NBA Week 8 Power Rankings: Spurs Make a Statement, Thunder Still on Top
The NBA Cup may be new, but it’s already shaking up the league’s hierarchy-and no team made a louder statement than the San Antonio Spurs. With Victor Wembanyama still on a minutes limit, San Antonio knocked off the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals, showing the league that when this squad is healthy, they’re more than just a fun young team-they’re legit.
That said, OKC still holds the top spot in this week’s power rankings, and for good reason. The Thunder remain on a blistering pace, and their depth, defense, and chemistry continue to be the gold standard through Week 8.
In the East, the New York Knicks are proving they’re a step ahead of the up-and-coming Orlando Magic. And while the Pistons may have fallen to New York in last year’s first round, they’re not just hanging around-they’re pushing for the top.
Let’s break down the full landscape heading into the heart of December.
Top 5: Thunder Steady, Spurs Surge
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (24-2) - No change
Even after the NBA Cup loss to San Antonio, the Thunder’s body of work keeps them at No. 1.
Their 24-2 record speaks for itself, and they’re still on track for a historic season. The loss might sting, but it also might be the wake-up call that sharpens their focus even more.
2. Detroit Pistons (20-5) - Up 1
Defense travels, and the Pistons are proving that every night. They rank third in defensive rating (111.1), and they’re doing it with a mix of grit, length, and discipline.
This group isn’t just young and exciting-they’re built to win now.
3. San Antonio Spurs (18-7) - Up 6
The Spurs made the biggest leap this week, and it’s well-earned. That win over OKC wasn’t a fluke-it was a coming-out party.
With Wembanyama slowly ramping up and the roster finally healthy, San Antonio is showing flashes of a team that could make real noise in the West.
4. Denver Nuggets (18-6) - Down 2
Denver slips a bit, but let’s not overreact. The defending champs are still very much in the mix.
Nikola Jokić continues to be a nightly triple-double threat, and the Nuggets have the kind of playoff-tested core that knows how to navigate the long haul.
5. New York Knicks (18-7) - Up 1
The Knicks have quietly won nine of their last 10, and they’re doing it on both ends. Jalen Brunson has been on an absolute tear, averaging 34.5 points over the last four games, while OG Anunoby has brought a defensive edge since returning from injury.
This team has balance, toughness, and momentum.
6-10: Rockets Rising, Lakers Cooling
6. Houston Rockets (16-6) - Down 1
Houston’s played fewer games than anyone else (just 22), but they’re making the most of them. They lead the league in rebounds per game (48.9) and are second in net rating (10.3).
This team is young, physical, and starting to believe.
7. Los Angeles Lakers (17-7) - Down 3
The Lakers drop a few spots as they struggle to find consistency. The talent is there, but the chemistry still feels a step behind.
The good news? They’re still banking wins, and with LeBron James and Anthony Davis healthy, they’re always a threat.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (17-9) - No change
Anthony Edwards has missed two games with foot soreness, but Minnesota won both. That’s a good sign for a team trying to prove it’s more than just a one-man show.
The defense remains top-tier, and the supporting cast is stepping up.
9. Boston Celtics (15-10) - Down 2
The Celtics are still figuring things out. The talent is undeniable, but the cohesion hasn’t quite clicked yet.
Still, with Tatum and Brown leading the way, this group has the firepower to climb quickly.
10. Orlando Magic (15-11) - Up 2
Injuries haven’t been kind to the Magic-Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have both missed time-but they’re staying competitive. This young core is learning how to win even when things aren’t perfect, and that’s a big step forward.
11-15: Slumps, Surprises, and Stars Emerging
11. Phoenix Suns (14-12) - No change
The Suns are hovering around .500, still trying to find their rhythm. Injuries have slowed them, but when the Big Three are on the floor, they’re dangerous.
12. Toronto Raptors (15-11) - Down 2
Toronto’s dropped four straight, and the backcourt is under the microscope. With RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley missing time, opposing defenses are applying more pressure-and it’s working.
13. Miami Heat (14-11) - No change
Like Toronto, Miami’s also lost four in a row. Teams are slowing them down with zone and full-court pressure, and without consistent half-court execution, the Heat are struggling to keep pace.
14. Atlanta Hawks (15-12) - No change
Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have been bright spots, but Atlanta’s still looking for that next gear. Kristaps Porziņģis is out for at least a couple weeks with a lingering illness, which won’t help.
15. Philadelphia 76ers (15-11) - Up 2
The Sixers are starting to find their footing. They’ve climbed a couple spots thanks to improved play on both ends, and with Joel Embiid anchoring the middle, they’ve got a solid foundation to build on.
16-20: Frustration Mounting, Stars Returning
16. Cleveland Cavaliers (15-12) - Down 1
Things are tense in Cleveland. After a home loss to the Hornets, Donovan Mitchell didn’t hold back: “I’d boo us, too.”
The Cavs have the talent, but they’re not playing up to it right now.
17. Golden State Warriors (13-14) - Down 1
Stephen Curry is back from a quad contusion, but Golden State has lost both games since his return. The Warriors are still searching for the spark that made them a dynasty.
18. Memphis Grizzlies (11-14) - No change
Memphis is hanging around, but it’s been a grind. Ja Morant’s absence continues to loom large, and the offense has struggled to find consistent rhythm.
19. Dallas Mavericks (10-16) - No change
Luka Dončić continues to put up numbers, but the Mavs are stuck in neutral. The supporting cast hasn’t stepped up, and the defense remains a concern.
20. Chicago Bulls (10-15) - Up 3
The Bulls are trending up, thanks in part to improved effort on defense and a more balanced offensive approach. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.
21-25: Trouble in Milwaukee, Hope in Charlotte
21. Milwaukee Bucks (11-16) - Down 1
The Giannis rumors are swirling, and a 45-point loss to the Nets won’t quiet them. He’s currently out with a calf strain, and the Bucks look lost without him.
22. Portland Trail Blazers (10-16) - Down 1
Portland is scrapping, but the margin for error is razor thin. They need more consistency on both ends if they want to climb out of the bottom tier.
23. Charlotte Hornets (8-18) - Up 1
The Hornets’ shooting has improved, and it paid off with a win over Cleveland. It’s not happening often enough yet, but there are signs of life.
24. Utah Jazz (9-15) - Down 2
Keyonte George is showing promise, but the Jazz are still trying to figure out what direction this roster is headed. The front office has decisions to make.
25. Brooklyn Nets (7-18) - Up 2
A 45-point win over the Bucks was a shocker, but Brooklyn’s still buried in the standings. The roster is young and inconsistent, but nights like that show the potential.
26-30: Bottoming Out
26. Indiana Pacers (6-20) - No change
The offense has hit rock bottom. Indiana ranks dead last in offensive efficiency, managing just 108.2 points per 100 possessions.
That’s not going to cut it in today’s NBA.
27. Los Angeles Clippers (6-19) - Up 1
The Clippers have dropped three straight and 17 of their last 20. Whatever plan they had entering the season isn’t working, and the frustration is mounting.
28. Sacramento Kings (6-20) - Down 3
Sacramento’s slide continues. The team hasn’t found its identity, and the losses are piling up.
It’s a tough fall for a team that had postseason hopes.
**29. New Orleans Pelicans (5-22