The 2023-24 NBA season has officially passed its halfway mark, with 615 out of 1,230 games having been played so far. As teams continue to battle for playoff positioning, this midpoint provides an opportunity to reflect on the current state of affairs in the league.
Comparing this season to the previous one, it is interesting to note how quickly things can change in the NBA. At this point last year, the Brooklyn Nets were sitting comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in a disappointing 12th place in the Western Conference.
With the trade deadline looming just 24 days away, teams are anticipating potential roster shakeups. This deadline could result in significant changes for several teams looking to improve their chances of success.
One team that has been making waves recently is the Utah Jazz. They have had a stellar week, going undefeated with a 4-0 record. Their success raises questions about what exactly is going on in Utah and whether they have what it takes to contend for a championship.
On the flip side, the Portland Trail Blazers have been struggling, going 0-4 this week. This marks their second consecutive week in the “Something Just Ain’t Right” category, leaving fans and analysts wondering what could be causing their downfall.
Taking a look at schedule difficulty, the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs have faced the toughest opponents so far this season, based on cumulative opponent records. On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers have had relatively easier schedules.
In terms of rankings, the Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs have made noteworthy jumps this week, while five teams have experienced drops. This shows how rapidly teams can rise or fall in the rankings, highlighting the competitiveness of the league.
Turning attention to Week 13, all eyes are on the Denver Nuggets. They have a potentially exciting matchup between two MVP contenders, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. This clash will be a must-watch for fans as it showcases the talents of these two exceptional players. Additionally, the Nuggets are set to face off against the team with the best record in the league, the Boston Celtics, adding to the intrigue of Week 13.
For those interested in the statistical side of the NBA, it is worth noting that the league’s average points scored per 100 possessions this season is 115.1. This is combined with an average of 99.9 possessions per team per 48 minutes, providing insights into the pace and efficiency of games.
Lastly, it is important to remember that NBA.com’s Power Rankings, released every Monday, are subjective and reflect the opinion of one individual, John Schuhmann. Should there be any criticisms or inquiries about these rankings, Schuhmann can be reached via email or Twitter.
As the 2023-24 NBA season continues to unfold, there is no shortage of storylines and intriguing matchups. Fans and experts alike eagerly await the next set of games as teams fight for playoff berths and ultimately, a shot at the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.
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