NBA Power Rankings: Kings, Pacers and Wolves catch their groove

As the 2025 NBA commerce deadline approaches (Feb. 6, 3 p.m. ET), a number of groups throughout each conferences will likely be reevaluating their rosters over the following three weeks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder stay the dominant group within the West behind MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander however the remainder of the convention continues to be a battleground that will drive different contenders to pursue a celebrity for his or her playoff hopes. Will the Golden State Warriors make a splashy transfer earlier than subsequent month to assist save their season? Or will the Phoenix Suns proceed their chase of disgruntled celebrity Jimmy Butler?

In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics stay the contenders to beat, however final season’s lowly Detroit Pistons are within the hunt for the postseason this time, dropping just one recreation in January to date. And the return of Paolo Banchero for the Orlando Magic will put different East groups on discover for the rest of the season.

With 22 days left till the commerce deadline, that is the place all 30 groups stack up on this week’s energy rankings.

Note: Team rankings are based mostly on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) suppose groups belong this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1 | Jan. 8

Jump to a group:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland noticed its 12-game successful streak snapped in unceremonious trend, getting blown out at residence towards a Pacers group that outscored the Cavs 68-40 within the second half. The loss arrange a difficult week for the squad, with street video games at Indiana, Oklahoma City and Minnesota. The Cavaliers bought revenge over the Pacers. However, the Thunder will likely be searching for revenge towards them and the Wolves are beginning to resemble their playoff type from final season. — Dave McMenamin

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

As the halfway level of the season nears, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s MVP case will be constructed round his large leads in two main statistical classes. He had 1,192 factors coming into Tuesday evening, which was 161 greater than every other participant. His plus-minus was plus-474, which was 142 factors higher than every other participant. Not to say Gilgeous-Alexander has performed each recreation for the West-leading Thunder. — Tim MacMahon

3. Boston Celtics

• 2024-25 file: 28-11

• Previous rating: 3

• Next video games: @ TOR (Jan. 15), vs. ORL (Jan. 17), vs. ATL (Jan. 18), @ GS (Jan. 20)

Boston is 9-7 throughout its previous 16 video games following a 19-5 begin, permitting Cleveland to interrupt away on the prime of the Eastern Conference. What’s been the most important trigger for Boston’s struggles? After a scorching begin from past the arc this season, their 3-point taking pictures proportion has slumped to 34.6 (twenty third within the league) over that stretch. — Tim Bontemps

4. Houston Rockets

Houston captured its third victory this season towards the Grizzlies on Monday to turn out to be the one group this season to defeat Memphis thrice. The win additionally marked the group’s fourth in a row as Jalen Green tied a profession excessive with 42 factors. Green, 22, has tallied 25-plus factors in 5 consecutive outings, whereas Amen Thompson had his second five-block recreation of the season in Monday’s win. The Rockets are 5-3 towards the top-six groups within the NBA, serving to solidify their contender standing on the prime of the West. — Michael Wright

5. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 file: 26-15

• Previous rating: 4

• Next video games: @ PHI (Jan. 15), vs. MIN (Jan. 17), vs. ATL (Jan. 20), @ BKN (Jan. 21)

The dangerous information is coming into Monday’s matchup, at simply 29.9%, no group has shot worse from three over the previous 10 video games than the Knicks. The excellent news? New York — nonetheless the third-most environment friendly offense in basketball — managed to win six of these contests. The actual query, after a blowout loss to Oklahoma City on the Garden, is how the Knicks stack up towards elite opponents. They have the league’s hardest remaining schedule. — Chris Herring

6. Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis has racked up 97 30-point quarters this season, whereas permitting 121.2 factors per recreation all through January. But the Grizzlies are 2-4 this month with Ja Morant lacking three of these outings as a consequence of harm. The newest setback befell Monday, courtesy of the Rockets, who captured a victory regardless of committing 23 turnovers for 31 Grizzlies factors. Memphis led by 13 factors with 9:55 left however had been outscored 33-20 down the stretch. The Grizzlies will look to shut out their four-game street journey in San Antonio, the place they’re going to face Victor Wembanyama and the surging Spurs twice. — Wright

7. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 file: 24-15

• Previous rating: 7

• Next video games: vs. HOU (Jan. 15), @ MIA (Jan. 17), @ ORL (Jan. 19), vs. PHI (Jan. 21)

The Nuggets weren’t positive how issues would go once they added Russell Westbrook to the combo within the offseason, hoping the previous MVP would carry power, tempo, hustle and playmaking alongside Nikola Jokic. But via almost 40 video games, Westbrook has exceeded each expectation and seems to be getting higher in his 18th season. His chemistry with Jokic is spectacular, and the Nuggets are 7-3 since inserting Westbrook into the beginning lineup on Dec. 27 — the third-best file within the West throughout that span behind the Thunder (8-1) and Kings (7-1). In his 4 video games coming into Tuesday, Westbrook averaged 22.7 factors, 9.0 rebounds and seven.7 assists. He made two or extra 3’s in a recreation twice and had 4 blocks and three steals throughout that stretch. — Ohm Youngmisuk

8. Dallas Mavericks

Third-year guard Jaden Hardy was a serious brilliant spot for the Mavs throughout Kyrie Irving‘s five-game absence as a consequence of sickness and a again harm. Hardy averaged 15.4 factors in 22.6 minutes throughout that span, taking pictures 49.1% from the ground and 51.9% from 3-point vary. The subsequent step within the 22-year-old Hardy’s improvement: “Consistency,” coach Jason Kidd stated. — MacMahon

9. Orlando Magic

• 2024-25 file: 23-18

• Previous rating: 10

• Next video games: @ MIL (Jan. 15), @ BOS (Jan. 17), vs. DEN (Jan. 19), @ TOR (Jan. 21)

Welcome again, Paolo Banchero! The Magic’s All-Star ahead had 34 factors Friday towards the Bucks in his first recreation since an indirect pressure sidelined him in October. Although that did not translate right into a victory, Orlando bought again within the win column Sunday, beating the 76ers with 20 factors from Banchero and 27 from Cole Anthony. Banchero’s return could not have come at a greater time for the Magic, who’re nonetheless with out Franz Wagner as a consequence of an indirect pressure and have seen Jalen Suggs miss the previous 5 video games with a again pressure. — Kevin Pelton

10. Los Angeles Lakers

• 2024-25 file: 20-17

• Previous rating: 8

• Next video games: vs. MIA (Jan. 15), vs. BKN (Jan. 17), @ LAC (Jan. 19), vs. WAS (Jan. 21)

The Dorian Finney-Smith commerce hasn’t resulted within the speedy returns L.A. hoped it will. The Lakers have gone 2-4 since buying the 3-and-D wing, and Monday’s loss to San Antonio was Finney-Smith’s worst efficiency of the lot, scoring 4 factors on 1-for-4 taking pictures and managing minus-13 in 20 minutes. And clearly, the group’s six-day hiatus due to the Southern California wildfires hasn’t helped both. “It’s been a loopy two weeks since I’ve been in L.A., man,” Finney-Smith stated. “I ain’t going to deceive you.” — McMenamin

11. LA Clippers

• 2024-25 file: 21-17

• Previous rating: 9

• Next video games: vs. BKN (Jan. 15), @ POR (Jan. 16), vs. LAL (Jan. 19), vs. CHI (Jan. 21)

After dropping their first 4 video games on the Intuit Dome, the Clippers lastly bought comfy in proprietor Steve Ballmer’s technological palace, successful 13 of their previous 15. Since Nov. 4, solely Cleveland (17-2) and Oklahoma City (14-2) have higher residence information. The protection held Miami to 98 factors within the group’s win Monday, the eleventh time holding an opponent underneath 100 factors, tied with the Heat and Timberwolves for third most this season. Kawhi Leonard has been again for under three video games and has performed not more than 21 minutes in any of these contests. But as soon as he will get stronger, the Clippers protection might actually take off — it’s presently fourth within the league (108.6). — Youngmisuk

12. Indiana Pacers

Indiana went on a six-game successful streak to start out January, together with a victory over the Cavaliers on Sunday regardless of guard Tyrese Haliburton lacking the second half with a hamstring harm. The Pacers have risen within the East standings throughout this scorching streak to No. 5, however could have to seek out methods to win with out its star guard. Haliburton strained the identical hamstring in January 2024 and missed 9 of 10 video games. — Jamal Collier

13. Milwaukee Bucks

A blowout loss on the street towards the Knicks dropped the Bucks to 0-8 towards the East’s top-three groups (Cleveland, Boston, New York) this season, prompting star Giannis Antetokounmpo to implore the group to “get our stuff collectively” after the sport. Milwaukee must preserve racking up wins to guard its place within the standings as it’s set to host one other East group forward of the group within the standings, the fifth-seeded Magic, on Wednesday. — Collier

14. Minnesota Timberwolves

• 2024-25 file: 21-18

• Previous rating: 18

• Next video games: vs. GS (Jan. 15), @ NYK (Jan. 17), vs. CLE (Jan. 18), @ MEM (Jan. 20)

Anthony Edwards scored 20 factors within the fourth quarter in Monday’s win towards the Wizards, ending with 40 and persevering with a powerful scorching streak. He’s the third-leading scorer within the NBA since Jan. 4, averaging 33.6 factors throughout that span. The Wolves want him to proceed that run as they enter a brutal stretch, going through the Warriors, Knicks, Cavs and Grizzlies within the subsequent week. — Collier

15. Miami Heat

• 2024-25 file: 20-18

• Previous rating: 16

• Next video games: @ LAL (Jan. 15), vs. DEN (Jan. 17), vs. SA (Jan. 19), vs. POR (Jan. 21)

Miami wraps up its six-game street journey Wednesday evening towards the Lakers. All eyes, although, will likely be on the Heat once they return residence Friday evening to tackle the Nuggets — the primary recreation Jimmy Butler is eligible to return after a seven-game suspension. The drama-filled saga will proceed whether or not or not Butler performs, and if he does, what’s going to that appear to be? — Bontemps

16. Sacramento Kings

The Kings’ seven-game successful streak underneath interim coach Doug Christie lastly ended with their first loss in 2025 on Tuesday in Milwaukee, however Sacramento stays one of many league’s hottest groups regardless of a latest three-game absence for star guard De’Aaron Fox. DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis stepped up their play in Fox’s absence for 2 of the Kings’ greatest wins all season — together with a 17-point win at TD Garden over the defending champion Boston Celtics final Friday. Fox’s return to the lineup did not gradual Sacramento down in Sunday’s win at Chicago, already the Kings’ fourth by six factors or fewer underneath Christie — greater than they’d underneath Brown (three). — Pelton

17. Detroit Pistons

Since the beginning of 2025, the Pistons cannot cease successful. Their 7-1 file in January, capped by Monday’s spectacular victory over the Knicks, is one win away from matching their most in a month since March 2019 — and that got here final November, when Detroit was 8-9. Cade Cunningham is averaging 26.5 factors on 50% taking pictures and eight.3 assists in January, persevering with his push for a primary All-Star look, whereas Malik Beasley‘s 15.8 PPG has helped the Pistons overcome the lack of beginning guard Jaden Ivey to a fibula fracture. — Pelton

18. Phoenix Suns

Heading into Tuesday’s recreation in Atlanta, Phoenix recorded a three-game successful streak, its longest since early November. While it is too early to inform if Bradley Beal coming off the bench will likely be a everlasting repair, it is proven some signal of promise. In 5 video games as a reserve, Beal has shot 53% (in comparison with 48% as a starter), and his scoring has stayed regular at 17.4 factors (only a tick down from 17.8 as a starter). More importantly, Phoenix is 4-1 for the reason that shift. — McMenamin

19. San Antonio Spurs

Late-game collapses throughout a three-game skid left San Antonio looking for redemption heading into their two-game matchup towards the Lakers. The Spurs arrived in Los Angeles early Thursday for his or her first matchup towards the Lakers, however did not play till Monday because of the wildfires in Southern California. Chris Paul stated final week after a loss in Chicago that San Antonio wanted to seek out grit late in video games. The Spurs showcased simply that, snapping their dropping streak towards the Lakers and proving the younger membership is steadily studying what it takes to shut contests. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell every tied for a team-high 23 factors within the outing. — Wright

20. Atlanta Hawks

It’s been a tough go for Atlanta since stringing collectively 4 consecutive victories to shut out 2024, with the Hawks dropping 4 video games for the reason that begin of 2025. And as euphoric and heart-stopping as that one win was — Trae Young hit a buzzer-beater from simply past half courtroom to defeat Utah on the street final week — the truth that it was essential towards the worst group within the West was telling. Atlanta’s been a bottom-three protection for the reason that begin of the brand new 12 months, one thing it wants to handle if it needs to keep away from a fourth straight season of the play-in. — Herring

21. Golden State Warriors

The frustration continues to construct in Golden State because the Warriors misplaced to the nine-win Raptors on Monday with out Draymond Green (sickness/again), Jonathan Kuminga (ankle), Gary Payton II (calf) and Brandin Podziemski (stomach). Warriors coach Steve Kerr referred to as this as irritating an evening as they’ve had, citing an absence of execution and self-discipline on each ends. He blamed himself. With simply over three weeks earlier than the commerce deadline, Stephen Curry says the Warriors shouldn’t panic and make any “desperate” strikes on the expense of the franchise’s future. –Youngmisuk

22. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 file: 18-22

• Previous rating: 22

• Next video games: vs. ATL (Jan. 15), vs. CHA (Jan. 17), @ POR (Jan. 19), @ LAC (Jan. 21)

The Bulls are getting a wholesome model of Zach LaVine this season and he is posting a profession excessive in area aim (51.7) and 3-point proportion (45.0). LaVine has scored a minimum of 30 factors in six straight video games, the longest streak of his profession. He joins Giannis Antetokounmpo as one among two gamers this season with a 30-point scoring streak spanning as many video games. — Collier

23. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2024-25 file: 15-23

• Previous rating: 21

• Next video games: vs. NYK (Jan. 15), @ IND (Jan. 18), @ MIL (Jan. 19), @ DEN (Jan. 21)

The subsequent three weeks will outline Philadelphia’s season. The 76ers gave a powerful effort towards the Thunder on Tuesday evening, dropping a aggressive recreation regardless of the group’s three All-Stars (Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey) sitting out, in addition to a number of rotation gamers. But with 11 of the remaining 12 video games earlier than the commerce deadline being towards successful groups, which incorporates 5 back-to-back units, a battle right here for Philadelphia might spell doom for the 76ers’ probabilities of getting even into the play-in — not to mention the playoffs. — Bontemps

24. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 file: 13-26

• Previous rating: 24

• Next video games: vs. LAC (Jan. 16), vs. HOU (Jan. 18), vs. CHI (Jan. 19), @ MIA (Jan. 21)

An uneven January continued for the Blazers, who went from having a 19-point win in New Orleans on Wednesday to blowing a 10-point lead with 4 and a half minutes remaining in Thursday’s six-point loss to Dallas. In the opener of a five-game homestand Saturday, Portland bought blown out by the short-handed Heat. One constructive has been the constant play of ahead Deni Avdija. Since Dec. 21, Avdija is averaging 18.6 factors and eight.0 rebounds whereas taking pictures higher than 50% from the sphere. — Pelton

25. Brooklyn Nets

• 2024-25 file: 14-26

• Previous rating: 25

• Next video games: @ LAC (Jan. 15), @ LAL (Jan. 17), @ OKC (Jan. 19), vs. NYK (Jan. 21)

After dealing away starters Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Nets — who bought out to a pleasantly shocking 9-10 begin — are beginning to fall into preseason expectations. They dropped 5 straight earlier than beating Portland on Tuesday. — Herring

26. Utah Jazz

Rookie Isaiah Collier had a season-high 23 factors, seven rebounds and 7 assists, together with the game-winner within the last seconds of extra time in Sunday’s win over the Nets. It was solely his second recreation scoring in double figures, however Collier has just lately displayed constant playmaking capacity. He has averaged 7.8 assists as a starter prior to now 5 video games, doling out a minimum of six dimes in every outing. — MacMahon

27. Toronto Raptors

The remainder of this season in Toronto goes to be about getting chemistry going between Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, the group’s two long-term constructing blocks. Although Quickley has been in Toronto for a full calendar 12 months, due to accidents to Barnes final season and Quickley this season, they’ve barely performed collectively. The Raptors are hoping that may change over the following three months. — Bontemps

28. Charlotte Hornets

Center Mark Williams, who has battled accidents all through the primary three seasons of his NBA tenure, had maybe the perfect efficiency of his younger profession Sunday, logging 24 factors and 16 rebounds in a loss to the Suns. (Though the Hornets did handle to snap a 10-game skid by beating Phoenix in a earlier matchup) Still, it is a lot simpler to stay with defeats — significantly throughout a rebuild — once they can pull off some promising wins. — Herring

29. New Orleans Pelicans

Winners of 4 of their previous seven, the Pelicans are off to their second-worst 40-game begin in franchise historical past. However, Trey Murphy III stays a blossoming brilliant spot. The fourth-year vet produced his third 30-point recreation of the season in an in depth loss to Boston on Sunday, which additionally featured Zion Williamson‘s return from a one-game suspension. Despite Herb Jones being out indefinitely as a consequence of a proper labrum tear, New Orleans seems to be trending in a constructive route on the harm report with commerce candidate Brandon Ingram inching nearer to a return. — Wright

30. Washington Wizards

• 2024-25 file: 6-32

• Previous rating: 30

• Next video games: vs. PHX (Jan. 16), @ GS (Jan. 18), @ SAC (Jan. 19), @ LAL (Jan. 21)

The Wizards have dropped seven straight video games, together with a 41-point loss to the Thunder on Sunday. Washington should endure a six-game West Coast journey within the span of 10 days, beginning Saturday, nevertheless it must be a great studying expertise for the Wizards’ younger core. Alexandre Sarr has three double-doubles this month however will likely be examined towards some veteran forwards on this journey, going through Draymond Green, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Davis, Lauri Markkanen and Dereck Lively II. — Youngmisuk