Introduction: The NBA Landscape at the Quarter Pole
As NBA Standings December 2024 reveal one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory. Traditional powerhouses are struggling, small-market teams are thriving, and the playoff picture is taking unexpected shape. This comprehensive breakdown analyzes every division, examines surprise teams, and predicts how the NBA Standings December 2024 might change before the All-Star break.
In this deep dive, we cover:
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✔ The stunning rise of small-market teams
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✔ Which preseason favorites are underperforming
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✔ Updated playoff projections for both conferences
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✔ Key statistics explaining each team’s position
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✔ How the standings impact trade deadline strategies
With over 25 games played for most teams, these NBA Standings December 2024 provide our clearest picture yet of who’s legit and who’s fading fast.
Eastern Conference Standings Breakdown (As of Dec. 15, 2024)
Top Tier: The Clear Contenders
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Boston Celtics (22-8)
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Still the East’s most complete team
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Jayson Tatum MVP-caliber (29.1 PPG)
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#2 ranked defense in NBA
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Milwaukee Bucks (20-10)
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Giannis averaging 31/12/6
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Defense improved after coaching change
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8-2 in last 10 games
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Philadelphia 76ers (19-11)
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Joel Embiid chasing another scoring title
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Tyrese Maxey breakout season (25.4 PPG)
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Need bench scoring at trade deadline
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Middle Class: Playoff Hopefuls
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Orlando Magic (18-12)
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Biggest surprise in East
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Paolo Banchero making All-Star case
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#3 defense in NBA
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New York Knicks (17-13)
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Jalen Brunson playing at All-NBA level
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Need health from Julius Randle
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Cleveland Cavaliers (17-13)
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Evan Mobley’s return stabilized defense
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Donovan Mitchell trade rumors swirling
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Fighting for Play-In
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Miami Heat (16-14)
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Indiana Pacers (16-15)
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Atlanta Hawks (15-16)
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Chicago Bulls (14-17)
Biggest Disappointment: Brooklyn Nets (12-18) – Defense is abysmal
Western Conference Standings Breakdown
The Elite
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Oklahoma City Thunder (23-7)
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Chet Holmgren DPOY candidate
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#1 offense in NBA
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10-0 at home
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Denver Nuggets (21-9)
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Jokić averaging triple-double
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Jamal Murray injury concerning
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15-1 when starters all play
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Minnesota Timberwolves (20-10)
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Best defense in NBA
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Anthony Edwards superstar leap
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Proving Themselves
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Los Angeles Clippers (19-11)
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Sacramento Kings (18-12)
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Dallas Mavericks (18-13)
Falling Short of Expectations
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Phoenix Suns (16-15) – Injuries crushing superteam
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Golden State Warriors (15-16) – No defense, aging core
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Los Angeles Lakers (14-17) – LeBron can’t do it all
Biggest Surprise: Houston Rockets (17-14) – Ime Udoka COY candidate
Key Statistics Explaining the Standings
| Team | Key Stat | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder | +10.3 Net Rating | Best in NBA |
| Celtics | 39% 3PT% | League leader |
| Magic | 107.8 Def Rating | Elite defense |
| Warriors | 118.3 Def Rating | Worst in West |
| Rockets | 8-3 vs. West | Road warriors |
Source: NBA Advanced Stats
Playoff Projections: Who’s Rising, Who’s Falling
Eastern Conference Locks
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Celtics
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Bucks
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76ers
Western Conference Locks
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Thunder
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Nuggets
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Timberwolves
Teams That Could Collapse
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Heat (aging roster)
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Lakers (no depth)
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Warriors (defensive woes)
Trade Deadline Implications
Buyers:
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76ers (need bench)
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Nuggets (backcourt depth)
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Knicks (star hunting)
Sellers:
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Bulls (blow it up)
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Nets (fire sale)
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Jazz (developing youth)
“The standings in December often dictate February trades,” notes NBA NewsZ insider Shams Charania.
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways
Add Immediately:
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Jalen Williams (OKC)
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Vince Williams Jr. (MEM)
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Trey Murphy III (NOP)
Sell High:
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Kyle Kuzma (WSH)
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Jordan Poole (WSH)
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Zach LaVine (CHI)
Final Analysis: What the Standings Tell Us
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The Thunder are legit title contenders
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The West is deeper than ever
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Defense still wins in the NBA
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Superteams are struggling with health
As we approach 2025, these December standings suggest we could be headed for one of the most unpredictable playoff races in NBA history.
Conclusion: Buckle Up for a Wild Ride
The 2024-25 NBA season is delivering unprecedented parity. With new contenders emerging weekly and traditional powers struggling, these NBA Standings December 2024 suggest we’re headed for a playoff race unlike any we’ve seen before. One thing’s certain – the road to the NBA Finals just got more interesting.
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