We are almost two months into the 2025-26 NBA season, meaning we have a large enough sample size from each team to gain some context around their respective ceilings. With just over a week until Christmas, let’s look at who’s rising and who’s falling.
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 losses keep piling up for the Washington Wizards. They have just four wins on the season, but that’s not exactly bad news for a team deep into a rebuild. Alex Sarr’s absence in December hurts, but his early-season promise, along with Tre Johnson’s shooting and Kyshawn George’s versatility, gives hope for the long term. Washington is bad, yes, but at least they’ve shown signs of life for the future.
Defensively, the Wizards still can’t get stops or secure rebounds, ranking near the bottom of the league in both forced turnover rate and defensive rebounding rate, according to Basketball Reference. With veterans like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton playing well enough to generate trade-deadline interest, there’s a clear way forward. Losing is the best path to better top pick odds and a foundation worth building on.
29) Brooklyn Nets
Last Week’s Ranking: 29
The Brooklyn Nets have found short-term success, winning four of their last six as Michael Porter Jr. goes nuclear. Before Sunday, Porter had four straight games with 30+ points on elite efficiency. Brooklyn’s defense has looked competent for once, and young pieces like Ziaire Williams, Day’Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, and Danny Wolf have all shown signs of growth.
The offense remains limited without Cam Thomas, but for a group focused on development, their recent cohesion is a welcome sight.
The irony is that Porter might be playing too well. Brooklyn is supposed to be chasing ping-pong balls, not winning games, if it wants a top draft pick. Still, seeing the younger talents hold their own while veterans shine offers progress that can accelerate a rebuild, even if the standings suggest otherwise.
28) New Orleans Pelicans
Last Week’s Ranking: 28
It feels like déjà vu in New Orleans. Zion Williamson was sidelined again, this time with a hip adductor injury. He made a quicker recovery than expected, but it’s been an ongoing theme. The Pelicans have dropped 16 of their last 19 and own the conference’s worst record. Health concerns have plagued this team, but the defense is even worse. Opponents are shooting a league-high 61% inside the arc.
“Injuries suck… Over the summer, me putting in that work on my body, allows me if something does happen, it’s not something that keeps me out for a super long time. I’m able to rehab at a faster but more efficient rare”
— Zion Williamson on his quick return from injury pic.twitter.com/1C6LV1ZGAn
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) December 15, 2025
Still, there’s a silver lining in the rise of young talents like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, who have shown flashes amid the chaos. Queen recently posted his first triple-double. With Williamson’s availability and trade value both uncertain, it might be time for New Orleans to pivot away from waiting on his return. Building around their rookies could mark the start of something new, even if it means closing the book on an era that never truly began.
27) Sacramento Kings
Last Week’s Ranking: 25
The Sacramento Kings’ season has unraveled predictably. Their defensive woes stem from a lack of rim protection and wing length, leaving them unable to withstand competent offenses.
More concerning, their scoring has cratered, and Sacramento owns one of the league’s worst offensive ratings. That is a stunning development for a roster built to succeed on offense. The offense that once defined them has gone missing, and the cracks are showing everywhere.
The Kings must now decide whether to move their veterans and fully embrace a youth movement built around Keegan Murray, Maxime Raynaud, and Nique Clifford. This roster isn’t playoff-caliber, and management appears ready to acknowledge that. Expect them to be active at the trade deadline, testing the market for names like Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan as they prepare for the future.
26) Indiana Pacers
Last Week’s Ranking: 27
The Indiana Pacers have shown more fight lately, going 4-4 over their last eight games, but context matters. Those victories came against struggling teams like the Bulls, Wizards, and Kings. Against teams with winning records, Indiana is 0-13.
A rash of injuries and the season-long absence of Tyrese Haliburton have forced the team to use hardship signings to fill out the rotation. Even so, the Pacers play with grit, physical defense, and unselfish ball movement every night.
The problem is simply talent and health. Without Haliburton or consistent shooting, the Pacers can’t generate enough offense to hang with upper-tier teams. Myles Turner’s departure only enlarged the void on both ends. Indiana’s effort is commendable, but it is hard to compete when nearly every key player has missed time.
25) Charlotte Hornets
Last Week’s Ranking: 26
The Charlotte Hornets have split their last eight games, including two wins over Toronto, but their overall trajectory remains disappointing at 12th in the Eastern Conference. They rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and in defending the 3-point line. The team has struggled to find consistency.
LaMelo Ball’s recurring ankle issues and the team’s losing record even when he plays have reignited speculation about his long-term future in Charlotte.
There are at least a few bright spots amid the frustration. Rookie Kon Knueppel has cooled off recently, but continues to look like one of the league’s more reliable young shooters and a well-rounded wing. Still, the Hornets’ inability to force turnovers or generate easy offense keeps capping its upside.
24) Los Angeles Clippers
Last Week’s Ranking: 21
The Los Angeles Clippers’ season has completely derailed. After a 2-13 November and the abrupt mid-road trip dismissal of Chris Paul, the locker room feels fractured. Kawhi Leonard’s early absence didn’t help, but even with him back, the losses continue to pile up. Turnovers remain a glaring issue, fueling transition chances, which they allow at a high rate.
Unless a dramatic turnaround happens soon, significant changes may be inevitable. The situation worsens because the Clippers don’t own their 2026 first-round pick, leaving little incentive to bottom out. For a team built around stars and expectations, this has become one of the league’s strangest and most disappointing campaigns, possibly forcing the front office to reconsider its entire direction.
23) Utah Jazz
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
The Utah Jazz still have one of the league’s worst defenses, struggling badly to protect the rim after losing Walker Kessler for the season. Still, they’re too competitive to fully tank, thanks to Lauri Markkanen’s All-Star-level play and Keyonte George’s growth as a lead guard. Utah can score on any given night, but its inability to get stops keeps undermining those efforts.
That dynamic has the front office facing a familiar dilemma: push for competitiveness or lean into a stealth tank. With Markkanen’s future uncertain ahead of the trade deadline and a top-eight protected pick in play, Utah may have an incentive to reset. The silver lining is rookie Ace Bailey has started to show real potential, giving the Jazz a glimpse of a promising long-term core if they fully commit to rebuilding.
22) Chicago Bulls
Last Week’s Ranking: 22
The Chicago Bulls’ season has unraveled, with eight losses in their last nine games, including a 32-point blowout to a Warriors team missing Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Over their past 10 games, Chicago has the league’s worst offense and a bottom-five defense, shooting poorly from three and falling into isolation-heavy, turnover-prone habits. The fast-paced, playmaking offense that fueled their 6-1 start has vanished.
With early optimism gone, the Bulls look stuck in familiar purgatory. Trading veterans and pivoting to a rebuild may be the only path forward, as this version of the roster has run its course. It’s still early, but the season is threatening to slip away.
21) Dallas Mavericks
Last Week’s Ranking: 24
The Dallas Mavericks are quietly rounding into form, winning five of their last six, including impressive victories over Denver, Miami, and Houston.
A major catalyst has been undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard, whose insertion into the starting lineup has stabilized the offense. His playmaking has sparked a noticeable improvement in ball movement and efficiency, helping Dallas climb out of the basement in offensive rating over that stretch. Nembhard’s composure and pace have been game-changers in Kyrie Irving’s absence.
His emergence has also allowed rookie Cooper Flagg to settle into his natural wing role, where he’s starting to thrive on both ends. The Mavericks are far from elite, but they’re trending upward, competitive in nearly every game, and finally showing signs of an identity.
20) Portland Trail Blazers
Last Week’s Ranking: 20
After a promising 5-3 start, the Portland Trail Blazers have dropped six of their last eight as injuries and shooting woes have caught up to them. Jrue Holiday hasn’t played in over a month, and his absence has turned their defense from top-five to bottom-10 territory.
Offensively, Shaedon Sharpe’s efficiency remains shaky, and Scoot Henderson’s absence has left the backcourt thin and inconsistent. Portland’s 33% shooting mark from three hasn’t helped either.
Even so, the Blazers remain around the play-in mix, mainly because the bottom of the West looks soft. Deni Avdija continues to drive much of their two-way production, while role players like Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan bring defensive energy. There’s still enough talent to stay competitive, but until they shoot better and get healthy, Portland’s early promise looks more like a distant memory than a sign of things to come.
19) Milwaukee Bucks
Last Week’s Ranking: 18
The Milwaukee Bucks are reeling, losing 11 of their last 14 and now facing an extended stretch without Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined by a calf strain. His impact remains undeniable, as Milwaukee’s offensive rating plummets when he’s not on the floor. That drop-off shows how dependent they’ve become on his rim pressure and playmaking.
Kevin Porter Jr. has been a bright spot since returning, but the offense lacks rhythm and identity when Antetokounmpo isn’t carrying the load.
Even with him available, the Bucks have been mediocre at 9-8, an underwhelming mark that amplifies the growing uncertainty around the franchise. Antetokounmpo’s camp has reportedly re-engaged with team leadership to discuss his future, and with trade chatter swirling, Milwaukee’s path forward feels increasingly murky. The Bucks look more like a struggling mid-tier team than the contender they expected to be.
18) Memphis Grizzlies
Last Week’s Ranking: 19
After dropping 11 of their first 15 games, the Memphis Grizzlies have found some footing, winning seven of their last 10 to climb back toward respectability. The run has come against a soft stretch of schedule, but it’s still encouraging given that they’ve done it mostly without Ja Morant.
Much of that resurgence comes from the return of Zach Edey, whose size and efficiency have anchored the paint on both ends. While Morant’s injury and questions about his fit with new coach Tuomas Iisalo still linger, the Grizzlies finally look cohesive again. They’re thriving with effort, defense, and a renewed identity built around Edey’s presence inside. It’s too early to call them a contender, but they’ve clearly stabilized after an ugly start.
17) Golden State Warriors
Last Week’s Ranking: 16
The Golden State Warriors’ season has been about survival up to this point. With Stephen Curry sidelined for nine games, they managed to stay afloat largely through elite defense, even while playing small.
Offensively, though, it has been a grind. Golden State ranks 20th in offensive efficiency and owns the fifth-worst turnover rate. The offense drops off significantly per 100 possessions without Curry, highlighting how dependent they remain on their 37-year-old superstar.
Paul Pierce says Steph Curry has every right to feel like he’s the best player of his era over LeBron James.
“Nobody is getting a unanimous MVP in the Jordan era.”
(🎥 @NFGShow ) pic.twitter.com/QUjOSNjrFo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 15, 2025
Curry’s scoring brilliance has masked a roster showing its age. Injuries and inconsistency have hit hard, and Jonathan Kuminga’s disappointing play hasn’t helped his value or the team. Still, at 13-14 with a brutal schedule behind them and Curry back in the lineup, there’s cautious optimism. If they can find some offensive rhythm and cut down on turnovers, the Warriors could stay relevant as a fringe playoff team.
16) Phoenix Suns
Last Week’s Ranking: 17
The Phoenix Suns have lost five of their last seven games in a tough part of their schedule, but hard-fought wins over the Lakers and Timberwolves kept them from a bigger slump.
Even without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Devin Booker has played at a high level, and first-year coach Jordan Ott has the team in the middle of the pack in both offense and defense. The biggest issue is ball movement, since the offense sometimes relies too much on isolation plays and getting to the free-throw line.
Even so, the Suns have been one of the league’s early surprises, thanks to their improved depth and players stepping up in their roles. Dillon Brooks, who came over in the Durant trade, has done more than expected as a strong defender and an unexpected scoring threat. With his energy and leadership alongside Booker’s steady play, the Suns look well-positioned to stay in the playoff race.
15) Miami Heat
Last Week’s Ranking: 15
The Miami Heat’s offensive rhythm has hit a wall, dropping four straight and five of six after a stretch where they scored 120-plus in 13 of 21 games. Their up-tempo, free-flowing attack has sputtered lately, partly because of inconsistent health and re-integrating Tyler Herro, who just returned from injury. Oddly, Miami’s scoring efficiency has dipped since Herro’s comeback.
Even so, the framework that fueled their hot start remains intact. When Bam Adebayo is initiating from the elbows and Miami’s shooters are cutting with purpose, the Heat can overwhelm opponents with pace and precision. They just need to rediscover that formula. With Herro easing back in, this looks more like a temporary lull than a regression.
14) Philadelphia 76ers
Last Week’s Ranking: 14
The Philadelphia 76ers are staying competitive, winning four of their last six, but the big story remains Joel Embiid’s decline. He’s averaging 20.5 points in 26 minutes while relying on jump shots, and defensively, he’s no longer the same force. Philadelphia has actually been better on that end when he sits. He’s shown flashes, but it’s clear that the dominant version of Embiid might not be around for extended stretches.
That reality has shifted the team’s identity toward its guards, and Tyrese Maxey has responded with a breakout season. Quentin Grimes and VJ Edgecombe have added reliable scoring, while Jared McCain is finding his groove again. The small-ball style gives Philadelphia more pace and shooting, but exposes its lack of size on defense, a weakness that shows up in matchups against strong frontcourts.
13) Atlanta Hawks
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
With Trae Young sidelined since late October, Jalen Johnson has stepped into the spotlight and looked like a budding star. His growth as a playmaker and rebounder has kept the Atlanta Hawks competitive. His emergence has even sparked talk that a Trae Young trade might not be unthinkable. The Hawks have dropped four of their last six but continue to hang tough.
Quin Snyder’s group has shifted its identity toward defense and versatility, built around long, athletic wings like Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and rookie Zaccharie Risacher. Interior play remains a concern because of its limited size. Atlanta often needs Onyeka Okongwu and Johnson to handle the rebounding load, but their effort and cohesion have masked the lack of a true rim protector.
If the young core keeps improving, the Hawks might finally have the foundation for a team that could contend soon.
12) Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t looked like last season’s 68-win juggernaut, though they still rank 10th in offensive efficiency. At 5-6 over their last 11 games, Cleveland’s rhythm has faded. Darius Garland’s shaky play has been a significant factor, as the offense becomes predictable without his shotmaking and tempo control. Injuries have also limited how often the Cavs’ core four is on the floor together.
When that group shares the floor, Cleveland still looks like a contender, dominating opponents on both ends. To climb back into elite territory, they need better transition offense, improved 3-point consistency, and a stretch of wins before the schedule toughens up around Christmas. There is too much talent here for the Cavs to drift toward mediocrity, but their margin for error is narrowing fast.
11) Toronto Raptors
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
The Toronto Raptors have crashed back to Earth, losing four straight and six of their last seven after a 14-5 start. Their once-efficient offense has gone cold, and the defense that carried them early has slipped toward the bottom of the league. Some of that decline is due to injuries. RJ Barrett’s absence has thinned the rotation, but the shooting variance that fueled their hot streak couldn’t last forever.
Still, there’s reason for optimism when Toronto’s core is intact. Scottie Barnes continues to emerge as a two-way star, leading the defense and showing All-NBA potential as his shooting touch (38% from three) rounds out. When Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Barrett all share the floor, their collective length and athleticism make the Raptors a matchup nightmare.
10) Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
The Boston Celtics have caught fire, winning 10 of their last 13 with a balanced attack and strong execution on both ends. Jaylen Brown has carried the scoring load with 30-plus points in seven of the past eight games, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have steadied the offense with efficient shooting and playmaking.
JB vs. Cade tonight 🍿 pic.twitter.com/STdkkUiOlt
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 15, 2025
Boston’s spacing-heavy approach, highlighted by 16 made threes per game (2nd in the NBA), has powered the No. 4 offense in the league, even in Jayson Tatum’s absence.
What makes this stretch even more impressive is how complete the team looks. The bench has stepped up, the turnover rate is the lowest in the league, and the defense continues to dictate style by forcing teams into contested jumpers instead of paint looks. Free-throw generation remains a glaring weakness, but Joe Mazzulla’s system and collective buy-in have turned that flaw into a minor detail.
9) Orlando Magic
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
The Orlando Magic caught a huge break when Franz Wagner’s injury turned out to be a high ankle sprain instead of something worse, though he’ll still miss multiple weeks. His absence puts the spotlight back on Paolo Banchero, who now has the chance to carry the team as Wagner did when roles were reversed recently.
Orlando has quietly gone 11-5 over its last 15 games, boasting a top-10 net rating and reaching the NBA Cup semifinals.
The challenge now is maintaining rhythm while re-integrating Banchero’s ball-dominant style. Without him, the Magic’s offense flowed more freely and featured better shot selection, so the coaching staff will need to find a balance that leans on his playmaking over isolation scoring. Orlando has been dominant at home but average on the road, suggesting consistency is the final step for this up-and-coming team.
8) Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ recent winning ways have showcased how dangerous their top-end talent can be when everything clicks. Anthony Edwards continues to deliver superstar performances. His fifth 40-point game of the season tied him with Luka Dončić for the league lead.
Julius Randle has rediscovered the All-Star form he showed in New York. Together, they’ve quietly become one of the NBA’s most productive duos, with Randle averaging 23.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a team-best 5.8 assists.
Defensively, Rudy Gobert remains the anchor, still a strong presence even if he is not the four-time Defensive Player of the Year version of himself. Minnesota’s success on that end fades when he is off the floor, something they need to address to make another deep playoff run.
7) San Antonio Spurs
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
Even without Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs have found their rhythm, winning 10 of their last 13 and handing the Thunder their second loss of the season in the NBA Cup semifinals. Wembanyama has returned, but his absence forced others to step up, and they have.
De’Aaron Fox is averaging 23.9 points and 6.2 assists, while Devin Vassell is hitting nearly 40% from three. Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper have provided steady production. When healthy, this group has the makings of a top-tier offense with depth across all positions.
The defensive drop-off without Wembanyama was noticeable, especially beyond the arc, where San Antonio ranks near the bottom in opponent 3-point percentage. His 8-foot wingspan changes everything, and they defend the perimeter better knowing he is behind them. With a healthy Wemby, the Spurs could be a real problem out West.
6) Detroit Pistons
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
The Detroit Pistons’ breakout season has been fueled by clutch play and defensive toughness. Seven of their last nine games have been decided by six points or fewer. They’ve gone 5-3 since their long winning streak ended. At 8-3 on the road, the best mark in the East, Detroit has proven it can win in any environment.
Cade Cunningham’s MVP-caliber year and Jalen Duren’s dominance in the paint have solidified them as one of the league’s most balanced young duos.
After 25 games, Detroit ranks second in defensive rating and ninth on offense, showing this isn’t just a fluke. The one concern is outside shooting, where they’re 17th in 3-point percentage and 28th in attempts. Every loss this season has come with an ice-cold night from deep. Still, with Cunningham’s poise and Duren’s emergence anchoring both ends, the Pistons have quickly gone from rebuilding to a legitimate factor in the East.
5) Los Angeles Lakers
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to show promise with a high ceiling but remain hindered by defensive inconsistency and poor perimeter shooting. They rank 24th in 3-pointers made and 28th in opponent 3-point percentage, allowing teams to connect at a 38% clip.
Despite those flaws, Los Angeles sits seventh in offensive rating. This shows how potent they can be when things click. Transition defense remains their biggest obstacle to sustained success.
LeBron James is in the late stages of his career but continues to produce when it matters, whether it’s posters or clutch passes like his recent game-winner to Rui Hachimura. The Lakers are 8-3 since his return, and Austin Reaves is thriving alongside him as a steady secondary scorer and creator. If Los Angeles can figure out its perimeter defense, the firepower is there to be in serious contention.
4) Houston Rockets
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
Resilience has defined the Houston Rockets’ season, as they lean on size, physicality, and relentless offensive rebounding to offset ball-handling issues. Their 13.6% turnover rate, which is higher than the league average, remains a glaring concern, especially without Fred VanVleet to steady the offense, but their collective effort has kept them in the contender mix.
Despite missing key rotation pieces like Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Rockets have maintained elite efficiency while playing at one of the league’s slowest tempos. Their combination of bruising on the glass and accurate 3-point shooting makes them a difficult matchup regardless of pace. If they clean up the turnovers, Houston has the talent and toughness to push even the Thunder out West.
3) New York Knicks
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
The New York Knicks haven’t played up to their potential for much of the season, mainly because Karl-Anthony Towns’ shot hadn’t fully come around. Still, they continued to stack wins, showcasing the strength and balance of the rest of the starting five. Now, Towns finally looks like he’s heating up. The Knicks have won five straight and nine of their last 10 games, including a double-digit victory over the Magic to advance to the NBA Cup Finals.
Defense will always be a question with a core led by Towns and Jalen Brunson, but the group has steadily improved as Josh Hart has rediscovered his form. More minutes for Mitchell Robinson should further ease the load on OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, who already handle much of the defensive responsibility on the wings. New York doesn’t need to be elite on that end, just solid enough to support its high-powered offense.
2) Denver Nuggets
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
The Denver Nuggets remain one of the NBA’s elite despite a wave of injuries that’s tested their depth and consistency. Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) are both sidelined until at least late December, and their absences have shown up most glaringly on the defensive end. Still, Nikola Jokić continues to average a 29-point triple-double, while Jamal Murray is producing a career-best 24.4 points per game.
Denver is a puzzle, setting a franchise record with 11 straight road wins but also dropping multiple games against sub-.500 teams. The inconsistency may reflect their shorthanded roster, but it also reminds us that the Nuggets cannot run on cruise control. Once fully healthy, their league-best offensive rating and championship DNA should re-establish them as a clear contender.
1) Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
The Oklahoma City Thunder were on a 16-game winning streak before falling to the Spurs in the NBA Cup semis. However, they’re still 24-2, making everyone wonder if the 2015-16 Warriors’ 73-9 record is in danger. The Thunder have outscored opponents by 435 points through their first 26 games and look even better with Jalen Williams back after going 18-1 without him. They have yet to be fully healthy and still dominate every night, which is a scary thought for the rest of the league.
Sitting at 24-2, the OKC Thunder remain massive favorites to win the NBA Finals on Kalshi:
48% — Thunder
11% — Nuggets
9% — Rockets
8% — Knicks
7% — Lakers
7% — Spurs
5% — Pistons pic.twitter.com/GIXJ8tT55y— Kalshi Sports (@KalshiSports) December 15, 2025
Oklahoma City’s consistency makes this run sustainable. No matter who is available, every player comes in focused, defending, executing, and maintaining effort on both ends. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an MVP level, OKC looks like the league’s most complete team and a real threat to repeat as champions.
