Week 5 of the NBA season is here, and the league is already starting to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Some teams are heating up at the perfect time, others are slipping after fast starts, and a few dark-horse squads are finally demanding real respect. With stars settling into rhythm and early-season chaos giving way to clearer identities, it’s becoming easier to tell who’s built to last. Here are the Top 10 teams in the NBA heading into Week 5.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have been a solid team so far this season, but they have a lot of work to do from where they have been in previous seasons. Anthony Edwards gives them a chance in any game they play, and they can always do well, no matter the circumstances. They are number 9 in the power rankings, 5 weeks into the season.
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9. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have been a surprise this season so far, Jaylon Johnson has been an All-Star so far this season, and will continue to improve as they get healthier. Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis need to get healthy so they can improve on their chemistry before the season gets fully in stride.
8. San Antonio Spurs
Nov 16, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) dribbles in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The Spurs are probably the most athletic team in the NBA, and they have been playing really well so far. Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have earned the nickname Area 51. They have led this team well with De’Aaron Fox joining and being an extra punch to work with.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs have been hit pretty hard by injuries at the beginning of the season, but the return of Darius Garland has been super impactful just one game in. DeAndre Hunter and Lonzo Ball have really taken a step up, and their impact on the game has been felt so far. The Cavs are number 7 in the power rankings
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6. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have been a huge surprise this season. It was uncertain what we would get from them this early in the year. They have had a team effort this season, and it has been interesting to see how they have worked as a team with Brandon Ingram being there from the start.
5. Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts in the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Rockets are just clicking. After last year and the acquisition of Kevin Durant, they seemed like they would be a good team, and they have been proving that so far. They have a great team composition and will be competing for the whole season, and are definitely contenders.
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4. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets will always be high on this list as long as Nikola Jokic is on the team and healthy. They have built nearly the perfect roster around him, and they can go as far as they are taken by Jokic; he can do it, though.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch this season, and Luka Doncic has taken a huge step up in defensive effort. The Lakers have been exciting because there are a lot of guys who can show up on a random night and provide them with what they need.
2. Detroit Pistons
Nov 18, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Pistons have been the best team in the Eastern Conference by far. They have been able to win in so many different ways. Their defensive intensity and rebounding are very strong. Jalen Duren’s step up has been so big for the Pistons’ overall success.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Yet again, the Thunder are the best team in the NBA. It will be tough to dethrone them as they are just playing their game and winning every way possible. The Thunder are the best defensive team in the NBA when they really put the effort in and are able to continue to play the way they do to win games.
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