NBA standings after 12 games: Celtics lead, Nuggets close behind
Boston tops the NBA early-season table with 30 points, while Denver, Milwaukee and the Lakers round out the top four.
The NBA regular season is still in its opening phase, but the first twelve games have already produced a clear hierarchy. Boston sits atop the league with 30 points from a 10‑2 record, followed by Denver on 27 points (9‑3) and Milwaukee with 24 points (8‑4). The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are tied for fourth place at 21 points each, while Golden State and Phoenix share the seventh spot with 18 points.
Boston’s early dominance reflects a strong start, winning ten of twelve contests and maintaining an unbeaten record at home. The Celtics’ consistency puts them three points clear of the nearest challenger and positions them well for a top seed if they can sustain the pace.
Denver remains the primary threat to Boston’s lead, having dropped only three games. The Nuggets sit just three points behind the Celtics and could close the gap quickly if they capitalize on upcoming matchups against lower‑ranked opponents.
Milwaukee’s eight wins keep the Bucks firmly in third place, but the gap to the top two is widening. The Lakers, despite a 7‑5 record, share the fourth slot with the Knicks, highlighting the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference’s mid‑table.
The Knicks’ identical record to the Lakers underscores the parity among teams fighting for playoff positioning. Golden State and Phoenix, both at 6‑6, are locked in a dead‑heat for seventh, indicating that a single win could dramatically shift their standing.
Dallas trails with a 5‑7 record, holding the eighth spot, while Philadelphia and Minnesota sit at the bottom with four wins each. Their identical 4‑8 records mean any upcoming victories will be crucial to avoid falling further behind.
As the season progresses, the early leaders will aim to solidify their playoff seeding, while teams around the middle of the table must seek consistency to climb the ladder. The next few weeks will likely see significant movement, especially for the tightly clustered teams around the fourth and seventh positions.
