NBA Power Rankings: The Wolves Are Back, But There’s Work to Do
What a difference a week makes. When we last left the Minnesota Timberwolves, they were reeling from a brutal four-game losing streak that had Wolves fans in full panic mode. Fast forward seven days, and Minnesota has clawed its way back into the top 12 after a week of impressive wins. While their fourth-quarter stumble against Golden State was a blemish on an otherwise solid stretch, the Wolves’ recent performances have been enough to re-enter the rankings. Let’s dive into this week’s power rankings.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (21-4)
Last Week: 1
The Cavs aren’t perfect anymore, but they’re still the team to beat. A four-game winning streak, including big wins over the Celtics and Nuggets, keeps them at the top despite a recent stumble against the Heat. Cleveland doesn’t have as firm a grip on the No. 1 spot as before, but for now, they’re still the kings of the rankings.
2. Boston Celtics (19-5)
Last Week: 2
The Celtics had a golden opportunity to take over the top spot but couldn’t capitalize after a loss to Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. Boston’s two losses in their last five games have both come against playoff-caliber teams. If they want to surpass Cleveland, they’ll need to step up in big moments.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (18-5)
Last Week: 3
OKC keeps rolling with three straight wins, albeit against the league’s basement dwellers (Utah, Toronto, and New Orleans). They’ve done enough to hold steady at No. 3, but we’ll learn a lot more about this team when they face Dallas in the NBA Cup tournament.
4. Dallas Mavericks (16-8)
Last Week: 7
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are cooking, and the Mavs are surging with a seven-game win streak. Their showdown with OKC in the NBA Cup tournament is must-watch basketball and will likely determine which team sits atop the West in next week’s rankings.
5. Memphis Grizzlies (17-8)
Last Week: 6
The knock on Memphis has been their cupcake schedule, but a road win over the Celtics silenced some critics. The Grizzlies are proving they belong, holding onto the No. 2 seed in the West. Let’s see if they can keep it up.
6. Houston Rockets (16-8)
Last Week: 4
Houston stumbled this week with losses to the Kings and Warriors before rebounding against the Clippers. They’re still in the thick of the West’s playoff race, but the Rockets are looking more like a mid-tier playoff team than a top contender.
7. Orlando Magic (17-9)
Last Week: 5
Orlando’s fairy tale run may be hitting a snag. They’ve lost two of their last four games, including a tough one against the 76ers. The Magic need to recapture their momentum, but for now, they hold steady in the middle of the pack.
8. New York Knicks (15-9)
Last Week: 10
The Knicks are heating up, winning five of their last six games. While their schedule hasn’t been daunting, they did notch a solid win over the Magic. If this trend continues, New York could climb even higher.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-11)
Last Week: Not Ranked
The Wolves are back, baby! After a dreadful four-game skid, Minnesota has rebounded with wins over the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors. Their four-game winning streak could’ve been five if not for a late collapse against Golden State. The defense is swarming, the offense is clicking, and the Wolves look like the team we expected to see this season. Let’s see if they can build on this momentum.
10. Denver Nuggets (12-10)
Last Week: 11
Nikola Jokic is doing everything he can, but Denver remains inconsistent. The Nuggets are stuck in a pattern of trading wins and losses, and while Jokic might be the best player in the league, he can’t do it all himself.
11. Golden State Warriors (14-9)
Last Week: 8
Golden State is in a rough patch, losing five straight before beating Houston and splitting their series with the Timberwolves. They’ve cooled off considerably after a hot start, and it’s becoming clear this team may not have the depth to compete with the West’s elite.
12. Los Angeles Clippers (14-11)
Last Week: 9
The Clippers are in limbo. Two losses to the Wolves and another to the Rockets have kept them from gaining any traction. With Kawhi Leonard dealing with lingering injuries, the Clippers need to tread water until their stars are back at full strength.
Dropped Out
Phoenix Suns (12-11)
Last Week: 12
Final Thoughts
Welcome back, Timberwolves! After a two-week hiatus, Minnesota is back in the rankings at No. 9. But let’s be honest—this team has the talent to be much higher. Their blowout wins over the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors showed just how dominant they can be when they’re locked in. Defense, energy, and ball movement are the keys to their success, and we’ve seen flashes of brilliance over the past week.
That said, consistency is still a question mark. The Wolves have a golden opportunity to continue their ascent with games against the Lakers and Spurs on the horizon. If they can hold down the fort and keep piling up wins, there’s plenty of room for them to climb in these rankings.
Meanwhile, the NBA Cup tournament is kicking into gear, and we’re about to see some top teams face off in high-stakes games. The standings could look very different next week, but for now, it’s good to see the Wolves trending in the right direction. Let’s see if they can keep it going. Stay tuned.