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Reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are set to begin their NBA title defense.
A year ago, the Utah Jazz beat the eventual-champion Denver Nuggets by 21 points on opening night, continuing to win 10 of their first 13 games after trading their two best players.
With more teams seemingly looking to compete this year, there could be fewer chances for a surprise like that. But something unexpected — good or bad — is bound to occur over the next few weeks.
The 2023-24 NBA Season, featuring some big names in new uniforms and the most anticipated rookie of the last 20 years, is here. Enjoy.
Plus-Minus Players of the Preseason
- Right Way: Drew Eubanks (PHX) and Dennis Schroder (TOR) were each a plus-60 in four preseason games.
- Wrong Way: Christian Wood (LAL) was a minus-58 in six preseason games.
Teams of the Preseason
- Make It Last Forever: Toronto (4-0) — The Raptors were one of two undefeated teams (Minnesota was the other) and outscored their three NBA opponents by 16.7 points per 100 possessions, allowing a league-low 94.3 per 100.
- Something Just Ain’t Right: Cleveland (1-3) — The Cavs were one of two winless teams (Portland was the other) against NBA competition and were outscored by more than 19 points per 100 possessions in Donovan Mitchell’s 74 minutes on the floor.
Movement in the Rankings
- High jumps of the late summer/preseason: San Antonio (+5), Four teams (+2)
- Free falls of the late summer/preseason: Dallas (-3), Philadelphia (-3), Portland (-3), Washington (-3)
Week 1 Team to Watch
- Phoenix — The Suns’ star trio will be tested right away, as they begin their season with road games (both on TNT) against the Warriors (Tuesday) and Lakers (Thursday). Their home opener is Saturday against the Jazz.
Previous Power Rankings
- The archive: NBA.com Power Rankings
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 averaged 114.1 points scored per 100 possessions and 99.8 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes last 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.