Rockets top NBA rankings as injuries reshape race — SkimNews
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- Houston Rockets climbed from No. 4 to No. 1 at 7-1 after Fred VanVleet returned from a season-ending knee injury; his playmaking has helped produce the league’s best offensive rating at 121.2, with Marcus Smart providing point-guard insurance.
- Detroit Pistons rose from No. 3 to No. 2 at 6-1, continuing to rank first in points allowed and defensive rating while their three-point shooting climbed to 38.1%; they matched last season’s 18-triple game high twice in two weeks.
- Philadelphia 76ers moved from No. 5 to No. 3 at 7-1, with Tyrese Maxey leading the team in scoring and the NBA in fourth-quarter scoring at 11.0 points per game, fueling explosive fourth quarters that have kept Philadelphia winning.
- Memphis Grizzlies surged from No. 14 to No. 6 at 6-1 after Memphis traded away Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant in a youth-focused pivot, with Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward and Ty Jerome taking on larger roles.
- Los Angeles Lakers ranked seventh at 6-2 as Luka Doncic led the NBA in scoring at 38.3 points per game on 49.7/42.7/88.7 shooting after 42- and 45-point games in his previous two outings.
- Oklahoma City Thunder fell from No. 1 to No. 10 at 5-2 after injuries to four All-Defensive players removed a key offensive strength; over four games, the Thunder averaged only 11.8 points off turnovers after leading the league in that category for three straight seasons.
- Minnesota Timberwolves dropped from No. 2 to No. 11 at 5-3 with Anthony Edwards expected to sit out two months after a knee procedure; Ayo Dosunmu is starting in his place after signing a five-year, $112 million contract.
Why it matters: Houston's climb from No. 4 to No. 1 at 7-1 is directly tied to VanVleet's return and a 121.2 offense, the league's best rating. Oklahoma City, by contrast, fell from No. 1 to No. 10 after four All-Defensive players were injured, dropping to 11.8 points off turnovers over four games.
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