NBA standings after 12 games: Celtics atop, Nuggets close behind
Boston Celtics sit first with 30 points as the NBA season's early race tightens across the league.
The latest NBA standings after each team has played 12 games show the Boston Celtics leading with 30 points, a perfect 10‑2 record. Denver Nuggets sit second with 27 points from a 9‑3 record, three points behind the Celtics and maintaining a strong start. Milwaukee Bucks hold third place with 24 points, an 8‑4 record, staying within striking distance of the top two. Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are tied at fourth and fifth with 21 points each, both holding 7‑5 records, indicating a competitive mid‑table. Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns share the sixth spot with 18 points, each 6‑6, reflecting balanced but inconsistent performances. Dallas Mavericks sit eighth with 15 points from 5‑7, while Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves are tied at ninth and tenth with 12 points each, both 4‑8. The early standings set the stage for a tight playoff race, with the top three already securing a three‑game cushion over the rest, and teams on the cusp needing to improve to stay in contention.
