NBA Playoff Picture: November 2024 Standings and Early Postseason Predictions

The Championship Chase Begins: Who’s Rising and Who’s Fading?

As Thanksgiving approaches, the 2024-25 NBA season has given us enough basketball to separate the contenders from the pretenders. While it’s still early, the NBA Playoff Picture November standings provide crucial insights into which teams have legitimate championship aspirations and which may need to consider shaking up their rosters before the trade deadline.

This comprehensive early-season playoff preview examines:

✔ Current conference standings and tiebreakers
✔ Surprise teams outperforming expectations
✔ Disappointing squads in danger of missing playoffs
✔ Key injuries affecting the postseason race
✔ Early championship odds and dark horse candidates

With analysis from coaches, NBA Playoff Picture scouts, and analytics experts, we break down where all 30 teams stand in the championship hunt.

---

Eastern Conference Hierarchy

The Contenders (Top 4 Seeds)

1. Boston Celtics (16-3)

   • Best net rating (+9.8) in NBA

   • Jayson Tatum playing MVP-level basketball

   • Kristaps Porziņģis transforming their defense

2. Milwaukee Bucks (15-4)

   • Giannis/Dame duo averaging 62 PPG combined

   • Improved bench with Malik Beasley addition

   • Defense still concerning (22nd in rating)

3. Philadelphia 76ers (14-5)

   • Joel Embiid chasing back-to-back MVPs

   • Tyrese Maxey’s breakout (25.3 PPG)

   • League’s 3rd best offense

4. Miami Heat (12-7)

   • Always find another gear post-All-Star break

   • Jaime Jaquez Jr. providing needed youth

For detailed standings, visit NBA.com’s official rankings.

---

Western Conference Power Struggle

The Elite Tier

1. Denver Nuggets (15-4)

   • Nikola Jokić making early MVP case

   • Jamal Murray’s clutch gene unchanged

   • Lost Bruce Brown but gained playoff experience

2. Phoenix Suns (14-5)

   • Big 3 finally healthy and clicking

   • Bradley Beal fitting perfectly as third option

   • Defense remains question mark

3. Dallas Mavericks (13-6)

   • Luka Dončić playing best basketball of career

   • Rookie center Dereck Lively II exceeding expectations

   • Kyrie Irving available for 85% of games so far

Surprise Package

Oklahoma City Thunder (12-7)

• Chet Holmgren’s rookie season delivering on hype

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander entering MVP conversation

• League’s best point differential in clutch time

For more West analysis, check NBA Newsz’s conference breakdown.

---

Most Disappointing Teams

Eastern Conference Letdowns

• Cleveland Cavaliers (8-11)

  • Donovan Mitchell trade rumors swirling

  • Defense has regressed significantly

• Chicago Bulls (7-13)

  • Zach LaVine actively being shopped

  • Lonzo Ball’s absence continues to hurt

Western Conference Underachievers

• Memphis Grizzlies (6-14)

  • Ja Morant’s injury exposing depth issues

  • Last in West despite strong offseason

• Los Angeles Clippers (9-10)

  • James Harden trade hasn’t moved needle

  • Kawhi Leonard’s load management frustrating fans

---

Key Factors Shaping the NBA Playoff Picture Race

1. The In-Season Tournament Effect

Teams going deep in IST (Nov-Dec) could gain:

• Valuable playoff-like experience

• Momentum heading into winter months

• Additional rest concerns (monitor contenders)

2. The Load Management Tightrope

New NBA rules forcing stars to play more:

• Reduced rest days for national TV games

• Teams being more strategic with DNPs

• Potential injury ramifications

3. The Trade Deadline Dominoes

Big names available could shift balance:

• Zach LaVine

• Pascal Siakam

• Dejounte Murray

---

Early Championship Predictions

We polled 50 NBA analysts:

For updated odds, visit NBA Newsz’s betting guide.

---

Under-the-Radar NBA Playoff Picture Threats

1. Orlando Magic (11-8)

• Paolo Banchero’s sophomore leap

• League’s 2nd best defense

• Massive frontcourt length

2. New Orleans Pelicans (10-9)

• Zion Williamson finally healthy

• CJ McCollum’s veteran leadership

• Underrated depth

3. Indiana Pacers (11-8)

• NBA’s best offense (121.3 ORtg)

• Tyrese Haliburton’s breakout

• Fastest pace in league

---

Potential NBA Playoff Picture Spoilers

1. Sacramento Kings

• Dominate at home (9-2 record)

• De’Aaron Fox clutch gene

2. New York Knicks

• Physical style translates to playoffs

• Jalen Brunson’s leadership

3. Los Angeles Lakers

• LeBron/AD playoff mode

• Austin Reaves’ growth

---

Key Takeaways

1. Boston and Denver remain teams to beat

2. OKC and Orlando announcing themselves as new threats

3. Health will determine most contenders’ fates

4. Trade deadline could completely reshape landscape

For daily NBA Playoff Picture updates, bookmark NBA Newsz.