NBA standings after 12 games: Celtics lead, Nuggets chase
After 12 games the Celtics sit atop the NBA standings with a 10‑2 record, while the Nuggets and Bucks round out the top three.
The NBA regular season has reached the 12‑game mark, and the current standings reflect early trends in the Eastern and Western conferences.
Boston Celtics lead the league with 30 points, a perfect 10‑2 record and no draws, maintaining a two‑point gap over the nearest challenger.
Denver Nuggets sit second with 27 points from a 9‑3 record, keeping pace with Boston but needing to win at least one of their next two games to close the gap.
Milwaukee Bucks occupy third place with 24 points, having won eight of twelve games; a win in their upcoming matchup could keep them within striking distance of the top two.
Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are tied at 21 points each, both holding 7‑5 records; the tie‑breaker will likely come down to head‑to‑head results and conference records as the season progresses.
Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns share the sixth spot with 18 points each, both at 6‑6; their identical records set up a potential mid‑season clash that could separate the two clubs.
Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves sit at the bottom of the top ten, with 15, 12 and 12 points respectively; each will need to improve consistency to stay in the playoff conversation.
