NBA Week 5 Overview
As the NBA enters its fifth week, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to dominate, currently holding the best record in the league at 15-1. They are closely pursued by the Denver Nuggets, who boast an 11-3 record, placing them firmly in the battle for supremacy. The Western Conference is dominating the rankings, with four of its teams in the top spots, while traditional contenders like Miami and Milwaukee have slipped out of the top ten this week. All betting odds referenced here are sourced from DraftKings.
Week 5 NBA Rankings
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (15-1)
NBA Championship Odds: +185
Points Leader: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.0)
Rebounds Leader: Isaiah Hartenstein (11.0)
Assists Leader: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (6.5)
Following a remarkable start, including two overtime games, the Thunder have consistently outperformed their competition, winning their last ten games by an average margin of over 20 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is emerging as a frontrunner for the MVP award. Upcoming, they face a challenging three-game homestand against Portland, Minnesota, and Phoenix, testing their early season success.
2. Denver Nuggets (11-3)
NBA Championship Odds: +500
Points Leader: Nikola Jokic (29.1)
Rebounds Leader: Nikola Jokic (13.2)
Assists Leader: Nikola Jokic (11.1)
The Nuggets recently suffered a setback, losing to the Chicago Bulls after a seven-game winning streak. However, they maintain a strong position, ranking high in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Jokic has been exceptionally productive, racking up multiple triple-doubles this season and reinforcing his candidacy for MVP honors.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-4)
NBA Championship Odds: +1500
Points Leader: Luka Doncic (34.6)
Rebounds Leader: Luka Doncic (8.8)
Assists Leader: Luka Doncic (9.0)
The Lakers are enjoying a resurgence with a victorious run, boosted by the return of LeBron James, who played a pivotal role in their recent win over the Jazz. They rank mid-tier offensively and defensively; however, James’s presence could significantly enhance their overall performance.
4. Houston Rockets (10-3)
NBA Championship Odds: +850
Points Leader: Kevin Durant (25.5)
Rebounds Leader: Alperen Sengun (10.4)
Assists Leader: Alperen Sengun (7.4)
The Rockets are demonstrating impressive form with another five-game winning streak, showing potential with recent victories against several competitive teams. They lead the league in offensive efficiency, which, combined with their length and youth, positions them as a formidable contender.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-6)
NBA Championship Odds: +900
Points Leader: Donovan Mitchell (30.2)
Rebounds Leader: Evan Mobley (8.6)
Assists Leader: Donovan Mitchell (5.3)
Cleveland has been strong in November, accumulating a commendable record in key matchups. With a favorable home stretch ahead, they have the opportunity to continue climbing the power rankings.
6. Detroit Pistons (13-2)
NBA Championship Odds: +3500
Points Leader: Cade Cunningham (27.3)
Rebounds Leader: Jalen Duren (11.9)
Assists Leader: Cade Cunningham (9.9)
Surprisingly, the Pistons have put together an 11-game winning streak, showcasing a robust defensive strategy paired with respectable offensive performance. They are making a marked ascent in the league hierarchy.
7. New York Knicks (9-5)
NBA Championship Odds: +1600
Points Leader: Jalen Brunson (28.0)
Rebounds Leader: Karl-Anthony Towns (12.8)
Assists Leader: Jalen Brunson (6.4)
After a mixed run, the Knicks are stabilizing, particularly with Brunson’s return, highlighted by a competitive win over Dallas. However, their inconsistency against top-tier teams raises questions about their long-term standing.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-5)
NBA Championship Odds: +1400
Points Leader: Anthony Edwards (25.2)
Rebounds Leader: Rudy Gobert (9.9)
Assists Leader: Julius Randle (6.1)
With the return of Edwards, Minnesota has notably intensified its gameplay, now showing promise in both offensive and defensive realms. However, they have yet to secure victories against established teams with winning records.
9. San Antonio Spurs (11-4)
NBA Championship Odds: +5000
Points Leader: Victor Wembanyama (26.2)
Rebounds Leader: Victor Wembanyama (12.9)
Assists Leader: Stephon Castle (7.5)
Despite recent back-to-back losses, the Spurs have rebounded well. Their success in the absence of Wembanyama highlights their resilience, although future competition will be tougher.
10. Toronto Raptors (10-5)
NBA Championship Odds: +10000
Points Leader: Brandon Ingram (20.9)
Rebounds Leader: Scottie Barnes (7.8)
Assists Leader: Immanuel Quickley (6.1)
The Raptors have turned heads this season, experiencing a turnaround with notable wins against stronger teams. Their recent five-game win streak has rejuvenated interest in their potential.
Teams on the Decline
- Miami Heat (9-6) – Currently struggling after a couple of losses; they are still trying to solidify their standing.
- Milwaukee Bucks (8-8) – With disappointing recent performances, the Bucks have now fallen to .500 and face tough matchups ahead.
Upcoming NBA Broadcasting
Fans can catch live NBA games on Peacock, featuring a schedule of Monday night games and doubleheaders on Tuesday nights, ensuring competitive matchups are readily accessible. NBC Sports is slated to launch Sunday Night Basketball in 2026, enhancing viewing options further.
