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NBA Standings ordered by Defensive Rating: Raptors near the top

By Mike Luciano

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Darko Rajaković of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on October 17, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Darko Rajaković of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on October 17, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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While the Toronto Raptors may need to take a few more games to figure out how to take their offense to the next level, the team’s defense has remained strong once again. Even with Darko Rajakovic in and Nick Nurse gone, Toronto has built a solid defensive infrastructure.

With OG Anunoby once again playing like someone who could end up on the All-Defensive team and Scottie Barnes making strides, Toronto has won games due to their tremendous defensive approach. There are fewer switches and turnovers, but this unit is still cooking.

While Rajakovic is an offensive-minded coach, the only chance the Raptors have at making a postseason run this year is leaning on their defense. As defensive rating shows, Toronto is simply excellent in this area.

NBA standings ordered by defensive rating: Where are the Toronto Raptors?

Eastern Conference

  1. Boston Celtics (106.5)
  2. Orlando Magic (106.5)
  3. New York Knicks (108.3)
  4. Toronto Raptors (110.3)
  5. Miami Heat (110.8)
  6. Philadelphia 76ers (111.2)
  7. Cleveland Cavaliers (111.5)
  8. Chicago Bulls (111.9)
  9. Milwaukee Bucks (114.6)
  10. Atlanta Hawks (115.2)
  11. Brooklyn Nets (115.3)
  12. Detroit Pistons (115.7)
  13. Washington Wizards (118.2)
  14. Indiana Pacers (118.4)
  15. Charlotte Hornets (121.4)

Unsurprisingly, the Celtics and Knicks are right at the top of the pack here. In two surprising twists of fate, a very young Magic team has been as good as anyone in the league to start the season and the Raptors continue to get the most out of their personnel.

If it was not for a preposterously efficient Pacers offense, three of the worst teams in the NBA are populating the bottom of the standings. As the Pistons showed in their loss against Toronto, they certainly aren’t world-beaters in this area.

Western Conference

  1. Minnesota Timberwolves (107.0)
  2. Houston Rockets (107.8)
  3. Oklahoma City Thunder (108.4)
  4. Denver Nuggets (110.3)
  5. Los Angeles Clippers (110.8)
  6. Sacramento Kings (112.1)
  7. Los Angeles Lakers (112.1)
  8. Golden State Warriors (112.2)
  9. Portland Trail Blazers (113.0)
  10. Memphis Grizzlies (113.2)
  11. New Orleans Pelicans (113.8)
  12. Phoenix Suns (114.2)
  13. Dallas Mavericks (118.2)
  14. Utah Jazz (118.7)
  15. San Antonio Spurs (119.8)

The Timberwolves, who lost to the Raptors earlier in the season, have emerged as one of the best teams in the league due to Anthony Edwards’ dominance and Rudy Gobert’s excellent defense. The Rockets, led by Fred VanVleet and new coach Ime Udoka, are right near the top.

Even with Victor Wembanyama making his presence felt, the Spurs find themselves in last place in the Western Conference. Despite some star power on the offensive side of the ball, both the Suns and Mavericks could struggle to emerge as a contender due to their lackluster defense.

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