NBA Power Rankings Version 2 (11/6/22)

There has definitely been some movement in the rankings, as some teams are beginning to come into their own. Most teams now have 8-10 games under their belt, let's see where they fare according to the XSM Model.

Team (Record, Z-Score, Previous Ranking)

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (7-1, .743, 1): The Cavaliers remain in the number one spot but it has gotten much tighter. They sit 2nd in 3P%, 2nd in rebound differential and 1st in average margin of victory. Along with playing an above average schedule, they have shown no reason to drop below the #1 spot.

2. Denver Nuggets (6-3, .675, 11): Big jump from the Denver Nuggets in this week's ranking. Shooting nearly 43% from three point range (even with Nikola Jokic struggling with his jump shot) and a +4.4 rebound differential has led the Nuggets to a hot start through nine games.

3. New Orleans Pelicans (5-4, .524, 2): The Pelicans are 1-2 since the last ranking, but did not move down much. They continue to shoot the deep ball well, have an extremely efficient offense and have played the second hardest schedule to start the year.

4. Milwaukee Bucks (9-0, .519, 3): 4-0 since the last ranking and somehow they move down, funny how that works. The Bucks are doing this dominance due to rebounding with a +8.7 rebound differential (tops in the league by far), and the #1 defensive rating. What slightly holds them back is the 2nd easiest strength of schedule, and below average 3P%. Still, 9-0 is 9-0.

5. Boston Celtics (6-3, .511, 9): Pretty significant drop-off after this team, with the Celtics moving up four spots since last ranking. They rank above average in seven of the ten statistics, but where they shine is offensive rating averaging 117.5 points per 100 possessions. That is tied for 1st in the NBA.

6. Phoenix Suns (7-2, .409, 6)

7. Toronto Raptors (5-4, .376, 21): One of the biggest jumps since the first ranking. Despite being 5-4, they have a margin of victory of 7.1 points per game. Along with that, they have played the hardest schedule through nine games.

8. Memphis Grizzlies (6-3, .358, 12)

9. Portland Trail Blazers (6-3, .336, 5)

10. Chicago Bulls (5-5, .2127, 13)

11. Utah Jazz (7-3, .2122, 16)

12. Dallas Mavericks (5-3, .161, 7): Despite going 2-0, Mavs drop five spots since the last ranking. They currently rank last in pace, and the only team to have over 50% of their baskets be unassisted. Will they be able to sustain their hot start while ranking dead last in two of these ten categories?

13. Sacramento Kings (3-5, .159, 15)

14. Indiana Pacers (4-5, .157, 8)

15. San Antonio Spurs (5-5, .151, 4): One of the biggest drops of the week, as an 0-3 week since the last ranking has put them back in the middle of the pack.

16. Philadelphia 76ers (4-6, -.061, 14)

17. New York Knicks (4-5, -.095, 19)

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (5-5, -.132, 17)

19. Golden State Warriors (3-7, -.152, 19)

20. Brooklyn Nets (4-6, -.171, 28): Signs of life from the Brooklyn Nets, as they are 3-1 since the last ranking. Their efficient offense is definitely the thing saving them, as they rank below average in eight of ten categories.

21. Orlando Magic (2-8, -.234, 26): The numbers like the Magic, but the results have not come through. They are majorly above average in terms of turnover differential, rebound differential and free throw differential.

22. Atlanta Hawks (6-3, -.289, 20): On the other hand...the numbers do not like the Hawks. They have faced the fourth easiest schedule, and are getting killed on the boards and at the foul line. Regression may be coming?

23. Charlotte Hornets (3-7, -.293, 10)

24. Miami Heat (4-6, -.371, 23)

25. Houston Rockets (1-9, -.426, 25)

26. Los Angeles Clippers (5-4, -.498, 27): No respect for the Clips based on these numbers. Despite sitting at 5-4, they have the worst ranked offense, are fourth-worst shooting the three. With an easy start to the season, the losses may catch up to them depending on if Kawhi Leonard can come back.

27. Washington Wizards (4-5, -.539, 24)

28. Los Angeles Lakers (2-6, -.662, 30)

29. Detroit Pistons (2-8, -.673, 22)

30. Oklahoma City Thunder (4-5, -.910, 29): With the Lakers and Nets picking up some wins, the Thunder find themselves in the basement even with a 4-5 record. Their above average defense is their lone saving grace, as they are shooting a league worst 29.2% from three on the year.