The 32 things we learned from Week 11 of the 2023 NFL season:

1. Tip of the cap to the NFL’s research department here, but what a singular playoff field we might have coalescing. Only four teams in the league have never reached the Super Bowl: The Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. If the season ended today – it doesn’t – the entire quartet would qualify for the postseason.

1a. This is the first time all four of those clubs have had a winning record this late in a season.

2. The Lions, who have never won the NFC North crown nor ever hosted a playoff game at Ford Field, are 8-2 to start a season for the first time since 1962. This is the first time since 1969 that both Detroit and Cleveland are at least 7-3 or better to launch a season – and the futility is much more acute in those proud cities given their franchises each won four league championships prior to the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, all of those titles also obviously predating the Super Bowl era, which began in 1966.

3. The Texans and Jags have existed for a combined 51 seasons, though Houston’s pain extends to the days when it was home to the Oilers, who won the AFL’s first two crowns in 1960 and ’61. The Texans have never reached the AFC title game, a round that’s seen Jacksonville vanquished three times since its inaugural season in 1995.

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4. Unsurprisingly, improved quarterback play is a key component for all of these turnarounds – though the Browns’ fortunes are now pinned to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury. Still, credit DTR for recording his first NFL victory Sunday – a massive win against the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

5. In Detroit, QB Jared Goff overcame three interceptions in the first three quarters and engineered a 17-point final period as the Lions salvaged a 31-26 win against the Chicago Bears, putting his team alongside the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens as the league’s only eight-win clubs.

6. In Houston, breakout rookie QB C.J. Stroud threw for 336 more yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Texans improved to 6-4 with a 21-16 defeat of the Arizona Cardinals.

6a. Stroud matched Joe Burrow’s rookie record with three consecutive games with at least 300 passing yards.

6b. However Stroud, who entered the game with two interceptions, served up three Sunday. He had been on pace to smash Dak Prescott’s rookie mark for touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-to-4).

6c. But Stroud looked good Sunday … given those “Battle Red” Texans helmets present much better when paired with the team’s “Steel Blue” Color Rush jerseys.

7. Meanwhile, in Jacksonville, the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence became the first player in team history with multiple passing and rushing TDs in the same game as the AFC South leaders rebounded from an embarrassing Week 10 loss to lash the Tennessee Titans 34-14.

8. Been a lot of great quarterbacks in the history of the San Francisco 49ers: Joe Montana, Steve Young, John Brodie, Jeff Garcia, Alex Smith, Jimmy Garoppolo and Colin Kaepernick among them. Sunday, Brock Purdy became the first one to post a perfect 158.3 passer rating in a game that required at least 20 throws.

8a. Purdy torched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by completing 21 of 25 balls for 333 yards and three TDs in a 27-14 victory.

8b. (Montana did post a 158.3, too, in 1989 but only attempted 19 passes in a 45-3 rout of the Atlanta Falcons.)

9. Haven’t been a lot of great quarterbacks in the history of the New York Jets, who lost 32-6 to the retooled Buffalo Bills. Zach Wilson was benched in favor of QB3 Tim Boyle on a day when the NYJ went 0-for-11 on third downs.

10. Jets head coach Robert Saleh wasn’t prepared to announce who would be behind center when his team hosts the AFC East-leading Miami Dolphins on Black Friday.

11. (Might we suggest veteran Thomas Morstead, who completed an 18-yard throw for a first down on a fake punt for the Jets?)

12. But things looked much better for Bills Mafia, interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady overseeing an attack that posted 32 points, Buffalo’s most since Week 4, and 393 yards.

13. Defensive Player of the Year dark horse? The Dallas Cowboys already have a former one (Stephon Gilmore) at the cornerback position, where injured All-Pro Trevon Diggs also seemed to be emerging as a potential candidate in future seasons. But who foresaw this campaign from sophomore corner DaRon Bland, who tied the NFL record Sunday with his fourth pick-six of the season?

13a. Bland joined Hall of Famer Ken Houston (1971), Jim Kearney (1972) and Eric Allen (1993).

14. It obviously helped Bland’s cause to be lining up opposite Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young, the No. 1 pick of the 2023 draft serving up this third interception taken the other way for a score this season. Young also fumbled and was sacked seven times in Carolina’s 33-10 loss.

15. New York Giants undrafted rookie QB Tommy DeVito was sacked nine times Sunday … yet also threw a career-best three TDs against the Washington Commanders, notching his first NFL win.

16. Washington committed six turnovers, its most in a game since 2014 … also against the Giants. New York had no giveaways Sunday.

17. A stinker of an effort by the Commanders was exacerbated by the fact there was no hot water for showers afterward at FedEx Field.

18.Cowboys rookie K Brandon Aubrey has now converted all 21 of his field-goal tries, a record to start a career in the NFL. Ironically, he missed his second extra point of 2023 on Sunday.

19. The Minnesota Vikings’ loss Sunday night snapped their five-game winning streak … meaning their vanquishers, the Denver Broncos, are now the league’s hottest team after prevailing a fourth consecutive time.

20. Monday night’s Super Bowl 57 rematch – Super Bowl 58 preview? – between the Eagles (8-1) and Kansas City Chiefs (7-2) is the ninth-ever regular-season Super Sunday redux from the previous season and, this year, features each conference’s projected No. 1 playoff seed.

21. However that will change for Kansas City if Philadelphia wins, the Ravens perched to assume the AFC’s top spot if that transpires.

22. Good news for Chiefs fans: The reigning Super Bowl champions have won the past four such rematches and are 6-2 overall.

23. Bad news for Chiefs fans: Taylor Swift won’t be at Arrowhead Stadium.

24.What a damaging week for the AFC North, which was recently on track to become the first division to send all four of its members to the same postseason. But season ending injuries to Watson, the Cincinnati Bengals’ Burrow, and Ravens TE Mark Andrews suggest it’s far more likely two of those teams ultimately advance.

25. Not only have the Steelers still failed to outgain any of their opponents this season, nearly 30% of their 249-yard output Sunday occurred on RB Jaylen Warren’s 74-yard TD run.

26. Warren’s backfield mate, RB Najee Harris, had 36 yards from scrimmage and has clearly reached a breaking point with the offense. ‘I’m just at a point, where I’m just tired of this (expletive),’ he said. Harris later added, ‘Is it fixable? Yeah. Are we going to fix it? (Expletive.)’

27. Pittsburgh’s 77 net passing yards were its fewest in nearly four years, matching the total of a 2019 contest started by former QB Devlin Hodges.

28. But good Sunday for Browns DE Myles Garrett, arguably the DPOY frontrunner, as he added two sacks to push his league-leading total to 13.

29. Total yards in Sunday’s Rams-Seahawks game? Seattle had 291, Los Angeles had 267 and the penalty flags had 222. There were more combined infractions (21) than points scored by either team in a 17-16 LA victory.

30. The Dolphins outlasted the Las Vegas Raiders 20-13, preventing the Silver and Black’s Antonio Pierce from becoming the first interim HC to go 3-0 since 2000.

31. Memo to Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley: When your league-worst pass defense breathes life into a stagnant Green Bay Packers offense in what could ultimately be a crippling loss for the 4-6 Bolts, it’s fair to question your role as the play-caller.

32. Who’s got the best name in the NFL, Dolphins WR River Cracraft or Stone Smartt? We’re going with the latter – this week – after the Chargers tight end rumbled 51 yards for his first career TD on Sunday.

33. Apologies to our fine friends north of the border, but Canadian football doesn’t rate in ’32 things.’ Nevertheless, let’s acknowledge Sunday’s thrilling Grey Cup, the Montreal Alouettes upsetting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with a go-ahead touchdown in the final seconds of a 28-24 victory – Montreal securing the Cup for the first time since 2010. A win would have conferred a third Cup to the Bombers in the past four seasons.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.

Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark, widely considered college basketball’s sweetheart, will appear on the ManningCast Monday night during the Chiefs-Eagles game to talk college hoops with brothers Peyton and Eli Manning. Clark will be the first college athlete they’ve ever had on.

Clark is a lifelong Chiefs fan (her family has a Chiefs vending machine in their Des Moines home) and has developed a friendship with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes via Twitter; Mahomes is also a big fan of Clark’s and has told her he wants to watch Iowa play in person. She has seen him in person, having secured tickets to the Chiefs’ Christmas Eve 2022 game.

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who played the majority of his career with Atlanta and Philadelphia, will also be a guest Monday. The ManningCast starts at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Known for her logo 3s and thread-the-needle transition passes, Clark became Iowa’s all-time leading scorer on Nov. 12 after notching her 12th career triple double. After leading the Hawkeyes to the Final Four she’s back for her senior season, with the option to return for a fifth year. Iowa, ranked No. 2 this week in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, had an impressive early season win over No. 9 Virginia Tech, but fell last week to unranked Kansas State. It’s the first time in Clark’s career the Hawkeyes were held under 60 points. 

The ManningCast has been a hit since it debuted on ESPN2 in 2021. The brothers frequently entertain some of the world’s most accomplished and popular sports figures; LeBron James, Tom Brady, Steph Curry, Sue Bird and Charles Barkley have been guests. They’ve also hosted former president Barack Obama, comedian Jon Stewart and actor Jon Hamm, among others.  

Clark is a frequent topic, and occasional guest, on some of sports media’s biggest shows. Last season she told Dan Patrick she might come back for a fifth year, delaying her professional career until 2025. Stephen A. Smith has praised her as “a sensational talent” and asked if he should call her “the female version of Steph Curry, or do I need to call Steph Curry the male version of Caitlin Clark?” (Clark and Smith also did an event together earlier this fall during Iowa’s homecoming celebration.) 

After Clark and Iowa’s Elite Eight game vs. Louisville drew more than 2.5 million viewers, Dan Le Batard said Clark’s popularity could help “change the power imbalance of sports.”

Zach Wilson really had a day to forget in the New York Jets’ 32-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Wilson completed just seven of 15 passes for 81 yards, had a touchdown pass but also an interception and was sacked five times. Wilson also endured embarrassment while running onto the field, tripping over backwards in a moment that summed up his day in a nutshell.

Then, there was this. Before benching Wilson in favor of Tim Boyle, Jets head coach Robert Saleh had a nice two-handed tackle on Wilson as the quarterback ran into the team’s sideline and at the coach during the third quarter. Granted, Saleh appeared to just be bracing himself and Wilson for the fall. Shortly thereafter, however, Wilson was yanked from the game.

This is not how the season was supposed to go for the Jets (4-6), who were an expected AFC contender after the offseason trade for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, was going to move into a backup role and learn behind Rodgers.

Instead, Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury just four plays into his Jets tenure. Wilson was thrust back into the starting spot, which hasn’t gone great. Wilson has completed just 59.2 percent of his passes for 1,944 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions, with the third-year quarterback showing no improvement in his game. The Jets offense, expected to be a juggernaut with Rodgers at the helm, now ranks among the league’s worst.

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Just 50 days before the first TGL event was scheduled to be played, the new tech-infused golf league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has announced play will be postponed until early 2025.

According to the league, a temporary power system and its backup system caused the SoFi Center dome – the host venue that was still under construction for TGL matches on the campus of Palm Beach State College – to deflate overnight on Tuesday, Nov. 14. While the air-supported dome section of the venue was damaged, there were no injuries and the league reports that most of the technology was not impacted.

A league statement noted the decision was made after the review of short-term solutions, potential construction timelines, player schedules and the primetime sports television calendar. TGL matches were slated to be broadcast by ESPN starting Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, the day after the College Football Playoff National Championship.

“The postponement brings mixed feelings of disappointment and excitement. Above all, we are happy that no one was injured. We are looking forward to the launch of TGL,” McIlroy said. “Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”

“I’ve been a believer in TGL, and as the momentum has built this past year, I’m even more excited about what this can become for fans of the game all around the world,” Woods added. “Although the events of last week will force us to make adjustments to our timelines, I’m fully confident that this concept will be brought to life by our great committed players.”

Jon Rahm, the first player to join co-founders Woods and McIlroy, backed out of the league in earlier this month by saying, “While I still think it’s a great opportunity, right now it would require a level of commitment that I can’t offer.”

ESPN released a statement from Rosalyn Durant, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions: ‘We are partners with TGL and fully support their decision. We have believed in them and their vision from the beginning, and that has not changed. The additional time to plan, test and rehearse will only make it better. We look forward to launching the inaugural season on ESPN.’

What is TGL?

The indoor golf league will feature six teams of four PGA Tour players who will take part in 15 regular season matches followed by semifinal and final matches.

The players will compete in an indoor arena featuring a virtual course and a physical putting green. During the game, the players’ voices will be amplified through microphones, and they will participate in 3 vs. 3 team match play. All of this will take place in front of a live audience.

ESPN has agreed to be TGL’s exclusive broadcast and streaming partner.

Which PGA Tour players have committed to TGL?

Including co-founders Woods and McIlroy, the players who agreed to join TGL have combined for 190 PGA Tour victories and 28 major titles.

Quarterback Joe Flacco has signed with the Cleveland Browns and will join the team’s practice squad, the Browns announced Monday.

ESPN was the first to report Flacco would be signing, which will add veteran depth behind rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker following the Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury. To make room on the roster, the team released WR Trinity Benson from the practice squad. 

Flacco brings 15 seasons of NFL experience to the Browns, who are the fifth team for the quarterback.

Flacco was a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 NFL draft (18th overall) and helped the team win Super Bowl 47 during the 2012 season, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Flacco, who played 11 seasons for the Ravens, is the team’s all-time leading passing yardage leader with 38,245 yards (Lamar Jackson is second with 14,650). Flacco last played during the 2022 season, starting four games for the New York Jets.

In the wake of Watson’s injury, Thompson-Robinson made his second career NFL start on Sunday in the Browns’ 13-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Walker also made two starts earlier this season as Watson had been sidelined with a rotator cuff strain in his throwing shoulder.

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Thompson-Robinson, who played collegiately at UCLA, was a fifth-round pick by the Browns in the 2023 NFL draft. After going undrafted out of Temple in the 2017 NFL draft, Walker was a standout for the Houston Roughnecks during the 2020 XFL season, which was canceled after five games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Walker then spent three seasons with the Carolina Panthers (making seven starts) before joining the Browns in August after being released by the Chicago Bears.

If there’s one place that could replicate the environment of March Madness in November, look no further than the 2,400-seat Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii.

For a majority of the past 40 years, the small gymnasium on the west side of the Hawaiian island has hosted one of the premier early-season college basketball tournaments, the Maui Invitational. Several top ranked teams and future NBA stars made their way across the Pacific Ocean to play in one of the most raucous environments in college basketball, hosted by Division II Chaminade University.

“I was just mesmerized by the sound of the crowd,” former Chaminade athletic director Bill Villa told USA TODAY Sports. “The quality of the teams, and the support from the crowd and the excitement, it was just like the atmosphere surrounding the tournament was like a Final Four.”

This year’s tournament was promised to bring another electric atmosphere to Lahaina, with six teams in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball poll, including four in the top 10.

But tragedy struck Maui three months before the tournament was set to begin, as devastating wildfires ravaged the west side of the island and historic Lahaina town. Over one hundred people were killed and the damage resulted in at least $4 billion in estimated economic losses. 

With so much devastation, there was uncertainty whether the Maui Invitational could stay on the island. It was ultimately decided to move the tournament, but not too far. Instead of being played in Lahaina, it will move 77 miles northwest on Oahu at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on the University of Hawai’i campus.

It won’t exactly be the same Maui Invitational college basketball fans have loved for decades, but it was important for those involved to keep the tournament on the islands so that while exciting basketball is played, it brings attention and help to those still in need.

Why isn’t the Maui Tournament being held in Maui?

Despite the destruction in Maui and the buildings surrounding it, the Lahaina Civic Center was not damaged in the wildfires. But in the days after recovery efforts began, tournament organizers weren’t sure about the availability of the gymnasium. 

“While it wasn’t damaged, fortunately, it was beginning to be used for official purposes,” said Tom Valdiserri, executive vice president of KemperSports LIVE, the operator of the Maui Invitational. “We pretty much knew that we weren’t going to be able to go because of how they needed the civic center for the various organizations.”

The center continues to be a resource for locals months later, used to help displaced residents or those in need of assistance.

“The Maui Invitational needs to take a backseat to that. You gotta take care of the people first,” Villa said. “Just to be there just wouldn’t be the right thing to do.”

With the Lahaina Civic Center not an option, tournament organizers wanted to keep the games on the islands, especially since the 2020 and 2021 editions were on the mainland due to COVID-19. But Valdiserri said the University of Hawai’i stepped up quickly and offered to host the tournament. After conversations with the Hawaiian government, plans came together to host the tournament in Honolulu.

Logistics of moving Maui Invitational

Switching the tournament location in less than three months provided some challenges. Notably, Hawai’i men’s basketball has a home game on Day 2 of the tournament, meaning five basketball games will take place in the same arena on the same day.

Other things that needed to be addressed were changing the flight plans for all eight teams and finding hotels with space for the teams and fans. But a bonus is the capacity for each game will go from 2,400 to 10,300, allowing more fans of participating teams – and Oahu residents – the opportunity to see the tournament for the first time. Maui residents, business owners and first responders from the fire will also be flown in to attend the tournament.

“We’re going to have a packed house and a lot of excited people will see some outstanding players, teams and coaches,” Valdiserri said.

Importance of Maui Invitational on Hawaii

Even when it became clear the Lahaina Civic Center wasn’t going to be available, Valdiserri said it was “never a question” to cancel or postpone the tournament. But the main goal was to avoid holding the tournament on the mainland.

“It was very important for us and Hawaii to keep it in the state,” Valdiserri said. 

All participating schools wanted the tournament to stay in Hawaii, but perhaps none wanted it more than Chaminade. Contrary to belief, the university isn’t actually located in Maui, it’s in Honolulu, less than a mile from the University of Hawai’i. It’s rare for a Division II school to get so much attention in a Division I tournament, but the tournament has been synonymous with the Silverswords.

“It’s a huge part of our identity,” said Chaminade head coach Eric Bovaird. “It’s just a special, unique opportunity that we have.”

It’s also a big money maker for Chaminade and the state. Villa, who retired from his position in 2020, said the Maui Invitational is the largest source of revenue for the athletic department, and remembers it would bring around $16 million in economic value to the state.

Continuing to help and support Maui

Of all the reasons to keep the tournament in Hawaii, the greatest reason was because it can help people still struggling from the loss. 

Valdiserri is in his 15th year of tournament organization and said he has been embraced by the ohana spirit Maui gives to all visitors. Bovaird preached the “everybody kind of knows everybody” thinking Hawaii residents have, so in some way, nearly everyone knows someone that was affected by the wildfires. 

“Sometimes we’re in a society where, if it’s not on the front page, we kind of move on a couple of weeks later and everybody goes back to life as normal,” Bovaird said. “Life isn’t back to normal over there. Maui still needs our help.’

‘We’re all one big ohana in Hawaii.’

Awareness has been raised by participating schools, including Kansas and Tennessee, which used proceeds from scrimmages before the regular season to raise money for relief efforts. Kansas head coach Bill Self said the university raised over $1 million in the fundraiser.

There’s also the Hoops for ‘Ohana online auction, where college basketball memorabilia, surfboards, game tickets and gear can be bought. The auction will be open through Nov. 22, with all proceeds going directly to wildfire relief and recovery efforts.

“Through the sales and donations, that’s what’s maybe making this Maui Invitational a little bit even more special,” Villa said. 

Throughout the tournament, the ESPN broadcast will feature Maui and its residents, and will continuously offer ways people can still help. Analyst Bill Walton will also make his return to calling the tournament, something Valdiserri thinks will be a benefit for viewers to learn more about the culture of Maui. 

The 2023 Maui Invitational will “likely be a little bit even more special,’ Villa said, as the tournament plans to celebrate 40 years while helping the island rebuild. But will it be possible to return to the Lahaina Civic Center in 2024?

“Absolutely. That is the plan,” Valdiserri said. 

2023 Maui Invitational teams

No. 1 KansasNo. 2 PurdueNo. 5 MarquetteNo. 8 TennesseeNo. 10 GonzagaNo. 24 UCLASyracuseChaminade

Last season didn’t end the way the Sacramento Kings envisioned.

With the No. 3 seed, they lost to the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors in a competitive and entertaining first-round Western Conference playoff series.

It was the Kings’ first playoff appearance since 2006, and while the loss was a disappointing end to an impressive 48-34 season after going 30-52 in 2021-22, it revealed the potential the Kings have under Coach Mike Brown and All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis and guard De’Aaron Fox.

After a 2-4 start that coincided with Fox missing two weeks (ankle injury), the Kings have won six consecutive games, moved up in the West standings and in this week’s edition of the USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings.

The Kings have six players in double-figures in points, led by Fox’s 31.9 per game and Sabonis’ 20.8. Fox also averages 6.1 assists and 4.6 rebounds, and Sabonis averages 12.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists. And both are shooting at least 50% from the field.

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Are the Kings now ready for their first playoff series win since 2004 and their first conference finals appearance since 2002?

Here are this week’s USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings:

1. Boston Celtics (11-2)

The Celtics, winners of six consecutive games, have the league’s best record, No. 4 offense, No. 1 defense, No. 1 net rating and the best starting five.

Last week: 3

2. Philadelphia 76ers (10-3)

Players need to perform, but don’t discount new Sixers coach Nick Nurse’s style and influence on the team and their start – No. 3 offensively.

Last week: 1

3. Minnesota Timberwolves (9-3)

Last week, Karl-Anthony Towns averaged 29 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists and shot 59.3% from the field, 38.9% on 3-pointers and 94.1% on free throws.

Last week: 5

4. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-4)

Chet Holmgren is an early 50-50-90 guy, averaging 17 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.1 blocks and shooting 56.5% from the field, 46% on 3-pointers and 90.7% from the free throw line. He’s making sure Rookie of the Year isn’t a one-man race for Victor Wembanyama.

Last week: 13

5. Milwaukee Bucks (9-4)

Everything is a small sample size at this time of the season, but there are signs the Bucks, who have won four consecutive games, can be a solid defensive team under first-year coach Adrian Griffin – with Brook Lopez as a rim protector.

Last week: 14

6. Denver Nuggets (9-4)

Developing Christian Braun as an invaluable sixth man and building depth are focuses for a team that appears headed for another deep playoff run behind star Nikola Jokic.

Last week: 2

7. Sacramento Kings (8-4)

In his three games since returning from an ankle injury, De’Aaron Fox has scored 28, 28 and 43 points on 53% shooting from the field and 38.5% on 3-pointers.

Last week: 15

8. Dallas Mavericks (9-5)

Offense won’t be a problem with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and a strong supporting case, but they are No. 26 defensively and have allowed at least 120 points in eight games.

Last week: 4

9. New York Knicks (8-5)

Last week: 8

10. Orlando Magic (8-5)

The league’s No. 1 defense just shut down the league’s top offense, holding Indiana to 25.8% on 3-pointers in a 128-116 Magic victory Sunday in which the Pacers scored just 44 points in the first half.

Last week: 9

11. Indiana Pacers (7-5)

The Pacers are No. 4 in 3s made per game (14.9) and No. 9 in 3-point percentage (.378), and Tyrese Haliburton is one of the best players in the league right now.

Last week: 7

12. Miami Heat (8-5)

Last week: 12

13. Phoenix Suns (7-6)

Still waiting for a game where Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal play in the same game, and that’s going to be at least a few more weeks while Beal tries to get his injured back healthy.

Last week: 17

14. Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)

The Lakers have won five of their past six games, and in a 3-1 week, LeBron James averaged 29 points, 8.8 assists, 7.5 rebounds and shot 62.7% from the field and 48.1% on 3-pointers with 35 and 37 points in his past two games.

Last week: 16

15. Houston Rockets (6-5)

Get familiar with Alperen Sengun, 21, and his game: 20.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game and shooting 59.1% from the field.

Last week: 6

16. Cleveland Cavaliers (7-6)

Offense isn’t easy for the Cavaliers who in the bottom third of the league in offensive rating, 3-pointers made per game and 3-point shooting percentage.

Last week: 18

17. Atlanta Hawks (6-6)

Last week: 11

18. Brooklyn Nets (6-7)

Off the bench, Lonnie Walker IV averages 16.6 points, shoots 51% from the field and 45.6% on 3s and has four 20-point games.

Last week: 19

19. Golden State Warriors (6-8)

The Warriors have lost six consecutive games, are without suspended Draymond Green for three more contests but at least Steph Curry is back after missing two games with right knee soreness.

Last week: 10

20. New Orleans Pelicans (6-7)

Victories over Dallas and Denver and a one-point loss to Minnesota were part of a productive week, supported by strong offensive performances from Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas and rookie Jordan Hawkins.

Last week: 22

21. Los Angeles Clippers (4-7)

The Clippers finally got a win with James Harden in lineup (106-100 vs. Houston) and have a chance to add to the win column with consecutive games against the Spurs this week.

Last week: 21

22. Toronto Raptors (6-7)

The Raptors are No. 2 in fastbreak points, No. 6 in points in the paint and No 4 in assists per game.

Last week: 20

23. Chicago Bulls (5-9)

The early-season losses have made opposing executives see if the Bulls are considering trading some of their key players.

Last week: 23

24. Utah Jazz (4-9)

Looking for bright spots on a struggling defensive team (No. 28), Lauri Markkanen leads a decent offense at 24.8 points per game on 48.7% shooting from the field and 40% shooting on 3s.

Last week: 28

25. Portland Trail Blazers (3-10)

Injuries to Anfernee Simons (out another 2-4 weeks after right thumb surgery) and rookie Scoot Henderson (sprained right ankle, bone bruise) keep Portland from growing.

Last week: 24

26. Memphis Grizzlies (3-10)

A win over San Antonio was mitigated by losses to the Lakers and Celtics and Marcus Smart’s injury (sprained left too) which will sideline him for about a month.

Last week: 29

27. Charlotte Hornets (3-9)

The Hornets were winless in the week, have lost four in a row and can’t stop an opponent from scoring with the league’s worst defensive rating, allowing 121.4 points per 100 possessions.

Last week: 25

28. Washington Wizards (2-10)

The Wizards have the makings of a long-term contributor and maybe even an All-Star in French rookie Bilal Coulibaly.

Last week: 27

29. San Antonio Spurs (3-10)

The future is bright with Victor Wembanyama – it’s just a long way from today with the Spurs struggles offensively (No. 29) and defensively (No. 29).

Last week: 30

30. Detroit Pistons (2-12)

The Pistons have lost 11 consecutive games.

Last week: 26