A new week in the NBA is here. While some things have changed dramatically since the start of the season, others have remained the same. With just a few weeks until Christmas Day, contenders and pretenders are becoming clearer.
Our NBA power rankings combine several factors, including overall record and advanced stats, such as offensive and defensive rating, to assign a ranking to every team.
30) Washington Wizards
Last Week’s Ranking: 30
The Washington Wizards were showing faint signs of life, winning two of four games, including statement victories over the Bucks and a solid Hawks team behind a 46-point eruption from C.J. McCollum. Those flashes were encouraging, but that success is likely unsustainable. They have since dropped three straight, each by double digits.
The bright side is the youth movement. Alex Sarr has made a notable second-year leap, Kyshawn George looks like a wing worth building around, and the Wizards are on track to once again maximize lottery odds for a true franchise player. A top prospect like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer could elevate the rebuild quickly if management stays patient.
29) Brooklyn Nets
Last Week’s Ranking: 29
The Brooklyn Nets have hovered just above rock bottom, showing occasional flashes of competence amid another dismal stretch.
Michael Porter Jr. has been the steady force, posting three 30-point outings in his last four. Noah Clowney is starting to find his footing as a rim finisher and secondary scorer, adding a small ray of hope for a team missing Cam Thomas. Still, the Nets haven’t found consistency, with wins sprinkled between long losing streaks.
The bigger concern is Brooklyn’s bleak long-term outlook. The young core hasn’t shown much star potential, and their overloaded rookie class looks more like a collection of projects than a foundation. Porter is likely to draw trade buzz before February’s deadline, leaving the Nets to pin their hopes on draft lottery luck again. Without future control of several picks, this franchise needs to hit on one soon.
28) New Orleans Pelicans
Last Week’s Ranking: 28
The Pelicans have completely fallen apart, dropping 15 of their last 16 and now holding the league’s worst record, according to Basketball Reference.
As if that weren’t enough, Zion Williamson suffered a Grade 2 adductor strain just as he was starting to regain form following a hamstring injury. His absence is just another reminder of how quickly his availability has become unreliable, leaving New Orleans scrambling for answers and staring down the possibility of sending a high lottery pick to Atlanta from the Derik Queen trade.
Thankfully, Queen himself has been a bright spot. The rookie big has shown more polish than expected coming out of Maryland. Fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears has flashed promise as well, giving coach James Borrego something to build around in an otherwise lost season. The Pelicans are far more competitive than their record suggests, but that’s hardly comfort with their draft asset situation hanging over everything.
27) Indiana Pacers
Last Week’s Ranking: 26
The Indiana Pacers have quietly shown signs of life after an injury-riddled start, winning three of their last five and nearly upsetting Toronto. They have gone from a 1-13 start to a much more competitive squad. Center Jay Huff has been a bright spot, scoring in double figures in seven of his last nine games and shooting efficiently from three, giving Indiana much-needed interior spacing.
Still, this remains a transition year. Losing Tyrese Haliburton to injury and Myles Turner to free agency gutted the roster’s identity, leaving Indiana focused on growth rather than wins. The silver lining is clear. If the Pacers can pair Haliburton with a blue-chip prospect in next year’s draft, they’ll be right back in the mix. For now, the effort level and improved play offer a glimpse at better days ahead.
26) Charlotte Hornets
Last Week’s Ranking: 24
The Charlotte Hornets finally showed some life with back-to-back wins over Chicago and Toronto, the latter snapping the Raptors’ nine-game streak. However, they couldn’t sustain the momentum, losing three of their last four. LaMelo Ball’s playmaking remains valuable, though his shooting slump continues to drag the offense down.
Even so, there’s real optimism around Charlotte’s young core. Kon Knueppel has established himself as an early Rookie of the Year favorite, while Ryan Kalkbrenner and Sion James round out what’s become the league’s best rookie class. Bridges has been the team’s steady leader, but long-term questions still linger about Ball’s viability as a franchise player.
The Hornets look intriguing, just not quite consistent enough to build real momentum yet.
25) Sacramento Kings
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
The Kings are heading toward another lost season, sitting near the Western Conference basement with a minus-10.6 point differential, the league’s third worst. The deeper issue is structural, with a veteran-heavy core that has gone stale. Keegan Murray and rookie Nique Clifford look like the only long-term building blocks worth keeping.
With another reset looming, Sacramento is reportedly open for business. Domantas Sabonis is the only player likely to fetch real value. Nearly everyone else, from Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to Keon Ellis and Devin Carter, could be on the move before the deadline.
The silver lining is that the Kings own plenty of first-round picks over the next six years, giving them the draft capital to start fresh once again. Unfortunately, it’s a cycle that Kings fans know all too well.
24) Dallas Mavericks
Last Week’s Ranking: 27
Cooper Flagg is beginning to look like the generational prospect everyone expected. After a slow start playing out of position, the league’s youngest player has caught fire, averaging 23.2 points and 5.8 rebounds over his last five games. His confidence in big moments is already evident. Flagg’s rise has given the franchise a clear reason for optimism. The Mavericks have won four of their last five, including wins over Denver, Miami, and Houston.
Flagg’s breakout isn’t the only encouraging sign. Rookie guard Ryan Nembhard has emerged as a revelation since moving into the starting lineup. The undrafted two-way player averaged 16.0 points and 8.5 assists over his last four games. Dallas still sits in rebuild mode while eyeing a loaded 2026 draft to find Flagg’s long-term co-star, but the new era has officially begun.
23) Utah Jazz
Last Week’s Ranking: 25
The Utah Jazz are walking a fine line between development and draft positioning, having dropped seven of their last 10 despite flashes of promise. Third-year guard Keyonte George has emerged as an early Most Improved Player candidate while reclaiming his role as the full-time floor general.
Lauri Markkanen continues to dominate offensively, and rookie Ace Bailey has shown glimpses of future stardom. Still, a brutal December schedule looms, which could prompt management to prioritize a long-term outlook.
Will Hardy during a Jazz timeout 😳
“I’m tired of fu*king doing this every game. Fu*king play harder.”
(Via @KatoParinaSLC)
pic.twitter.com/IBzvcJRzVC— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 8, 2025
That decision is important given Utah’s draft situation. Their 2026 first-round pick is owed to the Thunder but is top-eight protected. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Jazz lean into the lottery after the new year. Even so, Will Hardy’s group has built a strong developmental foundation, and the core of George, Markkanen, and Bailey gives Utah a reason to stay hopeful, no matter which direction they take.
22) Chicago Bulls
Last Week’s Ranking: 21
The Chicago Bulls’ hot 6-1 start is now an afterthought, with 13 losses in their last 16 and a seven-game skid that includes defeats to the Pelicans, Hornets, and Pacers. Both ends of the floor have dramatically declined. The Bulls rank just 23rd in both offensive and defensive rating, and the confidence from that promising stretch is gone.
There are still a few bright spots amid the slide. Matas Buzelis has shown meaningful growth in his sophomore season, and Ayo Dosunmu’s breakout offers some long-term optimism. But for now, Chicago looks like the team skeptics expected: not good enough to contend and not bad enough to bottom out, stuck squarely in the middle with no clear direction.
21) Los Angeles Clippers
Last Week’s Ranking: 14
The Clippers have completely unraveled, losing 16 of their last 19 games and looking lifeless on both ends of the court. Last season’s elite defense has cratered to near the bottom of the league, and Tyronn Lue’s rotations have no rhythm or direction. Kawhi Leonard’s return hasn’t stopped the bleeding.
The team’s second-half collapses are now a concerning pattern. There’s also drama around the team parting ways with Chris Paul. Trading Norman Powell for Bradley Beal has backfired, while James Harden’s strong play feels like the only bright spot left.
This collapse is especially painful because Oklahoma City holds the Clippers’ first-round pick, leaving little incentive to tank. Their offseason overhaul was supposed to solidify a contender, but instead, it has exposed glaring chemistry and effort issues.
20) Portland Trail Blazers
Last Week’s Ranking: 19
The Portland Trail Blazers’ rough stretch continues, with 10 losses in their last 13 games. However, they’ve been competitive against elite teams, and they remain the only squad to have beaten Oklahoma City. Injuries have taken a toll, especially with Jrue Holiday sidelined, but Deni Avdija has emerged as a steadying force. His all-around production has been crucial to keeping the Blazers afloat.
Although built to defend, Portland’s success this season has come from its pace, offensive rebounding, and high 3-point shooting volume. Head coach Tiago Splitter is still searching for lineup consistency, but Scoot Henderson’s return should bring needed stability at point guard. The Blazers are better than their record suggests and should push for a play-in spot.
19) Memphis Grizzlies
Last Week’s Ranking: 22
The Memphis Grizzlies have steadied after a brutal start, winning seven of their last nine and climbing into play-in range thanks to a soft schedule. Even without Ja Morant, who’s missed time with a calf strain, the Grizzlies have gone 7-4 and found a rhythm. Rookie Cedric Coward leads the team in total minutes, highlighting both his promise and the injuries that have defined their season.
Zach Edey’s sophomore breakout in his return from injury has been one of the few bright spots. Still, Memphis remains winless against good teams and faces difficult questions heading toward the trade deadline. With Morant’s absence and the noise around his future looming, the Grizzlies’ path back to true contention feels murkier than ever.
18) Milwaukee Bucks
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
The Milwaukee Bucks’ season has unraveled quickly. They went 0-4 without Giannis Antetokounmpo during his groin strain absence, exposing how far this team falls without him. Even with Myles Turner adding interior toughness and Ryan Rollins emerging as a bright spot, Milwaukee looks bad. Since Giannis’ return, they’ve gone 2-2, including an inexcusable loss to Washington. Now they sit in play-in territory.
The Bucks continue to tell teams that Giannis Antetokounmpo is not available, per @TheSteinLine
“As trade season draws close, everyone is talking about Giannis. Even though — and I want to underline this — the Bucks continue to tell teams: ‘He’s not available. We don’t want… pic.twitter.com/To1jBgI5bQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 8, 2025
Off the court, the turbulence might be even worse. Antetokounmpo is reportedly seeking a trade, while the Bucks’ desperate decision to waive Damian Lillard to sign Turner has aged poorly. Without control of their first-round picks through 2030, the franchise faces a bleak outlook.
17) Phoenix Suns
Last Week’s Ranking: 20
Phoenix has become one of the most enjoyable stories of the season, winning ten of its last 15 and pushing Oklahoma City and Atlanta to the brink.
First-year coach Jordan Ott has the Suns playing disciplined, two-way basketball built around Devin Booker’s leadership and Dillon Brooks’ defensive intensity. Grayson Allen’s sharpshooting and a deep frontcourt rotation have added balance, while Collin Gillespie’s breakout campaign has brought unexpected stability at point guard.
Gillespie deserves serious Most Improved Player consideration, showcasing his shooting and playmaking. Even with Booker in a shooting slump, Phoenix’s offense has remained potent by committee. The Suns look tougher and more cohesive than last year’s top-heavy squad, finally playing a brand of basketball that matches their talent.
16) Golden State Warriors
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
The Golden State Warriors have settled into mediocrity. Turnovers, lack of physicality on the glass, and an aging roster have undercut what remains of their edge. Stephen Curry still performs at an elite level, but at 37, he can’t carry the load nightly. The Warriors drop to a league-worst offensive mark when he sits. Now he’s out with a quad injury.
Draymond Green’s offense has fallen off a cliff, and neither Jonathan Kuminga nor Brandin Podziemski has produced the leap this team needs. Al Horford hasn’t found his footing late in his career. Jimmy Butler continues to bring intensity, but not enough scoring to offset the roster’s flaws. Golden State could still frustrate playoff teams if healthy. Right now, it feels more like a group running out of answers than one gearing up for another run.
15) Miami Heat
Last Week’s Ranking: 18
Miami enjoyed a surge in November, posting a 10-5 record. The Heat have hit a rough patch, dropping four of their last five games. Still, Tyler Herro’s return has been nearly seamless. He is averaging almost 24 points since coming back and has caught fire from deep. The Heat’s retooled offense, built on increased pace and creation, has lifted them into the top 3 in scoring, while their defense remains stout.
Norman Powell’s offseason arrival and Kel’el Ware’s second-year leap have added fresh dimensions to Erik Spoelstra’s attack, which continues to evolve because of his willingness to experiment. Miami looks more balanced than at any point last season. If Herro keeps this up and the defense stays elite, this group could be a dark horse contender.
14) Philadelphia 76ers
Last Week’s Ranking: 16
The Philadelphia 76ers remain difficult to pin down. Tyrese Maxey has taken control of this team, playing at an All-NBA level while averaging a league-high 40 minutes per game. Paul George’s return from a knee injury helped balance the offense, and Jared McCain is flashing the scoring he showed in limited minutes last year.
The Sixers should get Joel Embiid back in full form soon, which could solidify them as a top-six team in the East if the former MVP can stay healthy.
Still, the warning signs are clear. Embiid lacks mobility on defense and has been a step slow getting back in transition or contesting on the glass, where the Sixers are often overmatched. Rookie VJ Edgecombe’s slump hasn’t helped, and Philadelphia’s small-ball lineups lead to long stretches without stops. There is enough elite talent to lean on, but until Embiid consistently stays on the floor, the 76ers are tough to trust.
13) Toronto Raptors
Last Week’s Ranking: 15
The Raptors emerged from the East’s crowded middle as a legitimate threat. Toronto reeled off a nine-game winning streak in November but has since cooled off, losing five of its last six. On the bright side, Brandon Ingram has leaned on his midrange craft to give the Raptors the scoring punch they long lacked.
Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley have both bounced back this season, combining with Ingram to form a balanced, versatile trio. Defensively, Toronto’s length and discipline have made it a top 10 unit, with Barnes anchoring the perimeter and Jakob Poeltl cleaning up inside.
That said, this team isn’t without flaws. Toronto doesn’t take many threes, and the offense can bog down when shooting runs cold. The recent absence of RJ Barrett has also been felt. Still, this team looks well-built for the long run.
12) Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Ranking: 17
The Celtics have shrugged off any notion of a gap year. Despite Jayson Tatum’s extended absence, they have climbed to fourth in offensive efficiency and won 10 of their last 12, including quality victories over the Lakers, Magic, Pistons, Cavs, and Knicks.
Celtics to record back-to-back games with 30+ points, 8+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 3+ threes:
Paul Pierce
Antoine Walker
Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown pic.twitter.com/XgiTC39PCA— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 8, 2025
Jaylen Brown continues to shoulder the scoring load, while Derrick White anchors the perimeter defense. Neemias Queta looks like a steal in the frontcourt, and Jordan Walsh has emerged as a legitimate rotation contributor.
The Celtics’ shot profile still leans heavily on threes, but their toughness on the offensive glass keeps them among the league’s most efficient units. Payton Pritchard and White are heating up from beyond the arc, which could make an already potent offense even scarier. Joe Mazzulla’s group is doing more than just staying afloat.
11) Atlanta Hawks
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
The Hawks’ resilience has been one of the league’s quieter success stories. The Hawks are 13-8 without Trae Young. Jalen Johnson has emerged as the team’s engine, excelling as a transition scorer, playmaker, and rebounder. At the same time, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, Vit Krejci, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have each stepped up with timely contributions. However, Atlanta has struggled recently, losing four of its last five games.
Even so, the Hawks’ offense looks freer and more balanced without relying solely on Young’s creation. That new ball movement could make them more dangerous once he returns from his knee sprain. Despite recent struggles, this team is still in play in the East.
10) Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ disappointing start continues as they hover around the East’s play-in line, going 2-2 after a recent three-game skid. The team is still searching for last season’s dominant form.
Injuries have been relentless, as Darius Garland, Max Strus, and Jarrett Allen have all missed time, and the Cavs have struggled to find an identity on either end. Even so, every lineup featuring the core four of Donovan Mitchell, Garland, Evan Mobley, and Allen has produced strong results.
RELATED: Evan Mobley Net Worth and NBA Contract: How Much Does the Cavaliers Star Earn?
Mobley’s development has stalled slightly after last year’s breakout, and Cleveland’s offense has not found the rhythm it hoped for with heavy Mitchell usage. The Cavs still have the talent to make a run once healthy, but their margin for error is shrinking fast.
9) San Antonio Spurs
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
The San Antonio Spurs have stayed hot without Victor Wembanyama, going 7-2 since his calf strain, and missing rookie Stephon Castle for most of those games. De’Aaron Fox has stepped up, scoring 25 or more in nine of his past 10 games and giving the Spurs the downhill creator they had been missing.
Devin Vassell’s breakout season continues, and Luke Kornet’s steady rim protection has been one of the offseason’s most underrated signings.
Wembanyama and Castle are both nearing returns, practicing again, and are expected to ramp up soon. When they do, the Spurs could reach another level. Fox’s chemistry with the young core already makes San Antonio look like more than just a fun team. They are a legitimate playoff threat in the West.
8) Orlando Magic
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
The Orlando Magic are back on track after a sluggish start, winning 10 of their last 14 with improved two-way play and a revived offense. Desmond Bane has been the spark, dropping 37 points in back-to-back wins before cooling off and energizing a group that went 8-3 without Paolo Banchero. The Magic have climbed to a top-10 net rating, finding a balance that could make them a tough out.
The real test will come as Banchero ramps up in his return. Orlando’s offense has flowed more naturally with Franz Wagner and Bane driving the action, and Banchero will need to blend into that pace rather than slow it. The defense remains the foundation, and Anthony Black’s emergence has reinforced that identity. They’re flashing potential as contenders in the East.
7) Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
The Minnesota Timberwolves remain firmly in the West playoff mix, ranking seventh in both offensive rating and net rating. The Wolves are piling up wins against weaker opponents and have finally broken through with victories over Boston and San Antonio.
Anthony Edwards is leading the way, averaging 28.1 points and shooting over 41% from deep on high volume. Still, this team has a frustrating habit of blowing leads and hasn’t always looked in sync.
Rudy Gobert continues to anchor the defense, while Julius Randle’s scoring keeps the offense steady. However, the Wolves are missing a true floor general. Rob Dillingham’s struggles haven’t helped. After back-to-back conference finals appearances, another aggressive trade deadline push wouldn’t surprise anyone.
6) Detroit Pistons
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
Detroit’s rise from rebuilding project to contender has been one of the season’s best stories. The Pistons have been among the best teams in clutch games and have shown resilience, bouncing back from nearly every loss.
Cade Cunningham’s growth into a bona fide star continues, and his connection with Jalen Duren fuels one of the league’s most dynamic young cores. Duren’s improved ball-handling and relentless rebounding have transformed Detroit’s interior presence.
Defensively, the Pistons set the tone behind Isaiah Stewart, who has quietly emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. His energy anchors an elite unit that defines this team’s identity. Detroit’s depth is the envy of the East, and J.B. Bickerstaff’s system maximizes it top to bottom. The Pistons look every bit like a threat.
5) Los Angeles Lakers
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
The Lakers are off to a blazing 17-6 start, powered by an offense that’s been nearly unstoppable. Luka Dončić is operating at an MVP level, leading the league in usage while maintaining elite efficiency and making life easier for everyone around him. Austin Reaves has blossomed into a legitimate All-Star, thriving as the crafty secondary creator next to Dončić, while LeBron James continues to ramp up after his return.
Deandre Ayton on Lebron’s 4th quarter:
“Clutch. Clutch genes. Felt like a movie. It was a GOAT moment. I was loving it. I had stopped celebrating just to watch him so I don’t miss nothing” pic.twitter.com/B4TbjssdZ4
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) December 8, 2025
JJ Redick’s offensive system is unlocking every mismatch on the floor, and Los Angeles has looked cohesive and confident from the start.
Still, defense remains a concern. Ranked 19th in efficiency, the Lakers have yet to show they can consistently get stops against top competition. Reinforcements or a trade for a defensive difference-maker could elevate them into true championship contention.
4) Houston Rockets
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
The Houston Rockets lost to Utah on the second night of a back-to-back after dominating the Jazz the night before. Even in defeat, Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun became just the third duo this season to each score 30 points in the same game. This showcased the offensive firepower that has made the Rockets a top-five team on both ends of the floor.
Winners of 15 of their last 19 games, the Rockets are right in the mix inside the West’s second tier, behind Oklahoma City.
Reed Sheppard’s emergence has brought stability to the point guard spot. The Rockets have handled quality opponents and shown they can win even without Durant in the lineup.
3) New York Knicks
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
The Knicks look like early favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference, thriving under Mike Brown’s revamped system. The offense has hit its stride, ranking near the top of the league in efficiency while New York dominates the glass on both ends. Jalen Brunson has been in full control, averaging over 29 points in his last three games, but he no longer has to carry the same burden thanks to strong contributions throughout the roster.
Josh Hart’s move back into the starting lineup has reenergized the group, and Karl-Anthony Towns is finding rhythm in Brown’s pick-and-roll-heavy scheme. Mitchell Robinson’s rebounding and rim protection have been essential, even as he shifts to a more flexible role. After winning seven of eight, New York looks like a team with arguably the highest floor and ceiling in the conference.
2) Denver Nuggets
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
The Denver Nuggets hit their first rough patch of the season. The loss to Dallas exposed late-game struggles: the Nuggets went scoreless for 4 minutes in the fourth quarter and have a losing record in clutch games. Injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have hurt their defensive stability. However, Denver has yet to lose consecutive games this season.
Even amid their defensive woes, Nikola Jokic continues to pilot an offense that’s on a historic pace. The Nuggets still boast the league’s best offensive rating, with Jokic posting video-game numbers while Jamal Murray turns in an All-Star-caliber season. Peyton Watson has seized his expanded role amid injuries, giving himself a chance to earn a payday in restricted free agency.
Denver’s defense must regroup, but no one should doubt their offensive ceiling or contender status.
1) Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s phenomenal 23-1 start has them flirting with history, just one win shy of matching the 2015-16 Warriors’ legendary 24-1 mark to begin the season. Behind their trademark balance and relentless defense, the Thunder have reeled off 15 straight wins and look nearly untouchable. The only blemish is that they have faced one of the league’s softest schedules so far.
Jalen Williams’ return from injury has made the Thunder stronger. His defense and playmaking have boosted their rhythm, especially with Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined for a few weeks. The Thunder also beat the Jazz by 30 without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City appears to be a team primed for a repeat.
