- The Boston Celtics are the top-ranked team during the 2024-25 season.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are ranked No. 2.
The NBA season continues to march forward after the calendar flipped to 2025.
The Boston Celtics remain the best team in these power rankings as the NBA odds favorites to repeat following last yearโs championship. But how does the rest of the league stack up?
NBA Power Rankings 2024-25
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Celtics |
| 2 | Thunder |
| 3 | Cavaliers |
| 4 | Knicks |
| 5 | Grizzlies |
| 6 | Rockets |
| 7 | Nuggets |
| 8 | Mavericks |
| 9 | Magic |
| 10 | Bucks |
| 11 | Clippers |
| 12 | Lakers |
| 13 | Timberwolves |
| 14 | Warriors |
| 15 | Heat |
| 16 | Hawks |
| 17 | Spurs |
| 18 | Suns |
| 19 | Pacers |
| 20 | Kings |
| 21 | Pistons |
| 22 | Bulls |
| 23 | 76ers |
| 24 | Nets |
| 25 | Trail Blazers |
| 26 | Raptors |
| 27 | Hornets |
| 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. They can channel that upside on any given night.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
While their NBA Cup Final loss demonstrated some concern, the Thunder have the best defense in the league. They are Western Conference favorites for a reason.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference standings, making Kenny Atkinson the early NBA Coach of the Year odds favorite after I suggested betting on him at 30/1 in the preseason.
4. New York Knicks
The Knicks have shown what can make them great since being blown out by the Celtics in the opener. This is an elite offensive team that has been playing better on defense of late.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have reminded everyone they are one of the best teams in the league after an injury-riddled campaign in 2023-24.
6. Houston Rockets
The Rockets have exceeded expectations with their young roster, thanks to their elite defensive play this season.
7. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokiฤ is putting together another MVP season for a Denver team that needs every minute from him. The Zach LaVine trade rumors make a lot of sense.
8. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs must stay afloat after Luka Donฤiฤ suffered an injury on Christmas. That could be easier said than done in the West.
9. Orlando Magic
The Magic have shown a lot of fight while playing without their best players in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have rebounded from their dreadful start to surge up these power rankings, securing an NBA Cup victory as the highlight of their season.
11. Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard’s return is looming for a Clippers team that has been surprisingly competitive.
12. Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James has turned 40, and he’s helping the Lakers climb out of the play-in picture.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
Teams are putting so much attention on Anthony Edwards, making life difficult for Minnesota’s best player.
14. Golden State Warriors
Golden State has cooled off since its hot start, but this team still has so much depth and versatility.
15. Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler is no longer quiet quitting. Will the Heat trade him?
16. Atlanta Hawks
This Hawks team is playing with plenty of confidence after defeating the Celtics and Knicks in the NBA Cup.
17. San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama is a huge favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, and his offensive game has evolved in Year 2.
18. Phoenix Suns
The Suns have underwhelmed after being everyone’s favorite dark-horse contender entering the season.
19. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers havenโt been as fun as last yearโs team.
20. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento fired Mike Brown, who was the unanimous Coach of the Year in 2023. This team is desperate to make something happen.
21. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham will have to carry Detroit after Jaden Ivey suffered a horrible injury.
22. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls will be one of the more interesting teams to monitor ahead of this year’s trade deadline.
23. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have been the biggest disappointment in the league. And now Jared McCain is out indefinitely after being a runaway Rookie of the Year favorite.
24. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are more competitive than expected, which is why they traded Dennis Schrรถder and Dorian Finney-Smith as early as possible to begin their tank.
25. Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers are on pace to miss the postseason for the fourth straight year.
26. Toronto Raptors
Toronto still hasn’t played a game with its projected starting lineup this season.
27. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have somehow lost two games to the Wizards this season.
28. Utah Jazz
The Jazzโs defense has been atrocious this year.
29. New Orleans Pelicans
No team has dealt with as many injuries as the Pelicans this campaign. That could end up being a blessing in disguise, given the talent in the 2025 draft class.
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 during 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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