Finally, the year 2024 arrives, and clubs are scurrying forward in the close competition for the top slots in the Eastern and Western conferences.
In their ongoing rivalry, Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers have ended a post-season tournament losing streak by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks three times this year.
And after a mixed December, the Sacramento Kings are back in our top 10.
Several players are returning from injury: Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns, Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers, and Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks. However, teams are beginning to reassess their needs as the NBA trade deadline in February draws near.
Which clubs’ starting lineups lack these items? Who is going to make the big trade? And which celebrity is in need of a scene change? Let’s take a look at our inaugural 2024 Power Rankings!
Note: Our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, and Ohm Youngmisuk) will rank all 30 teams from best to worst during the regular season in order to determine which clubs are playing the best basketball and which teams are most likely to contend for the championship.
Tuesday night, Boston lost its first game of 2024 after an intense comeback attempt in Oklahoma City. However, after joining the Celtics via trade this summer, Kristaps Porzingis has continued to have a significant influence on the team with another 34 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. With Porzingis in the starting lineup for Boston, it was their first defeat since Nov. 22, when he ended an eight-game winning run in Orlando early due to an injury. — Bontemps