- The Boston Celtics are the top-ranked team during the 2024-25 season.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are ranked No. 2.
The 2024-25 NBA season is in full swing.
The Boston Celtics are coming off their 18th championship in franchise history and are NBA odds favorites to repeat. But there hasnโt been a back-to-back champ since the Golden State Warriors in 2018, and the league appears to be even more competitive this season.
Boston remains atop my updated NBA power rankings, but how does the rest of the league stack up?
NBA Power Rankings 2024-25
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Celtics |
| 2 | Thunder |
| 3 | Cavaliers |
| 4 | Warriors |
| 5 | Rockets |
| 6 | Magic |
| 7 | Nuggets |
| 8 | Knicks |
| 9 | Timberwolves |
| 10 | Mavericks |
| 11 | Bucks |
| 12 | Grizzlies |
| 13 | Clippers |
| 14 | Lakers |
| 15 | Suns |
| 16 | Kings |
| 17 | Heat |
| 18 | Hawks |
| 19 | Spurs |
| 20 | Pacers |
| 21 | Pistons |
| 22 | Bulls |
| 23 | Nets |
| 24 | 76ers |
| 25 | Hornets |
| 26 | Raptors |
| 27 | Trail Blazers |
| 28 | Jazz |
| 29 | Pelicans |
| 30 | Wizards |
Best NBA Teams, 2024-25
1. Boston Celtics
I will continue to rank the defending champions as the best team in the sport. Their win over the previously unbeaten Cavaliers proved they can level up when necessary.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Even after losing Chet Holmgren to injury, the Thunder have been the top-ranked defense in the league. They are the Western Conference favorites for a reason.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are off to an incredible start, which is why Kenny Atkinson is the early NBA Coach of the Year odds favorite after I suggested betting on him at 30/1 in the preseason.
4. Golden State Warriors
Golden Stateโs depth has been on display during an impressive start that featured multiple games without Stephen Curry.
5. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are more than just a fun team to watch every night. They find themselves near the top of the West.
6. Orlando Magic
Despite Paolo Banchero being sidelined with a torn oblique muscle, the Magic have managed to continue winning on the shoulders of a MIP-worthy campaign from Franz Wagner.
7. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokiฤ is putting together another MVP season for a Denver team that needs every minute from him.
8. New York Knicks
Since being blown out by the Celtics in the opener, the Knicks have shown glimpses of what can make them great. This is an elite offensive team.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves are firing up the 3-ball this season, suggesting a new identity for last yearโs top-ranked defense.
10. Dallas Mavericks
Last yearโs Western Conference champions have underperformed at the start of the year, but Iโm giving them the benefit of the doubt.
11. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have rebounded from their dreadful start to surge up these power rankings.
12. Memphis Grizzlies
While the Grizzlies are still dealing with injuries, they will be in the mix as long as Ja Morant is on the floor.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have managed to collect double-digit wins without Kawhi Leonard. Thatโs no small feat in the West.
14. Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis is having the best season of his career, but the Lakersโ defense will prevent them from being a legitimate threat in the West.
15. Phoenix Suns
Under head coach Mike Budenholzer, the Suns have improved their shot diet. Kevin Durantโs recent injury is the only reason Phoenix has slid down these rankings and the standings.
16. Sacramento Kings
DeโAron Fox leads the league in total points scored in the clutch for a Kings team fighting in the play-in tournament picture.
17. Miami Heat
Miami could benefit from the Eastern Conference being weaker than expected as it attempts to avoid the play-in tournament.
18. Atlanta Hawks
Dyson Daniels has been one of the season’s best stories, emerging as a Defensive Player of the Year contender.
19. San Antonio Spurs
There is no doubting Victor Wembanyama, but it still feels like the Spurs are a year away from truly being in the mix.
20. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers havenโt been as fun as last yearโs team. They need Tyrese Haliburton to get back on track.
21. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey have made a leap, and the Pistons might be fun again.
22. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are playing at the fastest pace in the league during the early stages of the 2024-25 season.
23. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are more competitive than expected, but will eventually trade their assets for the rebuild.
24. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have been the biggest disappointment in the league. At least Jared McCain has been dynamic in his rookie campaign.
25. Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball continues to put on an offensive clinic when healthy.
26. Toronto Raptors
Gradey Dick is having a sensational sophomore season for a young Toronto team.
27. Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers have earned multiple upset wins, showing their friskiness while tanking.
28. Utah Jazz
Lauri Markkanen has started to look more like himself of late.
29. New Orleans Pelicans
No team is dealing with as many injuries as the Pelicans this year.
30. Washington Wizards
The Wizards are leaning into their youth movement in their rebuild.
Who is the best NBA team this season?
According to these power rankings, the Boston Celtics are the best NBA team early in the 2024-25 NBA season. The Thunder are ranked No. 2, while the Cavaliers are No. 3.
Who is the worst NBA team this season?
The Washington Wizards are rated No. 30 in the league based on these updated power rankings.
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