







Philadelphia More

1. Philadelphia 76ers (3-0; last week's ranking: 30): After entering the season with what was considered the league's weakest roster, the Sixers and rookie Michael Carter-Williams beat reigning champion Miami, Washington (on the road) and Chicago. Reality could hit soon, but, for now, the Sixers can enjoy the top spot.









Indiana More

2. Indiana Pacers (3-0; last week's ranking: 3): Guard Paul George opened the season in spectacular fashion with game averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 5.7 free throws made and 3.3 made 3-pointers.









Houston More

3. Houston Rockets (3-0; last week's ranking: 6): Dwight Howard returns to Los Angeles on Monday night, albeit to play the Los Angeles Clippers, not his old Lakers. Lakers play at Houston on Thursday, albeit without Kobe Bryant.









Minnesota More

4. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-0; last week's ranking: 13): The undefeated Wolves showed strong signs that they're capable of making the postseason for the first time since 2004. Kevin Love is healthy and averaging 29.6 points and 14.6 rebounds.









Miami More

5. Miami Heat (2-2; last week's ranking: 1): The Heat got back to .500 by defeating the Wizards on Sunday. Miami entered the game 1-2, only the second time LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh took the court with a losing record since they joined forces.









San Antonio More

6. San Antonio Spurs (2-1; last week's ranking: 2): After a subpar NBA Finals, Manu Ginobili opened the season strong, averaging 14.3 points on 51.4 percent shooting from the field. The Spurs play host to the Golden State Warriors on Friday.









Oklahoma City More

7. Oklahoma City Thunder (60-22 last season): Oklahoma City Thunder (2-1; last week's ranking: 8): Russell Westbrook's season debut after a quick return from right knee surgery was a success: He had 21 points and seven assists against Phoenix on Sunday. Expect the Thunder to make a big jump in the rankings soon.









Los Angeles More

8. Los Angeles Clippers (2-1; last week's ranking: 5): Center DeAndre Jordan is averaging a double-double of 11.3 points and 12 rebounds as well as two blocks and two steals. Dwight Howard will give him a great challenge Monday night at Staples Center.









Golden State More

9. Golden State Warriors (2-1; last week's ranking: 7): Golden State's game at Philadelphia on Monday is suddenly a big deal. It will be interesting to see if 6-foot-6 Michael Carter-Williams can give Stephen Curry any trouble.













Detroit More

10. Detroit Pistons (2-1; last week's ranking: 17): Brandon Jennings had 14 points, four assists and four steals while wearing a protective mask in his Pistons debut against Boston. Indiana and Oklahoma City are up next.











Chicago More

11. Chicago Bulls (1-2; last week's ranking: 4): Despite playing in the preseason, Derrick Rose has looked rusty in his return from his knee injury, averaging 14.3 points on 28.8 percent shooting from the field and 4.3 assists on 5.7 turnovers per game.

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