NBA power rankings: Bucks, Suns, surprising Blazers gun for No. 1; How low can Lakers go?

* Through games played 10/27

1. Milwaukee Bucks (3-0)

Last week: 4

The unbeaten Bucks are off to a hot start with a point differential of plus-11. The “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo, the early leader in the MVP race, is averaging a freakish 36.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

2. Phoenix Suns (3-1)

Last week: 5

The Suns are winning behind Devin Booker, who is averaging 32.5 points, 5.8 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 53% from the field and 48% from 3-point range.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-1)

Last week: 17

Donovan Mitchell already has three 30-point games for the Cavs, including a 37-point performance in an overtime win over the Wizards.

4. Memphis Grizzlies (4-1)

Last week: 6

Ja Morant has posted three 30-point games already. He had 49 in a win over the Rockets and 38 in a win over the Nets.

5. Portland Trail Blazers (4-1)

Last week: 23

The Blazers went 4-0 to start the season, but they could take some losses with Damian Lillard expected to be out at least a week or two with a right calf strain.

6. New Orleans Pelicans (3-1)

Last week: 16

The Pelicans have beaten the Nets, Hornets and Mavericks. Zion Williamson is questionable against the Suns on Friday with a posterior hip contusion.

7. Golden State Warriors (3-2)

Last week: 1

Stephen Curry scored 30 or more in the first three games and 33 in Thursday’s win over the Heat. Klay Thompson earned his first career ejection in a blowout loss to the Suns.

8. New York Knicks (3-1)

Last week: 20

The Knicks have won three in a row since falling to the Grizzlies in overtime on opening night. They will visit the Bucks on Friday.

9. Utah Jazz (4-1)

Last week: 30

Everyone expected Utah to tank for Victor Wembanyama, but Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen haven’t gotten the memo.

10. Washington Wizards (3-1)

Last week: 22

Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma helped the Wizards win three of four, but the schedule will get more difficult next week.

11. Boston Celtics (3-1)

Last week: 2

Jayson Tatum is emerging as an early frontrunner for MVP. He had 35 points in a season-opening win over the 76ers and 40 against the Magic.

12. Dallas Mavericks (2-2)

Last week: 11

The Mavericks lost two of three to start the season, but Luka Doncic had 41 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists in Thursday’s win over the Nets.

13. Atlanta Hawks (3-1)

Last week: 15

The Hawks have beaten the Rockets, Magic and Pistons with another game against Detroit on Friday, but then the competition picks up.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-2)

Last week: 12

Anthony Edwards, another player with three 30-point games, might be ready to level up after averaging 21.3 ppg last season.

15. Toronto Raptors (3-2)

Last week: 13

Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. led the Raptors to wins over the Cavaliers, Heat and 76ers.

16. Charlotte Hornets (2-2)

Last week: 18

The Hornets have wins over the Spurs and Hawks despite the absence of LaMelo Ball, who is out with a grade-2 high ankle sprain.

17. Chicago Bulls (3-2)

Last week: 14

The Bulls suffered early losses to the Wizards and Cavaliers, but DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine led them to wins over the Heat, Celtics and Pacers.

18. San Antonio Spurs (3-2)

Last week: 29

The Spurs won three in a row over the Pacers, 76ers and Timberwolves before losing the rematch in Minnesota.

19. Denver Nuggets (3-2)

Last week: 8

Two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokic is averaging 22.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 9.4 assists with two triple-doubles.

20. Oklahoma City Thunder (2-3)

Last week: 28

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points in a 108-94 victory over Clippers on Tuesday. He scored 24 in another win over the Clippers on Thursday.

21. Los Angeles Clippers (2-3)

Last week: 3

The Clippers opened with wins over the Lakers and Kings before suffering three consecutive losses to the Suns and Thunder (2).

22. Miami Heat (2-4)

Last week: 7

The Heat lost three of four to start the season before handing the Blazers their first loss on Wednesday, but then they suffered another loss to the Warriors.

23. Philadelphia 76ers (1-4)

Last week: 9

The 76ers are off to a disappointing start after losing four of five with losses to the Celtics, Bucks, Spurs and Raptors.

24. Brooklyn Nets (1-4)

Last week: 10

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are putting up numbers, but the Nets are searching for answers after losing four of five to start the season.

25. Sacramento Kings (0-4)

Last week: 19

The Kings lost their first four games despite stellar play from De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray, who moved into the starting lineup in Thursday’s loss to the Grizzlies.

26. Houston Rockets (1-4)

Last week: 27

Kevin Porter Jr. had 26 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the Jazz, but wins could be few and far between in Houston.

27. Indiana Pacers (1-4)

Last week: 25

Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 22.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 10.0 assists, but the Pacers haven’t beaten anyone except the Pistons.

28. Detroit Pistons (1-4)

Last week: 24

Rookie Jaden Ivey has been good, averaging 16.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists, but the Pistons have lost four in a row.

29. Los Angeles Lakers (0-4)

Last week: 21

LeBron James and Anthony Davis have yet to miss a game, but the Lakers have yet to win one with the Timberwolves, Nuggets and Pelicans up next.

30. Orlando Magic (0-5)

Last week: 26

Paolo Banchero is averaging 24.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists, but he’s shooting 44.8% from the field and 28.6% from 3-point range.

Jason Anderson

The Sacramento Bee

916-321-1363

Jason Anderson has been the Sacramento Kings beat writer for The Sacramento Bee since 2018. He is a Sacramento native who is proud to provide coverage that is as passionate and dedicated as the loyal Kings fan base.