NBA Power Rankings: Best & Worst Teams for 2024-25 Season

The NBA season continues to march forward following an underwhelming All-Star weekend.

The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the top team in these power rankings, establishing themselves as NBA odds favorites in the Western Conference.

But how does the rest of the league stack up?

NBA Power Rankings 2024-25

Best NBA Teams, 2024-25

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

After being the No. 1 team in the West during a breakthrough campaign last season, the Thunder have led the conference all year. This is the best defensive team in the league, and Chet Holmgren’s return from injury strengthened the unit.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference standings, making Kenny Atkinson the NBA Coach of the Year odds favorite after I suggested betting on him at 30/1 in the preseason.

3. Boston Celtics

The Celtics just need to get to the postseason healthy for a chance to repeat as NBA champions.

4. Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokić continues to be the best player in the world for a Denver team that might be the biggest threat to Oklahoma City in the West. The Nuggets are firmly in the inner circle of contenders as long as Jokić is playing at this level.

5. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers shocked the world by trading for Luka Dončić, forming a prolific pairing between him and a 40-year-old LeBron James. They have been playing better than everyone ever since.

6. New York Knicks

The Knicks are No. 2 in offensive rating this year, living up to their lofty preseason expectations. But they have struggled when facing the elite teams.

7. 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. They are on their way to hosting a first-round series after missing last year’s postseason.

8. Houston Rockets

The Rockets have exceeded expectations with their young roster, though a recent slide provides reason for doubt about their playoff potential.

9. Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging the most points in the paint for any player in the last 25 seasons.

10. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have put it together after an underwhelming start to the season. They are currently in a position to host a first-round series.

11. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler, hoping to give Stephen Curry and Co. one more deep playoff run. The move has certainly given them more life.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards has put the team on his back, carrying the Wolves to the top of the play-in picture. He leads the league in 3-point attempts this year.

13. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers were surprisingly competitive without Kawhi Leonard, but they have struggled since he returned to the lineup.

14. Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham, a top contender for NBA’s Most Improved Player, earned his first All-Star nod and has been carrying Detroit this year.

15. Sacramento Kings

The Kings traded away De’Aaron Fox to pair Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan together again. Get ready to learn play-in basketball, Sacramento.

16. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs took a gamble by trading for Anthony Davis. He suffered an injury in his debut for Dallas.

17. Miami Heat

The Jimmy Butler era has ended in Miami. The Heat have a better long-term outlook, though they have struggled since the trade.

18. Orlando Magic

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are back, but the Magic have looked lethargic offensively for much of the year.

19. Phoenix Suns

After being everyone’s favorite dark-horse contender in the summer, the Suns have underwhelmed. This team is facing a likely breakup this offseason.

20. Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young leads the league in assists per game, demonstrating he’s one of the best offensive engines in the league.

21. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are finally entering a rebuild after years of pretending they could contend.

22. Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers have been arguably the most competitive tanking team this year.

23. Brooklyn Nets

The Nets continue to win more games than they should, illustrating how difficult it is to tank under head coach Jordi Fernández.

24. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are now focused on getting a high draft pick after losing Victor Wembanyama for the rest of the season.

25. Philadelphia 76ers

Now that Joel Embiid is out for the rest of the year, the 76ers have secured the honor of being the biggest disappointments in the league.

26. Toronto Raptors

Toronto traded for Brandon Ingram instead of leaning into the rebuild.

27. New Orleans Pelicans

No team has dealt with as many injuries as the Pelicans. That could be a blessing in disguise, given the talent in the 2025 draft class.

28. Utah Jazz

Utah picked up a recent win against a Minnesota team playing without Anthony Edwards.

29. Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets have been getting blown out since returning from the break.

30. Washington Wizards

The debate for the worst team in the league has long been decided.

Who is the Best NBA Team this Season?

According to these power rankings, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the best NBA team during the 2024-25 NBA season. The Cavaliers are ranked No. 2, while the Celtics 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.

NBA Standings 2025