NBA Power Rankings: A Deep Dive into the Latest Standings and Surprises
As the dust settles on the second inaugural NBA Cup, the Milwaukee Bucks have emerged victorious, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling finale. But while the Bucks celebrate their triumph, the regular season marches on, with teams across the league looking to make their mark as we head into the new year.
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are living up to their preseason expectations, proving to be formidable forces. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers are struggling to find their footing, hoping that 2025 will bring a change in fortune.
Over in the Western Conference, the competition is as fierce as ever. The Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers are all within six games of the top-seeded Thunder, making for an exciting race to the playoffs.
Let’s take a closer look at how all 30 teams stack up in this week’s power rankings, as determined by a panel of ESPN experts including Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, and Kevin Pelton.
Top 5 Teams in the Power Rankings
- 1. Boston Celtics
- 2024-25 record: 21-5
- Previous ranking: 1
- Next games: vs. CHI (Dec. 19), @ CHI (Dec. 21), @ ORL (Dec. 23)
The Celtics are on a roll, with Kristaps Porzingis downplaying a recent heel injury scare. Boston is on pace to win 65 games, and they remain a favorite to repeat as champions.
- 2. Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2024-25 record: 23-4
- Previous ranking: 2
- Next games: vs. MIL (Dec. 20), vs. PHI (Dec. 21), vs. UTAH (Dec. 23)
Evan Mobley is stepping up as a scorer, leading the Cavs in three of their past five wins. Cleveland is on track to become the third team in NBA history to win 70 games.
- 3. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2024-25 record: 20-6
- Previous ranking: 3
- Next games: @ ORL (Dec. 19), @ MIA (Dec. 20), vs. WAS (Dec. 23)
With a strong record when their 7-footers are available, the Thunder are proving to be a tough team to beat. Isaiah Hartenstein has been a key addition, providing much-needed physicality.
- 4. Memphis Grizzlies
- 2024-25 record: 18-9
- Previous ranking: 5
- Next games: vs. GS (Dec. 19), @ ATL (Dec. 21), vs. LAC (Dec. 23)
The Grizzlies have won 10 of their past 12 games, but Ja Morant has pointed out areas for improvement, particularly in reducing fouls and improving on the offensive glass.
- 5. Houston Rockets
- 2024-25 record: 17-9
- Previous ranking: 6
- Next games: vs. NO (Dec. 19), @ TOR (Dec. 22), @ CHA (Dec. 23)
Despite recent losses, the Rockets are performing well in clutch situations. However, they need to improve their shooting percentages to climb higher in the rankings.
As we continue down the list, the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks are also making waves. The Mavericks have been bolstered by P.J. Washington’s return, while the Bucks have turned their season around with a strong showing since mid-November.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic are dealing with their own challenges. Mikal Bridges is finding his stride for the Knicks, while the Magic are coping with injuries to key players.
As the season progresses, teams will continue to jockey for position, with every game carrying significant weight. The power rankings provide a snapshot of where teams stand, but with plenty of basketball left to play, anything can happen.
Originally Written by: NBA Insiders
