Power Rankings, Week 5: Celtics regain control of No. 1 spot – NBA.com

Boston is back on top while the Knicks, Kings and Bucks all climb into the Top 10.
John Schuhmann
Boston’s stars are setting the tone as the Celtics’ offense continues to shine.
While things remain a little muddled at the top of the league, all is clear at the bottom.
The bottom seven teams in last week’s rankings went 2-20 last week, with the only wins (Memphis over San Antonio and Utah over Portland) coming within the group. As we enter Week 5, the Pistons (11), Spurs (8), Blazers (7), Wizards (5) and Hornets (4) all have losing streaks of at least four games. They’re joined by the Grizzlies in the group of six teams that have yet to win four games.
Maybe one of those teams — Memphis is obviously the best candidate — will make a turnaround. But we seem to have more punching bags this season than in years past.
Plus-Minus Players of the Week
Teams of the Week
* * *
East vs. West
* * *
Movement in the Rankings
* * *
Week 5 Team to Watch
* * *
Previously…
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
The league has averaged 113.0 points scored per 100 possessions and 100.1 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes this season.

NBA.com’s Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man’s opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, send him an e-mail or contact him via Twitter.
Record: 11-2
OffRtg: 118.4 (4) DefRtg: 106.5 (1) NetRtg: +11.9 (1) Pace: 98.2 (26)
The Celtics were the first team to 10 wins and the first team with multiple winning streaks of at least five games. Their current streak is at six, though things got a little crazy down the stretch in Toronto and Memphis over the weekend.
Three takeaways
You’d certainly hope for a more decisive victory in Memphis, but the Celtics have shown they can win with both offense and defense. And they began the week with double-digit wins over both New York and Philadelphia, moving into first place in the East as a result.
Jrue Holiday faces his former team for the first time on Wednesday. Two nights later, the league’s top two defenses will meet for the first time in an In-Season Tournament game in Orlando.
Week 5: @ CHA, vs. MIL, @ ORL*, vs. ATL
Record: 9-3
OffRtg: 112.4 (14) DefRtg: 107.0 (3) NetRtg: +5.3 (6) Pace: 99.3 (19)
The Wolves went 4-1 on their road trip and remain one of three teams with fewer than four losses. Their defense has taken a small step backward, but their last two games have been their second and third most efficient offensive performances of the season.
Three takeaways
Towns hasn’t gotten lost in the Anthony Edwards ascendance. He averaged 29 points over three games last week, he’s seen a small jump in usage rate from last season, and (with Edwards having fouled out) he was the guy with the ball in his hands when the Wolves needed a bucket with 10 seconds left in New Orleans on Saturday. He came through.
The Wolves will play five of their next six games at home, where they’re currently 5-0. The first four of those home games — vs. the Knicks, Sixers, Kings and Thunder — should be great tests, with their In-Season Tournament game against Sacramento on Friday being a matchup of two 2-0 teams in West Group C.
KAT FLOATER FOR THE LEAD 💪
TIMBERWOLVES TAKE THE LEAD 121-120 WITH 5.2 SECONDS LEFT‼️
Pelicans-Timberwolves | Live on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/ddReBWYIzp pic.twitter.com/HydxxNekZ6
— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2023

Week 5: vs. NYK, vs. PHI, vs. SAC*, @ MEM
Record: 10-3
OffRtg: 120.1 (2) DefRtg: 111.2 (11) NetRtg: +8.9 (2) Pace: 100.3 (14)
The Sixers’ eight-game winning streak came to an end as the Pacers and Celtics both avenged losses from the previous week. Philly’s defense has taken a step backward over the last eight days, but their offense was ridiculous as they got road wins in Atlanta and Brooklyn over the weekend.
Three takeaways
While all three of their losses have been close down the stretch, only one of their 10 wins (vs. Boston the previous week) was within five in the last five, and that one had just a brief dalliance with clutch time when the Celtics made a late run from 15 down with three minutes left. Their nine non-clutch wins are three more than any other team has.
This could be a big week for the Sixers, especially if Donovan Mitchell is available for their In-Season Tournament game on Tuesday. After that, they’ll visit the first-and second-place teams in the Western Conference.
Week 5: vs. CLE*, @ MIN, @ OKC
Record: 9-4
OffRtg: 116.7 (8) DefRtg: 110.3 (7) NetRtg: +6.5 (5) Pace: 97.7 (27)
The Nuggets remain undefeated (7-0) at home, though they had to make a late run to beat the Clippers in the In-Season Tournament on Tuesday. But they’ve now lost their last four road games and have slid into third place in the West with their first losing streak of the season.
Three takeaways
This is not new, of course. The Nuggets had a losing record (19-22) on the road last season, with only the Grizzlies having a bigger home-road differential in regard to point differential per 100 possessions. Denver went on to win six of its nine road games in the playoffs, including all four in the final two rounds.
The schedule remains road-heavy for these last two weeks before the as-yet-unscheduled Week 7. The Pistons have lost 11 straight overall, so something has to give on Monday, when both teams will be playing the second game of a back-to-back.
Week 5: @ DET, @ ORL, @ HOU*, vs. SAS
Record: 10-4
OffRtg: 116.9 (7) DefRtg: 108.4 (6) NetRtg: +8.5 (3) Pace: 101.5 (7)
We’re still at the stage of the season where a couple of games can skew a team’s numbers. And the Thunder had a couple of those games last week, beating the Spurs and Blazers by a total of 79 points. They’ve won seven of their last eight, with the league’s No. 1 defense over that stretch, climbing into second place in the Western Conference.
Three takeaways
The Thunder didn’t get their 10th win until Game No. 23 last season. This group is different.
Their game against the Bulls on Wednesday is the end of a stretch of five straight games against teams that are currently under .500, though the Thunder obviously escorted the Warriors into that club. Their visit from the Sixers on Saturday is the start of a much tougher (and interesting) stretch: vs. Philly, at Minnesota, vs. the Lakers and at Dallas.
Week 5: vs. CHI, vs. PHI
Record: 9-4
OffRtg: 116.9 (6) DefRtg: 114.6 (21) NetRtg: +2.3 (11) Pace: 101.9 (6)
After a two-game absence, Damian Lillard has been back for four games, and the Bucks have won all four. They’ve won the last seven in which Lillard has been available, and their best win of the season may have come on Saturday, when they were at a rest disadvantage against the Mavs.
Three takeaways
Their win in Charlotte on Friday was the first time that the Bucks held their opponent under a point per possession, but after their 132-125 win over Dallas the following night, that Charlotte game seems more like an anomaly than the start of a trend for the league’s 21st-ranked defense.
The Bucks’ first meeting with the Celtics and their fourth-ranked offense will be Wednesday in Boston. The Celtics won two of the three meetings last season, with the two losses being two of the Bucks’ five worst defensive games of the year.
Week 5: @ WAS, @ BOS, vs. WAS*, vs. POR
Record: 8-4
OffRtg: 114.7 (11) DefRtg: 112.1 (14) NetRtg: +2.6 (9) Pace: 100.3 (12)
The Kings have won six straight games to climb into the top four in the Western Conference, and four of those six wins have come against teams — the Thunder, Cavs, Lakers and Mavs — who also have winning records.
Three takeaways
The offense is great when the point guard’s healthy and the defense might be legitimately improved. The Kings might be following up last season’s success with something better.
Prior to Sunday, the Kings were one of two teams (the Rockets were the other) that had yet to play a back-to-back. The second game of their first back-to-back is the first of two straight games in New Orleans. And with both teams currently 2-0 in the In-Season Tournament, the Kings’ game in Minnesota on Friday will be for first place in West Group C.
Week 5: @ NOP, @ NOP, @ MIN*
Record: 8-5
OffRtg: 114.9 (10) DefRtg: 108.3 (5) NetRtg: +6.6 (4) Pace: 96.7 (30)
The Knicks went 4-1 in their only stretch of five games in seven days this season, with the only loss coming with a rest disadvantage in Boston. They’ve won six of their last seven overall, with the league’s second-ranked offense over the last two weeks.
Three takeaways
The Knicks’ defense has remained in the top five, while their offense has climbed from 29th to 10th in the last two weeks. The Celtics, Nuggets and Thunder are the only other teams that currently rank in the top 10 on both ends of the floor.
That improved offense will face the league’s third-ranked defense on Monday when the Knicks conclude their five-game trip in Minnesota. Then they have three days off before facing the Heat for the first time since Game 6 of the conference semis.
Week 5: @ MIN, vs. MIA*, vs. PHX
Record: 9-5
OffRtg: 120.0 (3) DefRtg: 118.2 (26) NetRtg: +1.8 (x) Pace: 102.0 (5)
Defense remains an issue for the Mavs, who allowed 124.8 points per 100 possessions as they lost three of their four games last week. The last two were against improving offenses in Milwaukee and Sacramento, but the first two were against the Pelicans and Wizards.
Three takeaways
The Mavs and Pacers both rank in the top five on offense, in the bottom five on defense, and in the top five in pace. Unfortunately, they’re not scheduled to play each other until after the All-Star break, and the Pacers’ In-Season Tournament success makes it unlikely that Dallas-Indy will be one of the two inter-conference games scheduled for Week 7.
Their loss to the Kings on Sunday actually began a stretch where the Mavs are playing 17 straight games within the West (as long as they get two conference games in Week 7). They can get in some practice time over the next two weeks, as they’ll have two days off before each of their next four games, with an extended stay in L.A. this week.
Week 5: @ LAL, @ LAC
Record: 8-5
OffRtg: 110.9 (20) DefRtg: 110.8 (9) NetRtg: +0.1 (18) Pace: 98.9 (22)
The Heat’s seven-game winning streak came to a surprising end in Chicago on Saturday, when the Heat had a rest advantage and led 22-1 after the first seven minutes. They had won their previous 68 games (including playoffs) that they led by at least 20 points, with the last loss having come (to Oklahoma City) in the bubble in August of 2020.
Three takeaways
Tyler Herro remains out, but Eastern Conference finals hero Caleb Martin returned from a 10-game absence last week. That means the Heat are a little more whole as they continue a five-game trip that began with the loss in Chicago on Saturday.
East Group B is the only one where we could possibly have two 3-0 teams — Miami and Milwaukee — facing each other on the final day of the In-Season Tournament (next Tuesday). The Heat will have a tougher time remaining undefeated, visiting New York for their third tournament game on Friday.
Week 5: @ CHI, @ CLE, @ NYK*, @ BKN
Record: 7-5
OffRtg: 120.7 (1) DefRtg: 118.4 (27) NetRtg: +2.3 (10) Pace: 104.3 (1)
The Pacers took control of East Group A with an impressive In-Season Tournament win in Philadelphia on Tuesday when Tyrese Haliburton (7-for-12) made more 3-pointers than the Sixers (6-for-22). Obi Toppin also had a big game (27 points on 12-for-15 shooting) and Myles Turner had multiple big buckets down the stretch.
Three takeaways
The Philly victory was impressive, but the loss to Orlando may ultimately be more important. The Pacers will play two more potentially important games this week, visiting the Hawks (who rank fourth in free throw differential) on Tuesday and hosting the Raptors the following night.
TOUGH Obi Toppin reverse slam! 💥 pic.twitter.com/JjjXkdHhFb
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 13, 2023

Week 5: @ ATL*, vs. TOR, vs. DET*
Record: 8-6
OffRtg: 110.4 (23) DefRtg: 112.1 (15) NetRtg: -1.8 (21) Pace: 99.8 (17)
The Lakers have won five of their last six games to climb back over .500 and into the top six in the Western Conference. Three of the five wins have come against the Blazers (x 2) and Grizzlies, but they’ve also beaten the Suns and Rockets, with LeBron James hitting the game-winning free throw against Houston on Sunday.
Three takeaways
James’ value to the Lakers has never been greater. They played the Kings even in his 35 minutes on Wednesday, but were outscored by 15 in his 12:42 on the bench. For the season, they’ve 23.8 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor (plus-7.1) than they’ve been with him off the floor (minus-16.7).
The Lakers can clinch a spot in the In-Season Tournament quarterfinals with a win over the Jazz on Tuesday.
Week 5: vs. UTA*, vs. DAL, @ CLE
Record: 7-6
OffRtg: 115.9 (9) DefRtg: 114.2 (20) NetRtg: +1.7 (14) Pace: 98.7 (24)
Wednesday was supposed to be the debut of Phoenix’s new big three. But with Bradley Beal out for at least another three weeks with a back issue, the first time that the Suns have him, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant all in uniform will be no sooner than Game 22.
Three takeaways
A three-game winning streak has the Suns back on the right side of .500, but the win over Minnesota was a rest-advantage game, and the Jazz are 4-9 with the league’s 28th-ranked defense. Tougher tests will come this week when the Suns play the Warriors and Knicks.
But their In-Season Tournament games against Portland and Memphis are opportunities for the Suns (1-1) to pad their point differential and make a play for the Western Conference wildcard.
Week 5: vs. POR*, vs. GSW, @ MEM*, @ NYK
Record: 7-6
OffRtg: 111.8 (18) DefRtg: 111.5 (12) NetRtg: +0.3 (16) Pace: 99.5 (18)
The Cavs have had their starting backcourt together for just six of their 13 games, and either Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell (last two) has missed each of the last three. But they have their first winning streak of the season, which includes a victory over the Nuggets on Sunday.
Three takeaways
The Cavs got to play the Blazers and Pistons last week, but eight of their 13 games have come against other teams that are currently over .500. Their next three are also within that group, and they’ll be at a rest disadvantage when they host the Heat on Wednesday, the start of their longest homestand of the season (five games over nine days).
Week 5: @ PHI*, vs. MIA, vs. LAL, vs. TOR
Record: 6-5
OffRtg: 111.3 (19) DefRtg: 107.8 (4) NetRtg: +3.5 (7) Pace: 97.3 (29)
The Rockets’ played a couple of ugly games in L.A. over the weekend, combining with their opponents to score just 104.8 points per 100 possessions. Both games went down to the wire and the Rockets lost them both, getting beat by a step-back 3 from James Harden and a free throw from LeBron James. So their season has been a six-game winning streak sandwiched by five losses.
Three takeaways
While all of the above is about the offense, where the Rockets have made enormous strides is on defense, allowing 10.8 fewer points per 100 possessions than they did last season, by far the league’s biggest drop.
Of course, only one of their 11 games has come against a team that currently ranks in the top 10 offensively. They’ll face that same top-10 offense on Friday, when they host the Nuggets in their third In-Season Tournament game. Houston won the first meeting eight days ago, one of five games in which their opponent has shot less than 30% from 3-point range.
Week 5: @ GSW, vs. MEM, vs. DEN*
Record: 6-7
OffRtg: 110.6 (21) DefRtg: 113.8 (19) NetRtg: -3.1 (22) Pace: 101.5 (8)
Entering last week, the three best teams in the West were the Mavs, Nuggets and Wolves. The Pelicans came within 10 seconds of beating all three, but couldn’t get a last-second stop after blowing a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead to Minnesota on Saturday.
Three takeaways
The Pelicans have been on a roller coaster, starting 4-1, losing five straight, and then having a strong week against the best teams in the West. CJ McCollum has now missed the last seven games.
They’ve also played a tough schedule and still have two games left on a stretch of nine straight against teams that currently have winning records. Both games are against the Kings (who’ve won six straight), and the Pelicans will have a rest advantage on Monday.
Week 5: vs. SAC, vs. SAC, @ LAC*, @ UTA
Record: 8-5
OffRtg: 109.6 (25) DefRtg: 106.5 (2) NetRtg: +3.0 (8) Pace: 100.0 (16)
The Magic’s first In-Season Tournament game came with their worst defensive performance of the season, 124 points allowed on just 95 defensive possessions in Brooklyn on Tuesday. But they’ve since won three straight games, holding their opponents (including the team with the league’s No. 1 offense) to just 101.3 per 100.
Three takeaways
The Orlando defense is legit. The Magic’s win in Indiana on Sunday was just the second time (first time at home) that the Pacers have scored less than 118 points per 100 possessions.
Only four of the Magic’s 13 games have been at home. They now begin a six-game homestand that features two games this week against offenses — those of the Nuggets and Celtics — that rank in the top eight.
PAOLO BANCHERO GAME-WINNER 🥶
MAGIC WIN IN CHICAGO. pic.twitter.com/s3zZzSQ2xL
— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2023

Week 5: vs. TOR*, vs. DEN, vs. BOS*, vs. CHA
Record: 6-6
OffRtg: 117.0 (5) DefRtg: 115.2 (22) NetRtg: +1.8 (13) Pace: 102.4 (3)
After an impressive four-game winning streak, the Hawks have lost four of their last six to return to familiar territory (.500). The only wins in that stretch have come by a total of seven points over the Magic (in Mexico City) and Pistons (in Detroit).
Three takeaways
Four of the Hawks’ six losses were within five points in the last five minutes, eight of their 12 games have come against teams that currently have winning records, and they have a positive point differential for the season.
This week brings the Hawks’ first meetings with the 7-5 Pacers and the 11-2 Celtics, as well as their third and fourth back-to-backs of the season. But it also brings their first of eight rest-advantage games (down from a league-high 15 last season). That’ll be on Saturday, when they begin a five-game trip in Washington.
Week 5: vs. IND*, vs. BKN, @ WAS, @ BOS
Record: 6-8
OffRtg: 112.2 (16) DefRtg: 112.2 (16) NetRtg: -0.1 (19) Pace: 100.3 (13)
The Warriors are the only team with both a five-game winning streak and a five-game losing streak, and the latter hit six games when they blew an 18-point, second-half lead against the Thunder on Saturday.
Three takeaways
The defensive numbers are worse in those Curry-Green minutes, but the Dubs have scored just 107.7 points per 100 possessions over the losing streak, down from 115.5 through their first eight games.
The Warriors get to play the similarly-streaking Spurs on Friday, and games against Houston and Phoenix earlier in the week will be their first two rest-advantage games of the season.
Week 5: vs. HOU, @ PHX, vs. SAS*
Record: 6-7
OffRtg: 110.5 (22) DefRtg: 110.3 (8) NetRtg: +0.2 (17) Pace: 98.8 (23)
The Raptors’ first In-Season Tournament game (they were the last team to play one) was, perhaps, a moral victory. They came back from a 16-point deficit against the best team in the league, but couldn’t close the deal and are now 1-5 against the three teams — Milwaukee, Boston and Philadelphia — that finished at the top of the Eastern Conference last season.
Three takeaways
Playing the Pistons helped an offense that’s seen the league’s fourth-biggest drop in points scored per 100 possessions from last season. The defense has been improved, and it got OG Anunoby back from a three-game absence on Sunday.
The Raptors are still the only team that’s played just one In-Season Tournament game, so they’ll have three in the next nine days. Losing to the Celtics by just three will help the ‘ol point differential and make them a wildcard contender if they can beat the Magic, Bulls and Nets.
Week 5: @ ORL*, @ IND, vs. CHI*, @ CLE
Record: 6-7
OffRtg: 114.0 (12) DefRtg: 115.3 (23) NetRtg: -1.3 (20) Pace: 99.0 (21)
The Nets got a good, In-Season Tournament win against the Magic on Tuesday, with Mikal Bridges boosting their point differential with a steal and layup in the closing seconds. But their defense, despite a plethora of good defenders, remains an issue. Brooklyn allowed Miami and Philadelphia to combine for 129.3 points per 100 possessions as it fell back below .500.
Three takeaways
Maybe the Nets are the new Hawks, as they’ve been within one game of .500 after each of their last 11 games. In order to keep that streak alive, they’ll have to beat the actual Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday. They’ll have a rest advantage for that game and when they meet the Heat for the third time on Saturday night.
Week 5: @ ATL, vs. MIA, vs. CHI
Record: 4-7
OffRtg: 112.3 (15) DefRtg: 110.8 (10) NetRtg: +1.5 (15) Pace: 99.1 (20)
After an 0-5 start, the Clippers finally got their first with James Harden, and Harden drained the game-winner against the Rockets on Friday. It was an ugly game overall, but the Clippers’ new starting lineup had some much-needed offensive success.
Three takeaways
Friday was a little bit of a breakthrough, but the Clippers still rank 28th offensively (only the Blazers and Spurs have been worse) over the two weeks that they’ve had Harden available. Two of their six games in that stretch have been against teams that currently rank in the bottom 10 defensively, and they’ll have three more games against bottom-10 defenses — those of the Spurs and Mavs — this week.
The Clippers are one of three teams — Boston and Utah are the others — with three sets of five games in seven nights this season. Their first begins with a home back-to-back (vs. New Orleans and Dallas) on Friday and Saturday.
JAMES HARDEN 4-POINT PLAY 😱
CASHES THE STEPBACK FOR THE LEAD WITH SECONDS REMAINING.
🏆 NBA In-Season Tournament
🏀 West Group B action on the NBA App
📱 https://t.co/A3xDbl1bUf pic.twitter.com/kFWsM82wFd
— NBA (@NBA) November 18, 2023

Week 5: @ SAS, @ SAS, vs. NOP*, vs. DAL
Record: 5-9
OffRtg: 108.5 (27) DefRtg: 111.9 (13) NetRtg: -3.5 (23) Pace: 97.3 (28)
The Bulls are reportedly open for business in regard to trading Zach LaVine and pivoting from a situation where they continue to be outscored with their three best players on the floor. They got a good win on Saturday, ending the Heat’s seven-game winning streak, but that was preceded by a three-game losing streak over which they scored just 102.4 points per 100 possessions.
Three takeaways
That first Orlando game was ugly (both teams scored less than a point per possession), and the Bulls’ defense is trending in the right direction, having allowed just 103.5 per 100 over their last three games. But it’s pretty amazing how bad their offense has been given the skills of LaVine, DeRozan and Vucevic.
The Bulls’ win over the Heat on Saturday was the first of (at least) four games against Miami over the course of 29 days, with the two teams set to meet again at the United Center on Monday.
DeMar DeRozan lasers an ACROBATIC dime to Coby White for the triple 🔥
Bucks-Bulls | Live on the NBA App 📲https://t.co/8aCWXCW6ld pic.twitter.com/qjmwdsy4rJ
— NBA (@NBA) November 14, 2023

Week 5: vs. MIA, @ OKC, @ TOR*, @ BKN
Record: 4-9
OffRtg: 113.9 (13) DefRtg: 118.7 (28) NetRtg: -4.8 (24) Pace: 101.9 (9)
The Jazz’s first Sunday home game in almost 23 years was a thriller, the first double-overtime game this season. But it was also their second straight three-point loss to the Suns.
Three takeaways
Three of the Jazz’s four wins are against the Grizzlies and Blazers. They’ll play three more games against those teams (both currently 3-10) in the next two weeks.
But first (and because two of those three wins were In-Season Tournament games), they have a chance to take over first place in West Group A when they visit the Lakers on Tuesday.
Week 5: @ LAL*, @ POR, vs. NOP
Record: 3-10
OffRtg: 107.8 (28) DefRtg: 113.2 (18) NetRtg: -5.4 (25) Pace: 100.1 (15)
The Grizzlies are 0-6 at FedExForum, giving them as many home losses as they had all of last season (35-6). But that sixth one was by two points in a rest-disadvantage game against the best team in the league. They’re still hanging in there, despite suffering another critical injury (sprained ankle for Marcus Smart) last week.
Three takeaways
Santi Aldama was a part of that bench unit, and then was in the starting lineup on Sunday, when he scored a career-high 28 points, but missed the game-winning 3 after a blunder on the other end by Jrue Holiday.
The Grizzlies are the only team that doesn’t have a homestand of at least four games this season. Their first of seven three-game stands begins Friday with their last In-Season Tournament game, a visit from the Suns.
Week 5: @ HOU, vs. PHX*, vs. MIN
Record: 3-10
OffRtg: 106.9 (29) DefRtg: 119.8 (29) NetRtg: -12.9 (30) Pace: 102.2 (4)
It’s not about the results in San Antonio, but it would be nice if the results were better. The Spurs have lost nine straight games and now have three of the five worst losses (36 points or more) for any team this season.
Three takeaways
Last season, when they ranked 29th offensively and 30th defensively, was the first since they drafted Tim Duncan in 1997 in which the Spurs ranked in the bottom five on either end of the floor. Right now, they’re in the bottom two on both ends for the second straight season.
Having lost to the Grizzlies on Saturday, the Spurs will play three more games against teams with losing records. But those teams – the Clippers and Warriors – have a lot more (healthy) talent.
Week 5: vs. LAC, vs. LAC, @ GSW*, @ DEN
Record: 3-10
OffRtg: 103.2 (30) DefRtg: 113.0 (17) NetRtg: -9.8 (29) Pace: 98.4 (25)
The Blazers are chasing the Pistons (11 straight) and Spurs (eight straight), having lost seven straight games themselves. There have been some flashes of competence, but the last four losses have all come by double-digits, and their game against the Thunder on Sunday provided the second biggest margin of defeat for any team this season.
Three takeaways
The defense (the one that’s ranked in the bottom five in each of the last four seasons) was in the top 10 … until the Thunder registered the highest effective field goal percentage (74.1%) for any team this season on Sunday.
The Blazers still have five games left on a stretch where they’re playing nine of 11 against teams that currently have winning records, with the lone exceptions being two games against the Jazz. The first (last Tuesday) was close until early in the fourth quarter and the second was Wednesday in Portland.
Week 5: @ PHX*, vs. UTA, @ MIL
Record: 3-9
OffRtg: 111.9 (17) DefRtg: 121.4 (30) NetRtg: -9.5 (28) Pace: 101.0 (10)
The Hornets led the Bucks by 13 points in the second quarter on Friday, but were then outscored by 58 (137-79) over their next 48 minutes of basketball, losing by 31 to Milwaukee and falling into a hole that they couldn’t climb out of against New York.
Three takeaways
The Hornets were outscored by 48 points from 3-point range in that Milwaukee game, the worst differential for any team this season. They had positive differentials for just the second and third times this season against Miami and New York, but still lost both games.
The Hornets and Wizards split a home-and-home series earlier this month, with the road team winning both games and Charlotte taking the In-Season Tournament game. They’ll play again on Wednesday, when 13th place in the East will be on the line.
Week 5: vs. BOS, vs. WAS, @ ORL
Record: 2-10
OffRtg: 109.8 (24) DefRtg: 118.2 (25) NetRtg: -8.4 (27) Pace: 104.0 (2)
The Wizards don’t have the worst record in the league, because the Pistons have played more games. Washington has lost nine of its last 10 and, unsurprisingly, defense remains a problem.
Three takeaways
Is it already time to start focusing on the young guys on the roster? Johnny Davis has played just 65 total minutes, but rookie Bilal Coulibaly has been a pleasant surprise, with more offensive polish than expected. He’s shot 20-for-26 (77%) in the restricted area and 9-for-17 (53%) on corner 3s.
That collapse in Toronto was at the end of the Wizards’ first back-to-back. Their second back-to-back is Friday and Saturday, when they host the Hawks a night after completing In-Season Tournament play in Milwaukee.
Week 5: vs. MIL, @ CHA, @ MIL*, vs. ATL
Record: 2-12
OffRtg: 109.3 (26) DefRtg: 115.7 (24) NetRtg: -6.4 (26) Pace: 100.7 (11)
The Pistons’ losing streak has reached 11 games, tied with their longest streak(s) from last season. Six of the 11 losses have been by single digits, but they continue to struggle in the clutch and in the margins.
Three takeaways
With Killian Hayes out, Jaden Ivey also got his first start of the season on Sunday. It’s kind of amazing that Ivey, Cunningham and Ausar Thompson have played just 39 total minutes together.
The Pistons had two 11-game losing streaks last season and both came to an end with wins over the Pacers. They’ll be in Indiana on Friday, but first face the Nuggets, who they beat in Denver a few days before Thanksgiving last year.
Week 5: vs. DEN, @ IND*
Breaking down the records of teams with key victories against the 14 teams currently with winning records.
Thunder star keeps pouring it on, Doncic has Mavs surging, but Nikola Jokic remains at the top following another impressive week.
As losing streak hits 8 games, young Spurs embrace learning experiences and the road ahead.
Anthony Davis was unstoppable as the Lakers defeated the Pacers to win the NBA In-Season Tournament Championship.
Breaking down the records of teams with key victories against the 14 teams currently with winning records.
Thunder star keeps pouring it on, Doncic has Mavs surging, but Nikola Jokic remains at the top following another impressive week.
As losing streak hits 8 games, young Spurs embrace learning experiences and the road ahead.
Anthony Davis was unstoppable as the Lakers defeated the Pacers to win the NBA In-Season Tournament Championship.
With No. 9 overall pick Zach Edey getting the night off, Jake LaRavia steps up with 22 points and 6 steals for Memphis.
The 27th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Terrence Shannon Jr. leads the Wolves with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting.
Jett Howard and Anthony Black combine for 42 points in Orlando's rout of Cleveland.
Brunson takes less money than he would have been eligible for next summer in the hopes of giving New York financial flexibility.
Keep an eye on these five players as 2024 Nike Peach Jam tips on July 13, streaming on the NBA App, NBA.com and NBA YouTube.
Top emerging talent will compete in the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas starting on July 12.

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