors recently and barely lost the game as it went into the overtime. Things are not perfect in Brooklyn, but they are getting better.
After a horrible 0-7 start of the season, the Nets are picking it up. They are 2-2 in their last four games and one of those wins came against the Atlanta Hawks. Nets also played the Warriors recently and barely lost the game as it went into the overtime. Things are not perfect in Brooklyn, but they are getting better.
#26 - Minnesota Timberwolves (5-8)
Timberwolves had a great start of the season, but they ran out of gas shortly after it, winning only one out of their last seven games. That victory game against the strong Miami Heat team as the Wolves dropped 41 points in the fourth quarter against the home team. The rookie Karl-Anthony Town is dominating and Andrew Wiggins keeps getting better and better in what could be a very exciting season for Minnesota. The Timberwolves are one of the best road teams with 5-2 record, but they are still winless at home, losing all six games there.
Timberwolves had a great start of the season, but they ran out of gas shortly after it, winning only one out of their last seven games. That victory game against the strong Miami Heat team as the Wolves dropped 41 points in the fourth quarter against the home team. The rookie Karl-Anthony Town is dominating and Andrew Wiggins keeps getting better and better in what could be a very exciting season for Minnesota. The Timberwolves are one of the best road teams with 5-2 record, but they are still winless at home, losing all six games there.
#25 - Sacramento Kings (5-9)
Kings started the season with a 1-7 record, but have been 4-2 since then. DeMarcus Cousins established himself as the best center in the league and the point guard Rajon Rondo is getting triple-doubles every other game, making it look easy. Their two recent losses came against the Hawks and the Heat by only 13 points combined.
#24 - Los Angeles Clippers (6-7)
They might be the best team in Los Angeles, but they are one of the worst teams in the league at the moment, especially in the last week. Clippers have lost three straight games and they look nothing like the last year's team. The only good news for them is that there are 69 more games left to play.
They might be the best team in Los Angeles, but they are one of the worst teams in the league at the moment, especially in the last week. Clippers have lost three straight games and they look nothing like the last year's team. The only good news for them is that there are 69 more games left to play.
#23 - New Orleans Pelicans (3-11)
While their record makes them one of the three worst teams in the league, the Pelicans are on the rise. Anthony Davis is starting to play like he can and the Pelicans are starting to win games. They are on a 2-game win streak and one of those wins came against one of the strongest teams in the league, San Antonio Spurs.
While their record makes them one of the three worst teams in the league, the Pelicans are on the rise. Anthony Davis is starting to play like he can and the Pelicans are starting to win games. They are on a 2-game win streak and one of those wins came against one of the strongest teams in the league, San Antonio Spurs.
#22 - Milwaukee Bucks (5-8)
Milwaukee Bucks are going through many ups and downs, even though it's just start of the season. They opened the season with three straight losses, followed by four straight wins, then two more losses. Their last victory came against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they have hit another losing streak since then, this time losing three in a row.
Milwaukee Bucks are going through many ups and downs, even though it's just start of the season. They opened the season with three straight losses, followed by four straight wins, then two more losses. Their last victory came against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they have hit another losing streak since then, this time losing three in a row.
#21 - Denver Nuggets (6-8)
It seems that the Denver altitude doesn't help this season as the Nuggets are 3-4 on the home court. In their defense, they are missing some of the key players due to injuries and they have recently played some of the best teams in the league, including the Warriors and the Spurs.
It seems that the Denver altitude doesn't help this season as the Nuggets are 3-4 on the home court. In their defense, they are missing some of the key players due to injuries and they have recently played some of the best teams in the league, including the Warriors and the Spurs.
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#20 - Orlando Magic (6-7)
The young Magic team has been played well recently and has gone 6-4 in the last ten games, after opening the season with three straight losses. Their offense ranks in the top half in the league and they also play well on the home floor. Orlando is only one win under .500, but they face the tough opponent in the Cleveland Cavaliers this week.
The young Magic team has been played well recently and has gone 6-4 in the last ten games, after opening the season with three straight losses. Their offense ranks in the top half in the league and they also play well on the home floor. Orlando is only one win under .500, but they face the tough opponent in the Cleveland Cavaliers this week.
#19 - Portland Trail Blazers (6-9)
The Trail Blazers are still recovering from the 7-game losing streak they had earlier in the season, but they last two wins came by 12.5 points on average, which is a good sign. Damian Lillard is improving every game and he has a great support in C.J. McCollum, who is playing surprisingly well this season, averaging over 20 points per game.
The Trail Blazers are still recovering from the 7-game losing streak they had earlier in the season, but they last two wins came by 12.5 points on average, which is a good sign. Damian Lillard is improving every game and he has a great support in C.J. McCollum, who is playing surprisingly well this season, averaging over 20 points per game.
#18 - Utah Jazz (6-6)
Jazz are the second best defensive team in the league, allowing only 92.4 points to their opponents, while outscoring them by nearly 3 points per game. Rudy Gobert is doing a great job protecting the rim and everyone else is doing little bit of everything in order to win. They recently hit a 3-game losing streak, but shortly after it they went 2-1 and are currently one of two teams at .500 winning percentage.
Jazz are the second best defensive team in the league, allowing only 92.4 points to their opponents, while outscoring them by nearly 3 points per game. Rudy Gobert is doing a great job protecting the rim and everyone else is doing little bit of everything in order to win. They recently hit a 3-game losing streak, but shortly after it they went 2-1 and are currently one of two teams at .500 winning percentage.
#17 - Memphis Grizzlies (7-7)
Grizzlies had a 4-game losing streak earlier in the season, but right after it they won four straight games. In one of those games, Marc Gasol had his first career triple-double and the newest player they traded for, Mario Chalmers, has been very good for them so far. The Grizzlies also played solid game against the Spurs, but their winning streak was snapped as they lost by 10 points.
Grizzlies had a 4-game losing streak earlier in the season, but right after it they won four straight games. In one of those games, Marc Gasol had his first career triple-double and the newest player they traded for, Mario Chalmers, has been very good for them so far. The Grizzlies also played solid game against the Spurs, but their winning streak was snapped as they lost by 10 points.
#16 - Boston Celtics (7-6)
Celtics' offense ranks 6th in the league and they the 4th best point differential. However, they suffered two big losses recently: against the Brooklyn Nets and the loss of Marcus Smart. Smart averaged just under 10 points per game and was one of the biggest contributors to the team. However, he will be sidelined for at least two weeks before returning to the floor.
Celtics' offense ranks 6th in the league and they the 4th best point differential. However, they suffered two big losses recently: against the Brooklyn Nets and the loss of Marcus Smart. Smart averaged just under 10 points per game and was one of the biggest contributors to the team. However, he will be sidelined for at least two weeks before returning to the floor.
With 21.1 points and 6.5 assists per game, Isaiah Thomas has been one of the best bench players in the league
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#15 - Detroit Pistons (7-6)
Pistons had one of the best starts in the league, but they cooled off on their trip to California as they lost four straight games against the teams from the state. They have gone 2-1 since they, beating the Cavaliers and the Timberwolves, and losing to the Wizards by only two points. Andre Drummond is having a fantastic season, while Reggie Jackson is showing that he is one of the best point guards in the league.
#14 - Charlotte Hornets (7-6)
Charlotte opened the season with three straight losses, but were very good ever since. They are having one of the best offenses in the league and are on a two-game winning streak. Furthermore, Nicolas Batum got the recognition as he received Player of the Week award while leading the team to a 3-1 record in the week.
Charlotte opened the season with three straight losses, but were very good ever since. They are having one of the best offenses in the league and are on a two-game winning streak. Furthermore, Nicolas Batum got the recognition as he received Player of the Week award while leading the team to a 3-1 record in the week.
#13 - Phoenix Suns (7-6)
With 106.5 points per game, the Suns have the third best offense in the league and they also have a lethal backcourt duo of Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight. They are 4-2 in their last six games and their two losses came by 6 points each. Moreover, Knight had the first career triple-double last week and he also scored career-high in points with 38.
With 106.5 points per game, the Suns have the third best offense in the league and they also have a lethal backcourt duo of Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight. They are 4-2 in their last six games and their two losses came by 6 points each. Moreover, Knight had the first career triple-double last week and he also scored career-high in points with 38.
#12 - Atlanta Hawks (9-6)
Hawks have the fifth-best record in the East, but they have lost four out of the last five games they played. Atlanta team made the conference finals last season and it is expected of them to pick it up and finish with one of the best records in the league. However, they will have to improve their defense in order to win and they also face the Celtics in the next game, who have one of the best offensive teams.
Hawks have the fifth-best record in the East, but they have lost four out of the last five games they played. Atlanta team made the conference finals last season and it is expected of them to pick it up and finish with one of the best records in the league. However, they will have to improve their defense in order to win and they also face the Celtics in the next game, who have one of the best offensive teams.
#11 - Oklahoma City Thunder (8-6)
Kevin Durant is still out for the Thunder, but Russell Westbrook is playing very well and keeping the team above .500 winning percentage. The Thunder recently won a thriller in Dallas as they beat the Mavs by 3 points, after losing to the New York Knicks by the same point differential. OKC has the second-best offense in the league as they are scoring just under 110 points per game.
Kevin Durant is still out for the Thunder, but Russell Westbrook is playing very well and keeping the team above .500 winning percentage. The Thunder recently won a thriller in Dallas as they beat the Mavs by 3 points, after losing to the New York Knicks by the same point differential. OKC has the second-best offense in the league as they are scoring just under 110 points per game.
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#10 - Dallas Mavericks (9-5)
With the third-best record in the West, the Mavericks are one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. Despite being 37, Dirk Nowitzki looks great and he has a strong support in teammates, especially Zaza Pachulia and Deron Williams. Just before their 3-point loss to the Thunder, the Mavs were on a 6-game win streak.
With the third-best record in the West, the Mavericks are one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. Despite being 37, Dirk Nowitzki looks great and he has a strong support in teammates, especially Zaza Pachulia and Deron Williams. Just before their 3-point loss to the Thunder, the Mavs were on a 6-game win streak.
#9 - Washington Wizards (6-4)The Wizards have played the least games of any NBA team, but that doesn't discredit the fact that they have been playing very good lately. Washington is on a 3-game winning streak and in one of those victories they defeated the Bucks by 29 points. John Wall is starting to play better while his backcourt partner Bradley Beal is playing incredibly well this season, averaging over 20 points on efficient shooting.
#8 - Toronto Raptors (9-6)
The Raptors have one of the best records in the league despite the fact that they have only played four games on the home court. Yes, you read that right. Toronto has had 11 away games so far in the season, more than any other NBA team. Their last five games were on the road and they are on a two-game win streak, after losing the first three games of the trip. The next game is against the strong Cavaliers as they finally play at home.
The Raptors have one of the best records in the league despite the fact that they have only played four games on the home court. Yes, you read that right. Toronto has had 11 away games so far in the season, more than any other NBA team. Their last five games were on the road and they are on a two-game win streak, after losing the first three games of the trip. The next game is against the strong Cavaliers as they finally play at home.
#7 - New York Knicks (8-6)
If there was an award for the most improved team, the Knicks would probably win it this year. They are well above .500, and are also on a 4-game win streak. Carmelo Anthony is playing well, but it's the rookie Kristaps Porzingis who is putting on a show in the Big Apple. The rookie had 24 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks in the last game and he also shot 67% from the field. The Knicks have a bright future in the 20-year old center as he is slowly climbing the rookie ladder.
If there was an award for the most improved team, the Knicks would probably win it this year. They are well above .500, and are also on a 4-game win streak. Carmelo Anthony is playing well, but it's the rookie Kristaps Porzingis who is putting on a show in the Big Apple. The rookie had 24 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks in the last game and he also shot 67% from the field. The Knicks have a bright future in the 20-year old center as he is slowly climbing the rookie ladder.
#6 - Chicago Bulls (8-4)
Even without Derrick Rose, the Bulls are still one of the best teams in the league. Jimmy Butler is phenomenal this year and leads the charge, and he also has a strong supporting cast. The Bulls were on a 4-game winning streak before they squared off against the Warriors on the road and lost the game. With Tom Thibodeau gone, the Bulls are no more one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, but they make up for it with solid offense while also having an average defense. With 5-1 record in the United Center, they are one of the best home teams in the league.
Even without Derrick Rose, the Bulls are still one of the best teams in the league. Jimmy Butler is phenomenal this year and leads the charge, and he also has a strong supporting cast. The Bulls were on a 4-game winning streak before they squared off against the Warriors on the road and lost the game. With Tom Thibodeau gone, the Bulls are no more one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, but they make up for it with solid offense while also having an average defense. With 5-1 record in the United Center, they are one of the best home teams in the league.
Jimmy Butler is having the best season of his career as he is leading the Bulls to one of the best records
Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
#5 - Indiana Pacers (8-5)
Not many believed that Paul George can make such a big comeback and that the Pacers can be relevant in the league, but it is happening. George is having a fantastic year, averaging 24.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The Pacers lost only one of their last six games and their only loss, which was against the Bulls, came by a single point. Beside great scoring output, the Pacers are having one of the best defenses in the league.
Not many believed that Paul George can make such a big comeback and that the Pacers can be relevant in the league, but it is happening. George is having a fantastic year, averaging 24.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The Pacers lost only one of their last six games and their only loss, which was against the Bulls, came by a single point. Beside great scoring output, the Pacers are having one of the best defenses in the league.
#4 - Miami Heat (8-4)
Miami Heat have the third-best defense in the league and the second place in the East. They have lost only one out of their last six games during the home stand which ends with the game against the Knicks. Dwyane Wade bounced back after a couple of bad games, Hassan Whiteside keeps dominating the paint and Chris Bosh is also finding his range. Moreover, the Heat's bench is getting better and better with every game.
Miami Heat have the third-best defense in the league and the second place in the East. They have lost only one out of their last six games during the home stand which ends with the game against the Knicks. Dwyane Wade bounced back after a couple of bad games, Hassan Whiteside keeps dominating the paint and Chris Bosh is also finding his range. Moreover, the Heat's bench is getting better and better with every game.
#3 - San Antonio Spurs (10-3)
We are used to seeing the Spurs at or near the top of power rankings every year. This season they are led by the incredible Kawhi Leonard while their great core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili is also doing a great job. There is also the newest addition, LaMarcus Aldridge, who has been playing very well since joining the Spurs. San Antonio is 7-1 in their last eight games and they have the best defense in the NBA.
We are used to seeing the Spurs at or near the top of power rankings every year. This season they are led by the incredible Kawhi Leonard while their great core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili is also doing a great job. There is also the newest addition, LaMarcus Aldridge, who has been playing very well since joining the Spurs. San Antonio is 7-1 in their last eight games and they have the best defense in the NBA.
#2 - Cleveland Cavaliers (10-3)
The Cavaliers finished second last year after the Golden State Warriors defeated them in the finals, but they are making a strong push to get back to the finals once again and possibly avenge the last year's loss. LeBron James is having another fantastic season and Kevin Love is starting to look like the Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kyrie Irving has yet to play this season and the Cavs will be scary with their big three playing together on the floor.
The Cavaliers finished second last year after the Golden State Warriors defeated them in the finals, but they are making a strong push to get back to the finals once again and possibly avenge the last year's loss. LeBron James is having another fantastic season and Kevin Love is starting to look like the Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kyrie Irving has yet to play this season and the Cavs will be scary with their big three playing together on the floor.
#1 - Golden State Warriors (15-0)
Was there any doubt who will be the number one? The Warriors tied the record for the best start in the NBA history with 15 victories in a row. They have a great opportunity to break the record with their next game which they play against the L.A. Lakers. Stephen Curry is averaging unreal numbers as the Warriors are the best offensive team in the league. Everyone else is doing a great job on the Warriors and they have the opportunity to become one of the best teams in the history of the league!
Was there any doubt who will be the number one? The Warriors tied the record for the best start in the NBA history with 15 victories in a row. They have a great opportunity to break the record with their next game which they play against the L.A. Lakers. Stephen Curry is averaging unreal numbers as the Warriors are the best offensive team in the league. Everyone else is doing a great job on the Warriors and they have the opportunity to become one of the best teams in the history of the league!
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