We're a month into the 2023-24 NBA season, and there's still a long way to go until one lucky team receives the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June. But a lot has happened in just a few weeks.

In the short term, one team will be crowned champion of the NBA's inaugural in-season competition, with group stage games wrapping up on Nov. 28 and knock-out games beginning on Nov. 29.

The Boston Celtics took up the top spot in the standings this week, dethroning the Denver Nuggets, who had held the position since the preseason. While the 76ers remain at the top of the standings, the Sacramento Kings have sneaked into the top ten following a six-game win streak earlier this month.

On the other hand, the Houston Rockets have plummeted dramatically following a difficult road trip that resulted in a three-game losing skid, and the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons remain at the bottom of the standings.
 

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Boston Celtics
2023-24 record: 11-3

Next games: vs. MIL (Nov. 22), @ ORL (Nov. 24), vs. ATL (Nov. 26), vs. CHI (Nov. 28)

Yes, Boston's six-game winning streak ended on Monday at Charlotte, but this club has been practically invincible when its starting five of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis is available. The Celtics are 9-1 with those guys on the court and have a net rating of plus-28.4 points per 100 possessions. It's also a significant reason why the Celtics are leading the Eastern Conference, with a top-five offense and defense. -- Timothy Bontemps

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 Denver Nuggets

2023-24 record: 10-4

Next games: @ ORL (Nov. 22), @ HOU (Nov. 24), vs. SA (Nov. 26), @ LAC (Nov. 27)

The champions have experienced their first dip of the season, dropping three of their past five games. The Nuggets, who are still No. 2 in the West and top 10 in both offense and defense, need to get Jamal Murray healthy and find consistency from the bench as they finish their road trip against Orlando and Houston. Youngmisuk Ohm

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 Philadelphia 76ers

2023-24 record: 10-4

Next games: @ MIN (Nov. 22), @ OKC (Nov. 25), vs. LAL (Nov. 27)

Despite being eliminated from the preseason tournament by the Cavaliers in overtime on Tuesday, the 76ers maintain their Eastern conference domination. Philly's offense remains the league's best, led by breakout point guard Tyrese Maxey (26.8 ppg) and reigning MVP Joel Embid (31.9 ppg, first in the league). Kelly Oubre Jr. took part in on-court workouts on Monday, and his return might provide the extra lift Philly needs as they begin a two-game road trip against Minnesota on Wednesday night. -- Good luck

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Milwaukee Bucks

2023-24 record: 10-4

Next games: @ BOS (Nov. 22), vs. WAS (Nov. 24), vs. POR (Nov. 26), @ MIA (Nov. 28)

Milwaukee has won five straight games after a poor start to the season, buoyed by an offense that is finally showing signs of life. The ascent has been aided by three 40-point games from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who leads the team in scoring (30.2), and Damian Lillard, who leads the team in assists (6.2).After a dramatic drop to last early in the season, their defense has been closer to league average (16th). The Bucks' winning streak, however, will be put to the test this week when they travel to Boston for their first meeting with Jrue Holiday and the new-look Celtics on Wednesday. -- Mr. Jamal Collier

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Minnesota Timberwolves

2023-24 record: 10-3

Next games: vs. PHI (Nov. 22), vs. SAC (Nov. 24), @ MEM (Nov. 26), vs. OKC (Nov. 28)

The Timberwolves have started the season 10-3 for the first time since the 2001-02 season, putting them in first place in the Western Conference. The Wolves have the greatest defense in the NBA, thanks to an 11th-ranked defensive rebounding rate (26th last season) and a resurgence from Rudy Gobert, who is directing a strategy that has allowed an opponent effective FG% of only 49.7 percent, the best in basketball. The young club is undefeated at home, having defeated Denver, Boston, Miami, and New York. The Sixers and Kings visit the Target Center this week, providing good tests for the young team. — Collier

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src: E. (2023, November 22). NBA Power Rankings - The Tyreses top the ranks as the 76ers and Pacers continue their ascent - ESPN. ESPN.com. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38914871/2023-24-nba-power-rankings-tyreses-top-ranks-76ers-pacers-continue-their-ascent

img :Tyrese Maxey, Tyrese Haliburton, and Karl Anthony-Towns ESPN

img: Laprese