In NBA Power Rankings Week 5, the Cavs maintain their No. 1 spot while the Rockets, Mavs, and Lakers rise as key contenders.
The NBA Power Rankings for Week 5 have arrived, and there are some notable shifts in the standings. While the Cleveland Cavaliers hold firm at No. 1, the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers have all seen significant rises as they continue to make strides early in the 2024-25 season.
Cavs Hold Steady at No. 1
Despite stiff competition from several high-flying teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain at the top of the rankings. The Cavs have been a dominant force on both ends of the floor, with their defense and balanced offensive attack leading the way. With stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland continuing to impress, Cleveland’s consistency and ability to win tough games have earned them the top spot.
Rockets, Mavs, and Lakers on the Rise
The Houston Rockets have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in recent weeks. After a slow start to the season, the Rockets have found their rhythm, winning key games and showing growth from their young core. With Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and new addition Fred VanVleet leading the charge, the Rockets have pushed their way up the rankings.
Similarly, the Dallas Mavericks have surged into the top five. Luka Dončić continues to play at an MVP-caliber level, and his connection with newly-acquired Kyrie Irving is beginning to bear fruit. The Mavs are looking like legitimate contenders, and their rise in the rankings is well-deserved.
The Los Angeles Lakers have also moved up, buoyed by strong performances from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and their supporting cast. Despite some early-season struggles, the Lakers have found their footing and look poised to contend in the Western Conference as they approach the middle of the season.
Notable Drops and Challenges
While the Rockets, Mavs, and Lakers are climbing, some teams have seen their stock drop in Week 5. The Golden State Warriors, who were once at the top of the rankings, have faced injury woes and inconsistencies, pushing them further down the standings. Similarly, the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns, despite strong rosters, have faced challenges that have kept them from climbing higher in the rankings.
What’s Next?
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these rankings evolve. The Cavaliers are looking to defend their spot at No. 1, but the competition is fierce with teams like the Mavs, Rockets, and Lakers heating up. Expect to see even more shakeups as key players return from injury and teams fine-tune their rosters for a playoff push.
Stay tuned for more updates on the NBA Power Rankings, team performances, and injury reports.
