NBA power rankings: How every team stacks up as training camps loom

Training camps open late September with several teams set to report on Sept. 24. Four unsigned restricted free agents (Giddey, Kuminga, Grimes, Thomas) create roster uncertainty. Oklahoma City, having locked up its core, projects as the early futures favorite, but bettors should monitor injuries and late-market value on Houston and Denver before placing title or futures wagers.

NBA Training Camps Signal Start of the Season

Training camps kick off at the end of September, with the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns among the first teams reporting on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Expect an uptick in activity as rosters finalize, but some offseason questions remain unresolved.

Key Roster Uncertainties: Unsigned Restricted Free Agents

Several restricted free agents remain unsigned — Josh Giddey (Chicago), Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State), Quentin Grimes (Philadelphia) and Cam Thomas (Brooklyn). With limited cap space league-wide, teams retain leverage, and late deals or holdouts could affect rotations and early-season betting lines.

NBA Power Rankings — Post-Labor Day Edition

1–5: Title Contenders

1. Oklahoma City Thunder — Defending champions return their core and locked in massive extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Health is the primary concern. 2. Houston Rockets — Kevin Durant trade transformed them into true title contenders; additions like Dorian Finney-Smith add 3-and-D stability. 3. Denver Nuggets — Cameron Johnson should space the floor and Bruce Brown’s return adds toughness; offense looks more dynamic. 4. New York Knicks — New coach Mike Brown may change early rotation patterns, but bench depth and Jordan Clarkson’s scoring boost matter. 5. Cleveland Cavaliers — Added Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. for depth; Sam Merrill must replace Ty Jerome’s minutes.

6–10: Established Contenders and Big Questions

6. Los Angeles Clippers — Aging core still capable; veterans like Chris Paul and Brook Lopez bring experience alongside Bradley Beal. 7. Minnesota Timberwolves — Back-to-back Western Conference finals runs raise questions about a ceiling; losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker hurts depth. 8. Los Angeles Lakers — LeBron’s future remains a storyline, but roster adjustments aim to keep them competitive. 9. Boston Celtics — Major setback with Jayson Tatum’s ruptured Achilles and departures of Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday; expect a dip. 10. Detroit Pistons — Return of Jaden Ivey and additions like Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson should boost scoring.

11–20: Middle-of-the-Pack with Upside

11. Golden State Warriors — Aging stars will dictate competitiveness; Kuminga’s status is pivotal. 12. Indiana Pacers — Reset year while Tyrese Haliburton recovers; replacing Myles Turner is a challenge. 13. Orlando Magic — Potential dark horse in the East with perimeter shooting additions and Desmond Bane’s scoring. 14. San Antonio Spurs — Victor Wembanyama healthy, De’Aaron Fox re-signed and rookie Dylan Harper expected to contribute. 15. Memphis Grizzlies — Young core has upside; Ty Jerome adds depth but turnovers remain a concern. 16. Milwaukee Bucks — Myles Turner provides rim protection; Damian Lillard’s situation and Giannis’ future are bigger storylines. 17. Atlanta Hawks — New pieces including Kristaps Porziņģis and a healthy Jalen Johnson could push them forward. 18. Dallas Mavericks — Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the season; Cooper Flagg’s rookie impact and Anthony Davis pairing are narratives to watch. 19. Miami Heat — Norman Powell helps scoring, but lack of a true distributor could stall the offense. 20. Chicago Bulls — Josh Giddey’s contract negotiations and his role remain key to their ceiling.

21–30: Rebuilds, Projected Growth, and Long-Term Plans

21. Philadelphia 76ers — Drafting VJ Edgecombe boosts the backcourt, but team success hinges on Joel Embiid and Paul George’s availability. 22. Toronto Raptors — Brandon Ingram’s expected health and pairing with Scottie Barnes could take them higher. 23. Sacramento Kings — Dennis Schröder helps, but fit alongside Domantas Sabonis remains a factor. 24. Phoenix Suns — Kevin Durant trade payoff is long-term; Devin Booker remains the focal point with Jalen Green adding athleticism. 25. Washington Wizards — Clearly building toward the future; Alex Sarr and Cam Whitmore are key young pieces. 26. Portland Trail Blazers — Jrue Holiday brings leadership; Shaedon Sharpe’s growth matters while Damian Lillard rehabs. 27. New Orleans Pelicans — Jordan Poole is a gamble; Zion Williamson’s availability is the biggest determinant. 28. Brooklyn Nets — Draft class, including early first-round picks, will shape immediate outlook. 29. Utah Jazz — In rebuild mode; play of No. 5 pick Ace Bailey will help define direction. 30. Charlotte Hornets — Added shooting and draft talent; LaMelo Ball must adapt his high-usage style to maximize team growth.

Betting Takeaways and Early Market Advice

Post-camp markets will react to health reports, RFA signings and summer movement. Early observations: Oklahoma City looks like a stable favorites pick given roster continuity; Houston’s aggressive construction makes them an attractive futures sleeper if market odds lag. Denver’s spacing upgrade justifies watching their title odds, especially in prop and series markets. Avoid locking large wagers before training camp unless odds are exceptionally favorable. Monitor injury reports and any last-minute signings that shift rotations.

What to Watch Before Placing Bets

- Final resolutions on unsigned restricted free agents and their roles. - Training camp injury reports and minutes allocations. - Preseason performances that clarify rotations and rotations for defensive matchups. - Market movement on futures and player props once camps begin.

NBA training camps loom in just a few weeks, and there are still some lingering questions throughout the league.

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