NBA standings after 12 games: Celtics lead, Nuggets trail

The NBA regular season is 12 games in, and the current league table shows the Boston Celtics on top with 30 points earned from a 10‑2 record. Their strong start gives them a two‑point cushion over the nearest challenger.
Denver follows in second place with 27 points from a 9‑3 record. The Nuggets have stayed within striking distance of the Celtics, and a win in their next matchup could narrow the gap further.
Milwaukee occupies third place with 24 points and an 8‑4 record. The Bucks have maintained a steady pace and remain well positioned to challenge for a higher seed as the season progresses.
The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are tied for fourth, each holding 21 points from 7‑5 records. With identical win‑loss marks, head‑to‑head results and upcoming schedules will likely decide which club claims the higher spot.
Golden State and Phoenix share the sixth slot, both with 18 points and 6‑6 records. Their mid‑table battle is indicative of a tightly contested conference where a few wins can dramatically alter positioning.
Dallas, Philadelphia and Minnesota round out the bottom of the top ten. The Mavericks have 15 points from 5‑7, while the 76ers and Timberwolves each sit on 12 points with 4‑8 records, leaving them on the fringe of playoff contention.
Looking ahead, the next two weeks of games feature several marquee matchups that could see the Celtics’ lead tested, the Nuggets push for the top, and the tightly packed middle of the table shift as teams vie for playoff seeding.