NBA standings after 12 games: Celtics lead, Nuggets close behind

The NBA regular season is still in its opening phase, but the current standings after 12 games already show a clear hierarchy. Boston leads with 30 points, followed by Denver at 27 and Milwaukee with 24.
Boston’s 10‑2 record places them firmly at the summit, demonstrating consistency on both ends of the floor. Their two losses are the only blemish in an otherwise dominant start.
Denver sits just three points behind the Celtics, having posted a 9‑3 record. The Nuggets remain within striking distance and will look to maintain pressure on Boston in the coming weeks.
Milwaukee holds third place with an 8‑4 ledger, while the Los Angeles Lakers share a 7‑5 record with the New York Knicks, both occupying the fourth and fifth slots. The Lakers’ recent performances suggest they are still finding rhythm.
The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns are tied at 6‑6, reflecting a balanced but uneven start for both clubs. Their identical records keep them in the middle of the pack, with each game capable of shifting their position.
Further down, the Dallas Mavericks have slipped to 5‑7, and the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves share the bottom of the table at 4‑8 each. These teams will need to reverse trends quickly to stay competitive.
Early-season trends indicate that the Celtics and Nuggets are positioning themselves as early playoff contenders, while the middle of the table remains fluid. The next set of matchups will be crucial for teams like the Bucks, Lakers, and Knicks to solidify their standing before the season intensifies.