NBA Energy Rankings: What’s every crew’s greatest weak point?
The Emirates NBA Cup takes heart stage this week, with Wednesday’s doubleheader capping the quarterfinal spherical and establishing Saturday’s semifinals in Las Vegas.
The Orlando Magic and New York Knicks have already punched their tickets, and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs will battle to affix them.
Earlier than the NBA Cup’s ultimate 4 groups are set, and earlier than the soon-to-be 26 eradicated groups resume their common seasons on Thursday and Friday, let’s verify in on the most recent Energy Rankings replace whereas additionally diagnosing the largest weaknesses going through each crew. Who must step it up on the defensive finish? Who has a obvious gap on offense?
Who merely must get wholesome? And do the defending champion Thunder have a weak point in any respect amid a historic 23-1 begin? Our NBA insiders break down all these questions and rank the 30 groups in our weekly Energy Rankings.
Observe: Workforce rankings are primarily based on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) assume groups belong this season.
Earlier rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 12 | Nov. 19 | Nov. 26 | Dec. 3
Bounce to a crew:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
Largest weak point: Perhaps … 3-point taking pictures?
It is tough to ring any sort of alarm for a crew that turned solely the third in historical past to open the common season 23-1. The Thunder’s league-best 104.1 defensive ranking is greater than six factors per 100 possessions higher than the Rockets’ (110.7) within the second slot. That hole is equal to the canyon between second and twenty third. So there’s nothing to complain about on the defensive finish. Maybe there is a concern about an offensive overreliance on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s greatness, however he simply sat his first recreation of the season and so they beat the Jazz by 30 factors. Let’s go together with 3-point taking pictures. They made solely 33.8% of their 3s within the playoffs. It practically doomed them. However that is been bumped to 37.4% by 24 video games, seventh greatest within the NBA. — Anthony Slater
Largest weak point: Well being
The Nuggets simply have to get entire. Denver is 10-3 with Aaron Gordon within the lineup and 4-3 with out him. Gordon, who’s recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring pressure, might be sidelined till not less than late December and sure longer. The identical is true for Christian Braun, who has been out since mid-November with a sprained ankle. The problem is not solely discovering methods to win with out two starters. The Nuggets need to watch out about sporting down Nikola Jokic, who’s averaging 35.8 minutes per recreation since Braun was injured. That’s solely barely beneath the career-high 36.7 minutes Jokic averaged final season, when the Nuggets wanted to close him down for a stretch in March due to all his bumps and bruises. — Tim MacMahon
Largest weak point: 3-point taking pictures
If there was ever a knock on the Pistons’ early-season run to the East lead, it is their taking pictures (nineteenth in 3-point share, twenty eighth in makes an attempt). And it was sure to chew in some unspecified time in the future. For a stretch after their franchise-record 13-game win streak, the Pistons squandered large leads when groups switched to a zone protection — just like the Bucks did final week — and weren’t in a position to counter. All 5 Pistons losses this season have featured a 3-point share of 33% or worse. — Vincent Goodwill
Largest weak point: Turnovers
Houston ranks twenty eighth within the league in turnover share (16.1%), a quantity that may be attributed to the crew’s by-committee method to offensive facilitation after veteran level guard Fred VanVleet’s season-ending harm. The Rockets misplaced at Dallas by 13 factors on Saturday after permitting the Mavericks to rack up 34 factors off their 20 turnovers. In a single notably damaging sequence, Reed Sheppard dedicated three turnovers in about 60 seconds to assist gas a 14-0 Dallas run. “Dropped passes, just a little little bit of all the things, the entire above,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka mentioned after the loss. — Michael C. Wright
Largest weak point: Level-of-attack and paint protection
Protection will all the time be a explanation for concern with this roster, as stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Cities do not specialize on that finish of the ground. New York has been higher as an total unit since Josh Hart has discovered his mojo, as successful eight of 9 video games — together with Tuesday’s Cup quarterfinal in Toronto — has the Knicks feeling just like the Knicks once more. If Mitchell Robinson performs extra minutes, that can alleviate the strain on two-way wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges to make each play. — Vincent Goodwill
Largest weak point: Common protection
Although the Lakers’ anemic twenty sixth rating in 3-pointers made (and seventeenth rating in 3-point share) stays a recurring delicate spot for the crew, the Lakers are sixth in total offensive ranking. The true challenge? Their protection. Particularly, the transition protection has been too porous to start out the season. Opposing groups are averaging 24.3 factors per recreation in transition towards Los Angeles (18th within the league) and taking pictures 55% in transition (seventeenth). L.A. can also be twenty seventh in 3-point protection, permitting opponents to shoot 38.2% from the surface — one other development that should change for the Lakers to be elite. — Dave McMenamin
Largest weak point: Attending to the road
This Boston roster has all the time featured a heavy dose of 3-pointers mixed with one of many decrease free throw charges within the league. However that disparity has solely grown after offseason departures and the harm to Jayson Tatum, who tried the third most free throws within the league final season. The Celtics, final within the NBA in free throw makes an attempt per recreation this season, may wrestle to keep up their No. 2 offensive ranking if that development lasts by a complete 82-game season. — Tim Bontemps
Largest weak point: 3-point protection
Victor Wembanyama‘s absence doubtless components into this, however the Spurs are tied with Washington for twenty seventh in opponent 3-point discipline objective share (38.3). Wembanyama’s 8-foot wingspan and talent to cowl floor in a rush offered San Antonio’s defenders the posh of realizing he may erase most pictures on the rim. Within the first 12 video games with Wembanyama within the fold, opponents took 42.3% of their pictures from 3-point vary. Since Wembanyama has been sidelined, that quantity has diminished (36.9%) as groups discovered simpler paths to the rim. With the Spurs defending extra drives, it seems their 3-point protection has slipped. — Wright
Largest weak point: Protection with out Gobert
Rudy Gobert might not fairly be the dominant drive he as soon as was, however he is nonetheless an excellent defensive participant — and the Timberwolves do not have lots of success at that finish of the courtroom when he is not concerned. When Gobert performs, Minnesota has a 108.6 defensive ranking — higher than any crew however the league-leading Thunder. However when he is off the courtroom, Minnesota falls to a 118.3 defensive ranking, which might slot proper between the Charlotte Hornets (twenty fourth) and LA Clippers (twenty fifth). That has to enhance if Minnesota desires to make one other journey to the West finals. — Bontemps
Largest weak point: Remaining entire
Orlando’s greatest activity turns into sustaining its rhythm with Franz Wagner sidelined by a left ankle sprain — an MRI on Monday revealed no structural injury — and with Paolo Banchero coming again into the fold after lacking time with a groin pressure. (The Magic went 7-3 in Banchero’s absence.) Nonetheless, the Magic might be with out Wagner, their steadiest participant to this point this season, for 2 to 4 weeks. Desmond Bane picked up loads of the slack with 37 factors in Orlando’s Cup quarterfinal win. — Ohm Youngmisuk
Largest weak point: Offensive consistency
The Warmth’s offense has slowed down. After scoring not less than 120 factors in 13 of 21 video games, the Warmth have failed to achieve that mark in 4 straight video games — all losses. Miami must determine learn how to proceed its free-flowing, up-tempo offense when totally wholesome with Tyler Herro again within the combine after being eradicated from the NBA Cup on Tuesday. — Youngmisuk
Largest weak point: Free throw differential
Toronto is a bottom-10 crew in each free throws tried and allowed, which equated to the Raptors recognizing their opponents an additional two to 3 factors per recreation. Toronto is one among simply 5 groups that does not have a single participant averaging 5 free throw makes an attempt per recreation, together with the below-.500 Wizards, Hornets, Mavericks and Kings. In Tuesday’s Cup quarterfinal loss, the Knicks shot 10 extra free throws than the Raptors. — Zach Kram
Largest weak point: A slumping offense (by their requirements)
Final season’s No. 1 offense blitzed by the East with 68 wins. This season, the drop-off has been noticeable regardless of Cleveland nonetheless rating tenth in offensive effectivity. Saturday’s loss to Golden State was the Cavs’ worst offensive exhibiting of 2025-26, and it showcased loads of the problems plaguing them. The Cavs had been held underneath 100 factors for the second time — that occurred simply as soon as final season — and shot 24% from 3-point vary with simply eight fast-break factors and with All-Star guard Darius Garland taking pictures 6-of-15 from the ground. To totally regain their contender standing, the Cavs want extra manufacturing from Garland, higher transition offense and extra 3s to fall. — Jamal Collier
Largest weak point: Ball distribution
The Suns are an undisputable early-season success story, hovering close to the highest 10 within the league in defensive and offensive effectivity underneath first-year coach Jordan Ott, however Phoenix can enhance by sharpening its ball distribution. The Suns rank twenty second in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.62-to-1), a telling stat that highlights each Phoenix’s want for higher ball safety and an offense that might be a tad too reliant on isolation play and free throws. — McMenamin
Largest weak point: Offensive effectivity
Here’s a checklist of the 9 least-efficient offenses within the NBA, ranging from the worst: Wizards, Mavericks, Pacers, Kings, Pelicans, Grizzlies, Bulls, Nets after which Warriors. The Jazz, Blazers, Clippers and Hornets are the following 4 above Golden State. So the Warriors are the one crew within the backside 13 with a report above .500. They’re surviving on the defensive finish however should discover some higher effectivity and sustainability with and with out Stephen Curry on the ground to turn into a fringe playoff risk. The Warriors have the fifth-worst turnover share within the league, shoot a midtier share from deep (36.4%) and get the second-fewest factors per recreation (22.1) off drives. That is not a successful components. — Slater
Largest weak point: Inside dimension (with and with out Embiid)
Let’s put aside the plain query of how usually, and successfully, Joel Embiid will have the ability to play. Even when that is not accounted for, that is nonetheless a perimeter-oriented, guard-heavy roster. That fashion has loads of advantages for Philadelphia, but additionally a justifiable share of points at each ends. That lack of dimension confirmed up in a big manner defensively in Sunday’s loss to the Lakers, when LeBron James repeatedly muscled his manner inside en path to his greatest recreation of the season. — Bontemps
Largest weak point: Paint presence
One in every of coach Quin Snyder’s greatest issues is his crew’s rebounding and inside protection with out a ton of dimension. A wholesome Kristaps Porzingis goes a good distance for the Hawks’ rim safety, however the large man lately missed 4 consecutive video games due to sickness and is usually held out of a recreation in back-to-backs. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu have been the most effective rebounders on the crew, however the Hawks have to determine learn how to battle extra dimension inside. Dyson Daniels has helped with 6.2 rebounds per recreation, however Johnson must maintain carrying the rebound load at 10.5 per recreation. — Youngmisuk
Largest weak point: Rotational changes
Ja Morant has performed in simply 12 video games. However earlier than Morant suffered his calf pressure, it was clear he and the teaching workers weren’t on the identical web page concerning a few of coach Tuomas Iisalo’s philosophies. Iisalo’s method employs brief rotations, which some gamers consider negatively impacts their capability to fall right into a rhythm. After dropping 11 of its first 15 video games, Memphis has received seven of its previous 9, and it seems the Grizzlies are beginning to discover a consolation degree. The return of Zach Edey after a 13-game absence has helped. — Wright
Largest weak point: Shot creation
A scarcity of shot creation has been the Mavericks’ most obvious challenge, however there was drastic enchancment since undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard‘s insertion into the beginning lineup. Nembhard, who led the nation in assists as a Gonzaga senior final season, has averaged 14.8 factors, 6.8 assists and just one.3 turnovers in six video games as a starter. Dallas has gone 4-2 in that span, scoring 120.6 factors per 100 possessions whereas climbing out of final place within the seasonlong offensive effectivity rankings. At 5-foot-11, Nembhard has some defensive deficiencies that create doubt about whether or not he could be a long-term starter, however the Mavericks venture his flooring as not less than a high-quality backup. — MacMahon
Largest weak point: 3-point taking pictures
The Blazers are taking pictures a league-low 33% past the arc, and what’s extra troubling is that they have not actually been unfortunate in that regard. Weighted by makes an attempt this season, Portland’s gamers are 32% profession 3-point shooters. The return of Jrue Vacation (36.5% this season) ought to assist — the Blazers have gone 3-9 since Vacation’s calf pressure after beginning the season 6-6 with him. However Portland has defaulted closely towards protection with its position gamers on the perimeter and can be sensible so as to add a taking pictures specialist to unclog the courtroom. — Kevin Pelton
Largest weak point: The non-Giannis minutes
This season, greater than ever, all the things concerning the Bucks offense runs by Giannis Antetokounmpo. The crew’s offensive ranking goes from 126.3 with him on the ground, which might be the most effective within the NBA, to 109.0 with out him on the courtroom, which might be among the many worst within the league. Whereas Antetokounmpo is sidelined with a calf pressure over the following few weeks, the Bucks hope they will uncover a solution to generate constant offense to cease falling aside at any time when their star cannot carry them. — Collier
Largest weak point: Offense generally
Nearly all the things goes unsuitable throughout a seven-game shedding streak that has erased any good vibes introduced by the Bulls’ quick begin and has despatched them free-falling within the standings. The Bulls had been all the time going to be challenged defensively contemplating their personnel, however their offense was alleged to be quick, constructed on ball motion and that includes a number of succesful playmakers. As an alternative, the Bulls have the league’s No. 24 offensive ranking and, since Nov. 24, its worst. Chicago has turn into extra iso heavy, turnover susceptible and inefficient, which has reopened questions concerning the route of the roster. — Collier
Largest weak point: Protection
As soon as once more, the Jazz are a traditionally horrible defensive crew. Utah set the unlucky report of getting the best defensive ranking ever in 2023-24, when the Jazz allowed 119.6 factors per 100 possessions. That improved solely barely final season, dipping barely to a still-league-worst 119.4. Effectively, the Jazz are giving up 120.8 factors per 100 possessions this season. The one excellent news is that Utah has firm in its defensive distress: The Wizards are even worse (123.8) and some groups are virtually as unhealthy. Jazz shot blocker Walker Kessler (shoulder surgical procedure) is out for the season and headed towards what might be contentious restricted free company negotiations. Current lottery picks Taylor Hendricks and Cody Williams, who projected as potential defensive stoppers, have not earned common rotation roles as effectively. — MacMahon
Largest weak point: Forcing turnovers
The Hornets are all extremes on protection, rating within the high 5 in two of the 4 components (defensive rebounding and in holding opponents off the free throw line, the place they’re No. 1) however within the backside 5 in efficient discipline objective share allowed and in forcing turnovers. The excellent news is opponents will not doubtless maintain taking pictures a league-high 39% from 3-point vary given the tendency for that stat to regress, however Charlotte’s incapability to show groups over is much less more likely to right itself. The Hornets are forcing turnovers on the fourth-lowest fee, and solely the Wizards are producing fewer steals per 100 possessions. — Pelton
Largest weak point: Transition protection
The Clippers are seventeenth within the league with 14.6 turnovers per recreation, fueling their rank (twenty seventh) in fast-break factors allowed per recreation (17.5). The rationale this deficiency is especially disappointing for the Clippers is as a result of it isn’t a problem that sneaked up on them. Assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy even made T-shirts for the gamers to put on throughout coaching camp, reminding them to “Get the f— again,” with the profanity damaged all the way down to 4 tenets of their transition protection philosophy. — McMenamin
Largest weak point: Offensive ranking
Their defensive bother is all too predictable. The Kings lack rim safety and requisite size on the wing, so they do not have the personnel to compete on that finish. Zach LaVine overtly admitted that lately. However LaVine is an explosive scorer. He had 42 factors in a win over Miami final week. DeMar DeRozan is without doubt one of the biggest midrange operators in latest reminiscence. Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder and Keegan Murray are all distinctive skills. It is a unusual combine, however the presumption was that they had sufficient there to not less than rating at a league common or higher fee. However by 24 video games, the Kings have the fourth-worst offensive ranking (109.0) within the NBA, higher than solely the Wizards, Mavericks and Pacers. — Slater
Largest weak point: 3-point taking pictures
The Pacers rank twenty ninth with a 33.2% mark from distance, although they’ve shot a lot better of late, because the crew has gone 4-2 in its previous six video games. The issue has been with the position gamers, as Indiana’s most essential offensive gamers (Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith) are a mixed 38.1% on 3s, whereas the remainder of the crew hits at 29.7%. That is a bullish signal for subsequent season, not less than, when Indiana will depend on these key gamers and a wholesome Tyrese Haliburton to return to competition. — Kram
Largest weak point: A second scoring possibility
Discovering extra offense subsequent to Michael Porter Jr. has been a problem all season for Brooklyn, and particularly since Cam Thomas has been sidelined with a hamstring harm suffered early final month. It appears the Nets discovered well timed contributions in successful three of 4 video games, their greatest stretch of the season. Ziaire Williams one evening, Day’Ron Sharpe the following, plus Noah Clowney making strides in his total recreation. Porter, in the meantime, has averaged greater than 34 factors in his previous three video games on superb effectivity. — Goodwill
Largest weak point: The possession battles
Washington averages 89.6 pictures per recreation, whereas its opponents common 95.3. That deficit is the most important for any crew, and it is as a result of the Wizards wrestle to get the ball again on protection: They rank twenty ninth in forcing turnovers and thirtieth in defensive rebound fee. The Wizards are on tempo to set an NBA report for worst single-season defensive ranking, and that incapability to manage opponent shot makes an attempt is a big purpose. — Kram
Largest weak point: Inside protection
Opponents are taking pictures 61% contained in the arc towards the Pelicans, not solely the worst within the NBA this season however the highest mark in league historical past. No crew had allowed greater than 60% 2-point taking pictures past the primary 10 video games earlier than this season, when the Kings additionally pulled off the feat earlier than bettering. Monday’s loss to San Antonio was simply the fourth time the Pelicans have held an opponent beneath 55% on 2s, however the Spurs’ red-hot 3-point taking pictures (17-of-36, 47%) prevented New Orleans from benefiting from Derik Queen‘s 33-point triple-double. — Pelton
