Tankathon Reverse Standings: Pistons Keep Stranglehold on No. 1 Despite Win

While some NBA teams are grappling for playoff positioning, the league’s worst are starting to solidify, along with draft ranges.

As the battle for the coveted NBA Playoffs rages on atop the NBA standings, the one for better draft positioning will soon begin in the back half of the regular season.

Here are the Tankathon reverse standings as of Sunday, Dec. 31:

1. Detroit Pistons, 3-29

Despite a win over the Raptors on Saturday night, effectively snapping their all-time losing streak of 28 games, Detroit still has a firm hold on the No. 1 spot with a record of 3-29.

There’s still plenty of time for the Pistons to figure things out and win some basketball games. And they’re even playing better over the last handful of games, opposed to a brutal stretch of play in mid-December.

Still, there’s no question Detroit’s roster simply has a bit less talent top to bottom, and there’s going to have to be major changes one way or another to climb out of the bottom of the standings this season.

2. San Antonio Spurs, 5-26

Despite landing basketball’s top prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Spurs still have plenty to figure out.

A move to center has helped Victor Wembanyama some, but as a roster, San Antonio is still in a bit of an identity crisis. They’re not totally sure what to do with the point guard spot moving forward, and as a result, aren’t a cohesive unit most nights.

For now, the organization might be content to move into the offseason with another top pick. But the on-court product has left some to be desired this season.

3. Washington Wizards, 6-25

At 6-25, Washington remains a contender to land the 14% chance at the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

There’s no question it’s by design the Wizards are in contention for top draft picks. They’ve moved into a new era with holdovers and a few young prospects, and will likely welcome a losing record if it means they can better their chances at the 2024 stars.

4. Charlotte Hornets, 7-23

5. Portland Trail Blazers, 9-22

6. Memphis Grizzlies, 10-21

7. Toronto Raptors, 12-20

8. Atlanta Hawks, 12-19

9. Utah Jazz, 14-19

10. Chicago Bulls, 15-19

T11. Golden State Warriors, 15-17

T11. Brooklyn Nets, 15-17

13. Houston Rockets, 15-15

14. Los Angeles Lakers, 17-16

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